Date

6-16-2025

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree

Master of Arts in History - Thesis (MA)

Chair

Martin Scott Catino

Keywords

Poland, World War II, Sikorski, Stalin, Communism, International Politics, Roosevelt, Churchill, Polish Underground

Disciplines

History

Abstract

World War II created a significant change in Polish History. The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact rendered Poland torn into two sections. Hitler occupied the western side, while Stalin overran the eastern side. The two dictators split Poland in September 1939. It was the only country singled out for such a destiny. In response, the Poles created the Polish Underground. This government utilized asymmetrical warfare to fight against the Nazi occupation and assist the West. The Poles assisted continuously throughout 1939 to 1945, but their fight for independence resulted in the partitioning of Poland and the beginning of Joseph Stalin’s communization of Europe. Although they were allies, disunity reigned as Great Britain, France, and the United States acted in political self-interest.

How did the interplay of the Polish Underground, United States, Great Britain, and France influence outcomes in World War II Poland? This study seeks to address the Polish Underground’s structure and contributions, while focusing on political events and decisions that led to Poland’s communization. From 1939 to 1945, the Soviets ensured with their political maneuvers that communism would quickly overrun several countries creating post-war Soviet Satellite States, including: Poland, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania. This is why Poland’s perspective of World War II events deserves examination. Although the United States’ and Great Britain’s perception of Stalin was tempered by both skepticism and optimism, their actions yielded Poland into Stalin’s iron fist without Polish consent.

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