On September 1, 1939, Germany launched a devastating invasion of Poland, unleashing Blitzkrieg—a revolutionary form of warfare that stunned the world. As Polish forces fought desperately against overwhelming odds, another betrayal was already in motion. Just weeks later, the Soviet Union invaded from the east, sealing Poland’s fate and ensuring its complete collapse. But what if Stalin had stayed out of the fight? Could Poland have held out longer? Would Britain and France have finally intervened?

In this episode of Hearthside History, we break down the invasion from the secret Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact to the siege of Warsaw and the brutal occupation that followed. We uncover the forgotten battles, the heroic resistance, and the devastating human cost of the war’s opening campaign.

Would Poland have stood a chance if the Soviets had never invaded? Listen now to find out.