Sep 1, 1939

Germany invaded Poland 75 years ago today and set events in motion to touch off Second World War. Hitler had been planning his attack since March - ever since German troops occupied the remainder of Czechoslovakia. Britain and France had sworn to defend Poland. Honoring these obligations, the two countries sent ultimatums to Hitler demanding his withdrawal from Poland. Hitler declined to respond. On September 3, Prime Minister Chamberlain went to the airwaves to announce to the British people that a state of war existed between their country and Germany. World War II had begun.

German Soldiers Dismantle a Polish Border Barrier
(September 1, 1939)