Military Administration in Poland

The Military Administration in Poland was a special set of rules set up by German leaders after they invaded Poland in 1939. It started on September 1, 1939, and lasted until October 6, 1939. During this short time, German soldiers, known as the German military, were in charge of the areas they had taken over.

This was different from the later way of controlling Poland, which used regular government workers instead of soldiers. The Military Administration was only used for a little while, but it was an important part of how Germany began to rule Poland after the invasion. The leaders made many decisions about how people lived and worked during this difficult time.

Military administration

After Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, they set up military rule in the areas they captured. Local Polish leaders were removed, and German military leaders took control. In some places, German officials were put in charge of towns and villages, while in others, Polish leaders were allowed to stay.

Adolf Hitler gave orders about how to run these areas. Four military districts were created: West Prussia, Posen, Lodz, and Krakau. Each district had a German military leader and a civil administrator appointed by Hitler to help manage daily affairs. This military administration was only temporary until further plans for the region were made.

Main article: Military Commanders of the Rear

Chiefs of Civil Administration

Transition

Main articles: Polish areas annexed by Nazi Germany and General Government

In 1939, after Germany invaded Poland, Hitler made an important decision. On October 8, he announced that some western parts of Poland and the Free City of Danzig would be taken over by Germany. He also included a small area called the Suwalki triangle. The rest of Poland stayed under military control until October 12, when Hitler decided to create a new area called the General Government. This new area began on October 26.

Military administration

Transition

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