What was the primary outcome for Polish territories following the invasion of Poland at the start of World War II?

Following the invasion of Poland, nearly a quarter of the Second Polish Republic's territory was annexed by Nazi Germany and placed under direct German civil administration. The remaining occupied Polish territory was designated as the General Government district.

How did the annexation of Polish territories by Nazi Germany relate to the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact?

The annexation was part of a "fourth partition of Poland" that had been outlined months before the invasion in the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which was an agreement between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.

Which existing German administrative divisions (Gaue) incorporated parts of the annexed Polish territories?

Parts of the annexed Polish territories were incorporated into the existing German Gaue of East Prussia and Silesia (which later became Upper Silesia).

What new administrative units did Nazi Germany create from the annexed Polish territories?

Nazi Germany created new administrative units called Reichsgaue, specifically Reichsgau Danzig-West Prussia and Reichsgau Wartheland, from the annexed Polish territories.

What was the official German term for these annexed Eastern territories?

The official term used by Nazi authorities for these annexed areas was 'incorporated Eastern territories' (German: Eingegliederte Ostgebiete).

What were Nazi Germany's long-term plans for the annexed territories?

Nazi Germany planned for the complete Germanization of the annexed territories, viewing them as part of their 'lebensraum' (living space). This involved the enslavement, extermination, and eventual replacement of the local Polish population with German settlers.

How were the Jewish and Polish populations treated in the annexed territories?

The local Jewish population was forced into ghettos and systematically deported to concentration and extermination camps. The Polish population was targeted for enslavement, extermination, and expulsion, with the Polish elite specifically subjected to mass murder. An estimated 780,000 Poles were expelled or subjected to forced labor.

Did the annexation of Polish territories by Nazi Germany comply with international law?

No, the annexation violated international law, particularly the Hague Convention of 1907. Nazi officials attempted to circumvent this by declaring the war against Poland over before the annexation, arguing it made the convention inapplicable.

When did Adolf Hitler reveal his intentions to annex western Poland, and what was the context?

Adolf Hitler revealed his intentions to annex western Poland into an envisioned Greater Germany as early as the fall of 1933. This was part of his broader territorial ambitions.

What was the approximate area and population of the Polish territories annexed by Nazi Germany in October 1939?

In October 1939, Nazi Germany annexed approximately 92,500 square kilometers (35,700 sq mi) of Polish territory, which constituted 23.7% of pre-war Poland. This area was inhabited by about 10 million people, representing 30% of the pre-war Polish population.

How was the occupied territory of Poland divided after the invasion, according to the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact?

Following the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, the occupied territory of Poland was divided such that the Soviet Union annexed about 201,000 km² (51.6% of pre-war Poland), and the remaining area became the German-controlled General Government occupation zone (95,500 km² or 24.5% of pre-war Poland). A small portion was also annexed by Slovakia.

What was the administrative structure of Nazi Germany that influenced the organization of annexed territories?

Since 1935, Nazi Germany had been divided into provinces called 'Gaue'. These Gaue replaced the former German states and Prussian provinces. The annexed Polish territories were either attached to existing Gaue or formed into new Reichsgaue.

What were the specific names of the new Reichsgaue created from annexed Polish territories, and what areas did they encompass?

Two new Reichsgaue were created: Reichsgau Posen (later renamed Reichsgau Wartheland) in Greater Poland, and Reichsgau West Prussia (later renamed Reichsgau Danzig-West Prussia) in Pomerelia. These were formed from annexed Polish lands, with Wartheland being composed solely of annexed territory, while Danzig-West Prussia also included former German areas and the Free City of Danzig.

What was the significance of the renaming of Reichsgau Posen and Reichsgau West Prussia?

Reichsgau Posen was renamed Reichsgau Wartheland (or Warthegau) on January 29, 1940, and Reichsgau West Prussia was renamed Reichsgau Danzig-West Prussia. These changes reflected the Nazi administration's integration of these territories.

How was the Bialystok district treated after Operation Barbarossa in June 1941?

Following the German attack on the Soviet Union in June 1941, the Bialystok district was attached to East Prussia, although it was not formally incorporated. Other Polish territories previously annexed by the Soviet Union were incorporated into Reichskommissariat Ostland, Reichskommissariat Ukraine, or the General Government's Distrikt Galizien.

