What was a major consequence of Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939?

What was a major consequence of Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939?

• A. Britain and France declared war on Germany
• B. The United States entered the war immediately
• C. The Soviet Union invaded Germany
• D. Japan declared war on Poland

Answer: (A)

The invasion of Poland in 1939 triggered Britain and France to declare war on Germany, signaling the start of World War II in Europe. When Germany swept into Poland, it violated Polish sovereignty and showed that the guarantees Britain and France had given to Poland would be honored with military action. This split in European security finally pulled the major powers into a wider conflict. The United States did not enter the war at once; it would come later after Pearl Harbor. The Soviet Union did invade Poland from the east soon after, but that was not the immediate consequence of Germany’s attack and happened within days of the invasion, not as a separate, immediate response. Japan did not declare war on Poland.

The invasion of Poland in 1939 triggered Britain and France to declare war on Germany, signaling the start of World War II in Europe. When Germany swept into Poland, it violated Polish sovereignty and showed that the guarantees Britain and France had given to Poland would be honored with military action. This split in European security finally pulled the major powers into a wider conflict. The United States did not enter the war at once; it would come later after Pearl Harbor. The Soviet Union did invade Poland from the east soon after, but that was not the immediate consequence of Germany’s attack and happened within days of the invasion, not as a separate, immediate response. Japan did not declare war on Poland.