Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin

Chapter 4 explores the period of World War II, focusing on the German and Soviet terror campaigns against Poland. It begins with the German bombing of Wieluń, Poland, on September 1, 1939, marking the start of a brutal campaign aimed at terrorizing the civilian population through deliberate bombing, including the destruction of non-military targets like hospitals and churches. This chapter details the systematic bombings, the siege of Warsaw, and the massive civilian casualties, highlighting the German strategy of using fear and violence to subjugate Poland.

As the narrative unfolds, it exposes the dual betrayal of Poland, not only by Nazi Germany but also by the Soviet Union, following the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. The pact effectively divided Eastern Europe between the two powers, leading to the Soviet invasion of Poland from the east, further compounding the nation’s tragedy. The chapter elaborates on the Soviet’s deceptive tactics, promising aid but instead delivering further occupation and repression, exemplified by the fate of Polish officers and intellectuals, many of whom were executed or imprisoned in labor camps.

This period marks a dark chapter in European history, illustrating the catastrophic consequences of totalitarian ambitions on a nation’s fabric.