What were some of the proposed future administrative divisions for the occupied Polish territories beyond the initial annexations?

Nazi officials discussed proposals such as transforming the General Government into a 'Vandalengau' or 'Reichsgau Beskidenland'. Martin Bormann also proposed dividing the General Government into 3-5 Reichsgaue or Reichsobergaue.

Which Polish voivodeships and counties were incorporated into Reichsgau Wartheland?

Reichsgau Wartheland incorporated most of Poznań Voivodeship, most of Łódź Voivodeship, five counties from Pomeranian Voivodeship, and one county from Warsaw Voivodeship. It also included the government regions of Posen, Hohensalza, and Litzmannstadt (formerly Łódź).

Which Polish administrative units were incorporated into Reichsgau Danzig-West Prussia?

Reichsgau Danzig-West Prussia incorporated most of the Greater Pomeranian Voivodeship and parts of the Free City of Danzig. It included the government regions of Bromberg, Danzig, and Marienwerder.

How were parts of Warsaw Voivodeship and Pomeranian Voivodeship incorporated into East Prussia?

Parts of Warsaw Voivodeship, including counties like Ciechanów, Działdowo, Maków, Mława, Płock, Płońsk, Przasnysz, and Sierpc, along with portions of Łomża, Ostrołęka, Pułtusk, Sochaczew, and Warsaw, were incorporated into the Regierungsbezirk Zichenau, which was part of East Prussia. Similarly, parts of Pomeranian Voivodeship were attached to Regierungsbezirk Gumbinnen in East Prussia.

What demographic data is available for the annexed territories in 1939?

Before the annexation, the territories held approximately 10.5 million people. Nazi German estimates from November 1939 indicated a total population of around 16.7 million across the four relevant provinces (East Prussia, Danzig-West Prussia, Wartheland, Silesia), with about 49% being Germans and 47% being Poles. The annexed parts alone contained about 9 million people, with a higher percentage of Poles.

What was the role of Heinrich Himmler in the Nazi Germanization plans for the annexed territories?

Heinrich Himmler was appointed as Hitler's settlement commissioner in October 1939, with the title 'Reich's commissioner for strengthening Germandom' (RKF). His office, along with SS departments like VOMI and RuSHA, planned and executed the resettlement and extermination processes in the annexed territories.

What were the initial expulsion orders issued by Himmler in October 1939 regarding the annexed territories?

Himmler ordered the immediate expulsion of all Jews from the annexed territories, all 'Congress Poles' from Reichsgau Danzig-West Prussia, and all 'Reich's enemies' (defined as Poles with higher education, those involved in patriotic organizations, or generally manifesting Polish patriotism) from Warthegau, South East Prussia, and East Upper Silesia. These expelled individuals were to be deported to the General Government.

What were the practical challenges faced by Nazi Germany in implementing its Germanization plans?

In practice, the planned population shifts did not occur to the extent envisioned. There was a lack of settlers from the 'Altreich' (pre-war Germany), leading to a greater reliance on ethnic Germans from Eastern Europe. Plans for settlers from Germany itself were postponed until after the war.

What was the 'Generalplan Ost' and its implications for Slavic populations?

The 'Generalplan Ost' was a Nazi plan that envisioned the elimination of all Jews and, in the long run, the deportation of 31 million (later revised to 51 million) Slavs to Siberia. This was part of a larger plan for German settlement in Eastern Europe.

What actions constituted the 'removal' of Poles according to Nazi plans?

The 'removal' of Poles involved ethnic cleansing, mass executions, organized famine, and the eradication of Polish national groups by scattering them into isolated labor pockets.

How many ethnic Germans were settled in Poland as part of the colonization efforts?

Estimates vary, but sources suggest between 404,612 and 631,500 ethnic Germans were settled in the annexed territories. Anna Bramwell cites 591,000, with specific numbers coming from Bessarabia, Dobruja, Bukovina, Volhynia, Galicia, the Baltic states, eastern Poland, Sudetenland, and Slovenia. Additionally, around 400,000 German officials and clerks were sent for administration.

What criteria were used for settling Germans in the annexed territories?

