Between Occupation and Resistance: A Handbook of Polish History

Between Occupation and Resistance: A Handbook of Polish History

On September 24, 2025, the first presentation of a bilingual handbook on the German occupation of Poland from 1939 to 1945 will take place with much anticipation. German and Polish scientists work under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Stephan Lehnstaedt from Touro University Berlin and Prof. Dr. Paweł Machcewicz from the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw worked on this comprehensive work. The handbook is entitled "Poland under German occupation 1939-1945. A handbook / Polska pod okupacją niemiecką 1939-1945. Podręcznik".

The aim of the handbook is to survey the current state of research on the German occupation, to critically evaluate these findings and to point out existing gaps in knowledge. The need for competent guidance in teaching, museum education and political debates is perceived as increasingly important. The event includes a panel discussion on October 7th at 6:00 p.m. in the Viadrina Center of Polish and Ukrainian Studies (VCPU) of the European University Viadrina, where simultaneous interpretation into Polish will also be offered.

Historical context of the occupation

The German occupation of Poland began on September 1, 1939 with the Wehrmacht's attack on the Second Polish Republic, followed by the invasion of Soviet troops on September 17, 1939. These events were made possible by the German-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact signed on August 23, 1939, which contained a secret agreement to divide Poland between the two states. Western Poland came under German occupation, while eastern Poland was occupied by the Soviet Union. From June 22, 1941, after the attack on the Soviet Union, eastern Poland was also controlled by Germany.

The German occupation of Poland was characterized by extreme repression and a brutal variant of the “Volkstumskampf,” which was characterized by economic exploitation and the systematic deportation or murder of the native population. The “Poland Assets Ordinance” of September 17, 1940 and the “Poland Criminal Law Ordinance” of December 4, 1941 legalized this disenfranchisement.

Resistance and coming to terms with the past

Resistance movements formed during the siege of Warsaw, culminating in the founding of the Armia Krajowa (Polish Home Army) in 1942. The Warsaw Uprising, which lasted from August 1st to October 2nd, 1944, represents one of the last major acts of violent resistance. During this time, the Jewish communities in Poland suffered the worst persecution, with many being deported to extermination camps such as Auschwitz, Belzec and Sobibor.

Coming to terms with the period of occupation in Poland and Germany is a complex topic that is characterized by different perspectives. The handbook is intended to make a valuable contribution to this by not only dealing with anti-Polish politics and the Holocaust, but also the role of the German perpetrators, the resistance of the population and everyday life under the occupation regime.

For the first integrated overall presentation since 1970, the research team, consisting of four German and four Polish researchers, can rely on a variety of materials. Dr. Frank Grelka, VCPU postdoctoral researcher, is responsible for the first chapter, which deals with the invasion and occupation of Poland. Grelka has also published a new monograph entitled "Murderous Waste: The Beginning of the Holocaust in the General Government."

This scientific initiative is not only a step towards closing knowledge gaps, but also a contribution to the reconciliation of the two nations. The editors are available for interviews with journalists to further explain the objectives and content of the handbook. The entire event will take place in the loge hall of the European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) and thus offers a first-class platform for discussion about one of the darkest periods in European history.

European University Viadrina reports that such a comprehensive examination of the past is necessary. Also Wikipedia emphasizes that Poland was subject to the National Socialist occupation regime for the longest time and coming to terms with this period continues to be a challenge. Loud Wikipedia The discourse about the occupation period in both countries remains influenced by different political and historical perspectives.