Only Germans deemed 'racially valuable' were allowed to settle. They underwent a 'racial evaluation' process (Durchschleusung) by SS departments, categorizing them from RuS I (most valuable) to RuS IV (not valuable). Those in categories I-III could settle, with RuS III settlers initially assigned smaller farms.

What measures were implemented to segregate Germans and Poles in the annexed territories?

Segregation was enforced through various measures, including forbidding friendly contacts between Germans and Poles, restricting Poles' access to public facilities like cinemas, theaters, hotels, and public transport, and imposing strict social rules. Signs like 'No entrance for Poles!' were common.

How were Poles viewed by Nazi ideology and policy in the annexed territories?

Poles were classified as 'untermenschen' (subhumans) by Nazi racial ideology, contrasting with Germans as 'herrenvolk' (master race). This classification dictated their treatment, with goals including biological eradication, expulsion, forced labor, and reduction to obedient, low-skilled workers.

What forms of economic discrimination did Poles face in the annexed territories?

Poles faced widespread economic discrimination, including the confiscation of Polish-owned buildings and enterprises, higher taxes, obligatory contributions, and restrictions on owning businesses. Polish workers received the lowest possible pay, were denied holidays and leave, and had overtime pay abolished, while Germans received significantly higher compensation.

How did the forced labor requirements for Poles differ in the annexed territories compared to the General Government?

In the annexed territories, Poles were subject to forced labor from a younger age (as young as 7-8 in rural areas and 9 in general) compared to the 14-65 age range in the General Government. The duty to perform slave labor was also extended to age 70 for men.

What measures were taken by the Nazis to reduce the biological growth of the Polish population?

Measures included a partial ban on marriage for younger Poles, separation of married couples for forced labor, reduced calorie intake and heating supplies for Poles, and proposals for mass sterilization, labor battalions, and relocation. Infant mortality also soared due to neglect resulting from parents' forced labor.

How was the Polish language discriminated against in the annexed territories?

The use of the Polish language was banned in institutions and offices, and in certain public places like public transport. Poles were legally required to use German in all contacts with officials, with penalties including imprisonment. This made essential tasks like paying taxes difficult for those who did not know German.

What was the policy regarding Polish education in the annexed territories?

Education standards for Poles were significantly lowered to prepare them for a life of servitude. Polish schools and cultural institutions were closed, and teaching of history, literature, and geography was prohibited. Only rudimentary education up to a four-grade level was permitted, focusing on basic counting, writing names, and obedience to Germans.

How did the Nazi regime target the Catholic Church in the annexed territories?

The Nazi regime targeted the Catholic Church by closing Polish churches, confiscating or destroying religious items and art, arresting or murdering Polish priests, and attempting to replace them with German clergy. Synagogues and Jewish cemeteries also faced similar destruction or expropriation.

What was the nature of the judicial system concerning Poles in the annexed territories?

The judicial system was heavily biased against Poles. Proceedings against them were shortened, they lacked legal protection, and public beatings were permitted as long as they did not affect a Pole's productivity. Special courts were established with the right to pass death sentences quickly, often based on racial criteria.

What happened to Polish children in the annexed territories under Nazi rule?

Polish children were kidnapped for Germanization, forced labor, and medical experiments. Their healthcare was deliberately lowered, leading to increased deaths. They were also forbidden from using playgrounds designated for German children.

How did the German minority (Volksdeutsche) fare in the annexed territories?

The German minority received privileges and economic benefits at the expense of Poles, ensuring their loyalty. They were given executive positions previously held by Poles and Jews, and had the right to enter Polish homes freely. Many Volksdeutsche actively participated in Nazi policies, including expulsions and murders.

What was the 'Volksliste' and its purpose?

The 'Volksliste' was a classification system used by the Nazis to categorize individuals deemed of German blood into different groups based on their pre-war affiliations and perceived loyalty. This classification determined their rights and treatment, with resistance leading to deportation or concentration camp internment.

What was the fate of the annexed territories after World War II?

After World War II, the annexed territories were not recognized as German by the Allies and became part of the People's Republic of Poland. The German population residing in these areas either fled or was expelled to post-war Germany.

What was the 'Heim ins Reich' action?

The 'Heim ins Reich' (Home into the Reich) action was a resettlement program where ethnic Germans, primarily from Eastern Europe, were moved into homes vacated by expelled Poles in the annexed territories. This was a key part of the Nazi colonization strategy.

What was the 'Durchschleusung' process?

The 'Durchschleusung' was a process of 'racial evaluation' conducted by Nazi authorities, particularly the SS, to classify ethnic Germans resettling in annexed territories. Individuals were categorized based on their perceived racial value, influencing their eligibility for settlement and their treatment.

What was the stated goal of the Nazi regime regarding the Polish intelligentsia?

The extermination of the Polish intelligentsia, including teachers and scientists, was part of a specific Nazi plan known as 'Intelligenzaktion'. This aimed to eliminate Polish leadership and prevent future resistance.

How did the Nazi occupation affect the birth rate and survival rates of Polish children?

The harsh conditions imposed by the Nazi occupation, including forced labor separating families and reduced food supplies, led to a decline in the Polish birth rate and increased infant mortality. In contrast, the birth rate among Germans in the annexed territories generally rose during the war.

What was the significance of the Gestapo-NKVD conferences?

The Gestapo-NKVD conferences, held between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, involved discussions on how to manage occupied territories and suppress resistance, particularly concerning Polish populations, following their joint invasion of Poland.

What was the 'Sonderaktion 1005'?

Sonderaktion 1005 was a secret Nazi operation aimed at erasing evidence of mass murder, particularly by destroying the remains of victims of the Einsatzgruppen and dismantling mass graves in the occupied territories.

How did the Nazi regime attempt to suppress Polish culture and identity?

The Nazis suppressed Polish culture by banning the Polish language in public spaces and official communications, closing Polish schools and cultural institutions, prohibiting Polish books and music, and destroying Polish libraries. They aimed to eradicate Polish national identity and assimilate the population into the German Reich.

What was the 'Kulturkampf' in relation to the Catholic Church in Poland?

The 'Kulturkampf' refers to the historical conflict between the German state and the Catholic Church, particularly during the 19th century in Prussia. In the annexed Polish territories, the Nazis targeted the Catholic Church, which had served as a bastion of Polish identity, to further their Germanization policies.

What role did Carl Maria Splett, the Bishop of Danzig, play in Nazi policies?

Bishop Carl Maria Splett, despite being a member of the Polish conference of bishops before 1939, maintained close relations with Nazi official Albert Forster. He pursued plans to replace Polish clergy with German ones, banned the use of Polish in churches, and praised Forster's work for Germany.

What was the fate of Catholic Polish priests in the annexed territories?

Catholic Polish priests faced severe repression. Many were arrested and sent to concentration camps or prisons, murdered in executions, or expelled. In regions like Warthegau, a significant majority of priests were removed from their functions, and churches were closed or repurposed.

How did the Nazi regime attempt to control the birth rate and family life of the Polish population?

The Nazis implemented measures to control Polish family life and reproduction, including raising the legal age for marriage, separating married couples for forced labor, and allowing abortions for 'OST-Arbeiter' women. They also considered proposals for mass sterilization and relocation to disrupt Polish communities.

Polish Areas Annexed By Nazi Germany Wiki: Territorial Annexations: Nazi Germany's Imposition on Poland

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Overview

Annexation Context

Following the invasion of Poland in September 1939, Nazi Germany annexed a significant portion of the Second Polish Republic's territory. These areas were directly incorporated into the German civil administration, distinct from the occupied territories designated as the General Government. This annexation represented a "fourth partition of Poland," a plan largely outlined in the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact months prior.

Administrative Division

The annexed territories were reorganized into new administrative units, primarily the Reichsgaue of Danzig-West Prussia and Wartheland. Other regions were integrated into existing German Gaue, such as East Prussia and Silesia. This restructuring was part of a broader strategy for the territorial expansion and Germanization of Eastern Europe.

Strategic Objectives

The Nazi regime's objectives extended beyond territorial acquisition; they included the systematic Germanization of the annexed lands, the expulsion or extermination of the indigenous Polish and Jewish populations, and the establishment of German settlers. These policies were rooted in the concept of Lebensraum (living space) and racial ideology.

Historical Background

Hitler's Intentions

Adolf Hitler articulated his intentions to annex western Polish territories into an expanded Greater Germany as early as 1933. By October 1939, following the invasion, Nazi Germany formally annexed approximately 92,500 square kilometers, constituting about 23.7% of pre-war Poland's territory, with a population nearing 10 million people (roughly 30% of Poland's pre-war population).

Legal Pretexts and International Law

The annexation violated international law, specifically the Hague Convention of 1907. German officials attempted to circumvent these legal constraints by declaring the war over prior to the annexation, thereby asserting the convention's inapplicability. This legal maneuver underscored the regime's disregard for established international norms.

Territorial Reorganization

The annexed lands were integrated into the German administrative structure. Some areas were attached to existing Gaue like East Prussia and Silesia. Crucially, new Reichsgaue were established: Reichsgau Danzig-West Prussia (formed from Pomerelia and the Free City of Danzig) and Reichsgau Wartheland (formed from Greater Poland). Wartheland was unique as it comprised solely annexed territory.

Administrative Divisions

New Administrative Units

The annexed territories were reorganized into new German administrative units, primarily Reichsgaue and expanded Gaue. These divisions were based on pre-war Polish administrative structures but were reconfigured to serve Nazi objectives.

The following table details the new Nazi German administrative units and their corresponding old Polish administrative units:

New Nazi German Administrative Units		Old Polish Administrative Units
Reichsgau/Gau (province)	Regierungsbezirk (government region)	Polish Voivodeship/(province)	Counties
Reichsgau Wartheland (Warthegau) initially Reichsgau Posen	Regierungsbezirk Posen Reg.Bez. Hohensalza Reg.Bez. Litzmannstadt ⁵	Poznań Voiv.	all counties
		Łódź Voiv.	most counties
		Pomeranian Voiv.	five counties
		Warsaw Voiv.	one county
Reichsgau Danzig-West Prussia ¹ (Danzig-Westpreußen) initially Reichsgau West Prussia	Reg.Bez. Bromberg Reg.Bez. Danzig ¹ Reg.Bez. Marienwerder ¹	Greater Pomeranian Voiv.	most counties
	Reg.Bez. Bromberg Reg.Bez. Danzig ¹ Reg.Bez. Marienwerder ¹	Free City of Danzig
East Prussia ¹ (Ostpreußen) southernmost part ²	Reg.Bez. Zichenau Reg.Bez. Gumbinnen ¹	Warsaw Voiv.	Ciechanów, Działdowo, Maków, Mława, Płock, Płońsk, Przasnysz, Sierpc; parts of Łomża, Ostrołęka, Pułtusk, Sochaczew, Warsaw
	Reg.Bez. Zichenau Reg.Bez. Gumbinnen ¹	Białystok Voiv.	Suwałki and part of Augustów
	Bezirk Białystok (attached in 1941) ⁶	Białystok Voiv.	Białystok, Bielsk Podlaski, Grajewo, Łomża, Sokółka, Volkovysk, Grodno
(Upper) Silesia ^1;3 (Oberschlesien) easternmost part ⁴	Regierungsbezirk Kattowitz Reg.Bez. Oppeln ¹	Silesian Voiv.
		Kielce Voiv.	Będzin, Olkusz, Sosnowiec, Zawiercie
		Kraków Voiv.	Chrzanów, Oświęcim, Żywiec ²⁶

¹ Gau or Regierungsbezirk only partially comprised annexed territory
² the annexed parts are also referred to as "South East Prussia" (German: Südostpreußen)
³ Gau Upper Silesia was created in 1941, before it was part of Gau Silesia
⁴ the annexed parts are also referred to as "East Upper Silesia" (German: Ostoberschlesien)
⁵ named after the chief city, Polish: Łódź. This area was joined into the Warthegau on 9 November 1939; on 12 April 1940 Łódź's name was rendered Litzmannstadt, thus the Regierungsbezirk's name was changed accordingly.^[27]
⁶ not incorporated into, but administered by Gau East Prussia, attached after the Nazi German invasion of the Soviet Union, 1941

Demographics

Population Statistics

Prior to the German invasion and annexation, the territories held approximately 10.5 million inhabitants, representing about 30% of pre-war Poland's population. Demographic data, particularly for border regions, is subject to estimation due to wartime population movements, flights, and the lack of precise contemporary records.

Population Density and Ethnic Composition

The annexed territories exhibited varying population densities, with some regions, like Upper Silesia, being significantly more densely populated. The ethnic composition was predominantly Polish, with substantial Jewish minorities and smaller German populations, though Nazi census data often manipulated these figures to support Germanization policies.

Area and population data in 1939 for Nazi German Gaue including annexed territories of Poland:

Area and population data in 1939 for Nazi German Gaue that included annexed territories of Poland ¹
Gau/Reichsgau	East Prussia		Reichsgau Danzig / West Prussia		Reichsgau Wartheland		Province of Silesia		Total of the four provinces		Only annexed parts of these provinces
Area (km²)	52,099 km²		25,705 km²		40,309 km²		46,908 km²		165,021 km²		86,295 km²
Total population	3,113,000		2,156,000		4,203,000		7,258,000		16,729,000		9,082,000
Persons per km²	61 per km²		84 per km²		104 per km²		155 per km²		101 per km²		105 per km²
Ethnicity	Total	%	Total	%	Total	%	Total	%	Total	%	Total	%
Germans	2,004,768	71%	817,474	38%	309,002	7%	3,813,930	66%	8,145,174	49%	597,784	7%
Jews	79,198	3%	23,302	1%	322,947	8%	123,202	2%	548,649	3%	494,913	5%
Poles	810,834	26%	1,310,099	61%	3,558,489	85%	2,184,329	30%	7,863,751	47%	7,817,377	86%
Other	17,773	?%	4,666	?%	11,984	?%	136,578	?%	171,001	?%	171,001	?%
¹ Estimates according to Nazi German Bureau for Racial Policies, 25 November 1939.^[29]^{[unreliable source?]}

Germanization Plans

Lebensraum and Generalplan Ost

Nazi ideology envisioned the complete Germanization of the annexed territories, viewing them as integral to Germany's Lebensraum (living space). Plans like the Generalplan Ost detailed the long-term strategy for ethnic restructuring, including the elimination of Jewish populations and the deportation or extermination of millions of Slavs to facilitate German settlement.

Himmler's Role

Heinrich Himmler was appointed Reich's Commissioner for the Strengthening of Germandom (RKF). His office, along with SS departments, was responsible for orchestrating the wartime resettlement and extermination processes. Initial directives ordered the expulsion of Jews and "Congress Poles" from certain areas, with subsequent plans aiming for the displacement of millions of Poles.

Resettlement and Colonization

The colonization efforts involved settling ethnic Germans, primarily from Eastern Europe and the Baltic states, into homes vacated by expelled Poles. These settlers were subjected to racial evaluations to determine their suitability for resettlement, reflecting the Nazi regime's meticulous, albeit genocidal, approach to population engineering.

Repression and Genocide

Mass Murder and Expulsion

The Polish and Jewish populations faced systematic mass murder and forced expulsions. The establishment of concentration and extermination camps, including Auschwitz, Chelmno, and Soldau within the annexed territories, facilitated the systematic annihilation of targeted groups. An estimated 780,000 Poles were expelled, with many deported to the General Government or forced into labor camps.

Ethnic Segregation

Strict segregation between Germans and the remaining Polish and Jewish populations was enforced through numerous measures. Poles and Jews were classified as untermenschen (subhumans), leading to their exclusion from public spaces, services, and cultural activities. Signs explicitly forbidding "Entrance for Poles!" were common, symbolizing the pervasive racial discrimination.

Legal and Social Discrimination

Poles faced severe legal and social discrimination. They were subjected to harsher laws, higher taxes, and restricted access to education and professions. The Nazi regime aimed to reduce the Polish population's biological growth through measures like delayed marriage ages and restricted access to healthcare, while simultaneously promoting German settlement and reproduction.

Economic Discrimination

Confiscation and Exploitation

Polish-owned properties, businesses, and assets were systematically confiscated without compensation. Poles were forbidden from owning rural or industrial enterprises, workshops, or transport firms. All executive positions were transferred to Germans, reinforcing economic subjugation.

Labor and Taxation Policies

Poles were subjected to significantly higher taxes and obligatory contributions. Their labor rights were severely curtailed; they were denied holidays and paid overtime at a fraction of the rate given to Germans. The overall economic policy aimed to reduce Poles to a state of low-skilled, subservient labor for the German Reich.

Forced Labour

Expanded Scope of Labour Duty

Unlike the General Government, where forced labor applied to Poles aged 14-65, in the annexed territories, children were compelled to work from as young as 7-8 years old, and men up to the age of 70. This expanded scope reflected the intensified exploitation of Polish labor resources.

Labour Infrastructure

A network of German-controlled labor bureaus and police units was established to coordinate the systematic gathering and deployment of Polish forced laborers. These individuals were essential to the German war economy, contributing to production and infrastructure development under brutal conditions.

Impact on Families

The demands of forced labor often separated families. Parents working long hours were unable to care for their children, leading to neglect, increased infant mortality, and the placement of children in institutions where survival rates were critically low. This policy deliberately undermined Polish family structures.

Cultural Suppression

Educational Degradation

Educational standards for Poles were deliberately lowered to prevent intellectual development and prepare them for subservient roles. Polish schools, universities, and cultural institutions were closed. Teaching of history, literature, and geography was prohibited, with the aim of eradicating Polish national identity.

Language and Media Restrictions

The use of the Polish language was banned in official institutions and public spaces, including public transport. Poles were legally obligated to use German in interactions with officials, with translators often controlled by German authorities. Polish books were confiscated and destroyed, and access to radio receivers was forbidden.

Artistic and Intellectual Persecution

Poles were prohibited from engaging in artistic and cultural activities, including music and publishing. Polish libraries were closed, and their collections often destroyed. The systematic persecution of Polish intellectuals and educators was a key component of the Nazi plan to eliminate the Polish elite.

Religious Discrimination

Persecution of the Catholic Church

The Nazi regime targeted the Catholic Church in Poland as a bastion of Polish identity and resistance. Churches were closed, looted, and often repurposed as warehouses or stables. Catholic Polish clergy faced arrest, imprisonment in concentration camps, and execution. The goal was to dismantle the Polish church structure and replace it with German clergy.

Germanization of Clergy and Services

In some annexed regions, German officials, like Bishop Carl Maria Splett, actively promoted the replacement of Polish clergy with German ones and mandated the use of German in religious services. This policy aimed to align religious life with Nazi racial and nationalistic objectives, often leading to conflict with the Vatican.

Destruction of Religious Heritage

Religious monuments, symbols, and cultural artifacts were systematically destroyed or confiscated. Monasteries were closed, their collections of art and books stolen or ruined. The suppression of religious life was integral to the broader campaign of cultural annihilation against the Polish population.

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References

Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "German Occupation of Poland" (Washington, D.C.: Dale Street Books, 2014), pp. 12â16.

Richard C. Lukas, Did the Children Cry? Hitler's War against Jewish and Polish Children, 1939â1945. Hippocrene Books, New York, 2001.

Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "German Occupation of Poland" (Washington, D.C.: Dale Street Books, 2014), pp. 16â45.

Hague IV SECTION III MILITARY AUTHORITY OVER THE TERRITORY OF THE HOSTILE STATE (Art. 42. and later)

CzesÅaw Madajczyk. Polityka III Rzeszy w okupowanej Polsce, pp. 19â73, volume 1, PaÅstwowe Wydawnictwo Naukowe, Warsaw, 1970.

Rich, Norman (1974). Hitler's War Aims: The Establishment of the New Order. W.W. Norton & Company, p. 89.

Ryszard Kaczmarek GÃ³rnoÅlÄzacy i gÃ³rnoÅlÄscy gauleiterzy Biuletyn IPN NR 6â7 (41â42) 2004 page 46

CzesÅaw Madajczyk. Polityka III Rzeszy w okupowanej Polsce, pp. 234â286, volume 1, PaÅstwowe Wydawnictwo Naukowe, Warsaw, 1970.

Heinemann (2013), p. 229, For the data of East Upper Silesia, Heinemann in a footnote refers to the book "Musterstadt" for problems with the data compiled in 1939.

Heinemann (2013), p. 195, Himmler: Ich mÃ¶chte hier eine blonde Provinz schaffen.

"Germany and Eastern Europe: Cultural Identities and Cultural Differences" by Keith Bullivant, Geoffrey J. Giles, Walter Pape, Rodopi 1999 page 32

Walter S. Zapotoczny, "Rulers of the World: The Hitler Youth"

Wysiedlenia, wypÄdzenia i ucieczki 1939â1959: atlas ziem Polski: Polacy, Å»ydzi, Niemcy, UkraiÅcy. Warsaw: Demart 2008

William J. Duiker, Jackson J. Spielvogel, World History, 1997: By 1942, two million ethnic Germans had been settled in Poland. page 794

Å»ycie codzienne w okupowanej Wielkopolsce Marta Szczesiak OBEP IPN PoznaÅ GÅos Wielkopolski 2007

"HITLER'S PLANS FOR EASTERN EUROPE"

CzesÅaw Madajczyk. Polityka III Rzeszy w okupowanej Polsce, pages 177â212, volume 2, PaÅstwowe Wydawnictwo Naukowe, Warsaw, 1970.

CzesÅaw Madajczyk. Polityka III Rzeszy w okupowanej Polsce, pages 235â259, volume 2, PaÅstwowe Wydawnictwo Naukowe, Warsaw, 1970.

CzesÅaw Madajczyk. Polityka III Rzeszy w okupowanej Polsce, pages 485â506, volume 1, PaÅstwowe Wydawnictwo Naukowe, Warsaw, 1970.

"Biologists under Hitler" Ute Deichmann, Thomas Dunlap Harvard University Press, 1999

"The German dictatorship: the origins, structure, and effects of national socialism" page 272 Karl Dietrich Bracher, Jean Steinberg â 1970 Praeger Publishers, 1970

A full list of references for this article are available at the Polish areas annexed by Nazi Germany Wikipedia page

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Academic and Ethical Considerations

This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon historical data sourced from Wikipedia. The content is presented for academic and educational purposes, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the historical events concerning the annexation of Polish territories by Nazi Germany.

Historical Sensitivity Advisory: The subject matter involves severe historical atrocities, including ethnic cleansing, genocide, and systematic persecution. The information presented is based on factual accounts but should be approached with sensitivity and an understanding of the profound human suffering involved.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations or actions taken based on the information provided herein. It is crucial to consult primary sources and scholarly analyses for a deeper understanding of this complex historical period.

Territorial Annexations: Nazi Germany's Imposition on Poland

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview 🌍

📜 Annexation Context

⚖️ Administrative Division

🎯 Strategic Objectives

Historical Background 📜

🗣️ Hitler's Intentions

⚖️ Legal Pretexts and International Law

🗺️ Territorial Reorganization

Administrative Divisions 🏛️

🗂️ New Administrative Units

Demographics 👥

📊 Population Statistics

📈 Population Density and Ethnic Composition

Germanization Plans 🎯

📜 Lebensraum and Generalplan Ost

👤 Himmler's Role

🏡 Resettlement and Colonization

Repression and Genocide ⛓️

💀 Mass Murder and Expulsion

↔️ Ethnic Segregation

⚖️ Legal and Social Discrimination

Economic Discrimination 💰

💸 Confiscation and Exploitation

📈 Labor and Taxation Policies

Forced Labour ⚙️

⛓️ Expanded Scope of Labour Duty

🏭 Labour Infrastructure

👶 Impact on Families

Cultural Suppression 🎭

📚 Educational Degradation

🗣️ Language and Media Restrictions

🎶 Artistic and Intellectual Persecution

Religious Discrimination 🙏

⛪ Persecution of the Catholic Church

🗣️ Germanization of Clergy and Services

🔥 Destruction of Religious Heritage

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Academic and Ethical Considerations

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Annexation Context

Administrative Division

Strategic Objectives

Historical Background

Hitler's Intentions

Legal Pretexts and International Law

Territorial Reorganization

Administrative Divisions

New Administrative Units

Demographics

Population Statistics

Population Density and Ethnic Composition

Germanization Plans

Lebensraum and Generalplan Ost

Himmler's Role

Resettlement and Colonization

Repression and Genocide

Mass Murder and Expulsion

Ethnic Segregation

Legal and Social Discrimination

Economic Discrimination

Confiscation and Exploitation

Labor and Taxation Policies

Forced Labour

Expanded Scope of Labour Duty

Labour Infrastructure

Impact on Families

Cultural Suppression

Educational Degradation

Language and Media Restrictions

Artistic and Intellectual Persecution

Religious Discrimination

Persecution of the Catholic Church

Germanization of Clergy and Services

Destruction of Religious Heritage

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Academic and Ethical Considerations