What if Nazi Germany did not invade Poland?

[Domen]

As a counter-argument for thesis of Piotr Zychowicz, here is a translated excerpt from the "Case study of a strategic plan of Poland against Germany", which was written in period 14 November 1937 - 10 January 1938 by Tadeusz Kutrzeba and Stefan Mossor:

"a) Possibility of signining an alliance with Germany itself:

Positive sides of signing a close alliance with Germany would be very numerous. First of all, a direct threat of an imminent war would dissapear, because Russia, constantly struggling against internal difficulties, at the present moment doesn't pose a threat of external territorial expansion, while other neighbours are not dangerous. Another positive side would be the possibility of gaining access to an output market for Polish agricultural products, which would facilitate the productivity of this important branch of Polish national economy. The third positive side would be a strong and considerable help of Germany in industrial development of Poland, in installing sewer system, electrification, in development of the network of transport and communication, etc. All difficulties in rearmament of our army and its future reserves could for sure be - with help of German industry - easily solved within a period of several years. It would be possible to further continue and take on high level - with help of that industry as well as German specialists - the economic development of such underdeveloped regions like Wilno region, Polesie, etc., etc.

However, all those numerous and extraordinarily positive influences of an alliance with Germany could be implemented only under such a condition, that Germany would consider Poland as an absolutely reliable ally, and this can be achieved only through considerable subordination of Poland to Germany, that is - through concluding with Germany a similar pact to that which existed between Austria and Hungary. Without this certainty of having a reliable ally, Germany would of course not invest even one red cent into Poland's development, in order not to strengthen their potential enemy.

Even assuming, that it is possible to win the Polish public opinion over for such an alliance, we must first thoroughly consider, if it would really be profitable for Poland. So, such an alliance would undoubtedly lead to a rapid economic development of Poland, to increase of the level of wealth and culture of the population, it would remove the danger of discontent and riots among national minorities, etc. That would be a good side to it.

A bad side to it would be the fact, that Poland in order to achieve such a development, would have to enter the sphere of interests of the aggressive German policy. Even if we would be able to avoid being dragged into some "expeditions" for territorial or ideological conquests, for example against Russia, then still a natural consequence of such a close alliance with Germany would be an automatic drop out from us of all other potential allies, in other words - Poland would find itself completely at the mercy of Germany's good will. If for example in some moment Germany would propose Poland a joint conquest of Belarus up to Smolensk and Ukraine up to Kiev - and then expansion of Polish borders in eastern direction, with simultaneous abandonment of Pomerania, Poznan region and Upper Silesia and incorporation of these lands to Germany, then in such case Poland would have only two possible solutions: either to agree (and such a consent, in my opinion, would not be possible to obtain from population by any Polish government), or to begin a solitary, improvised war against overwhelming German power, already deeply rooted into Poland's organism, without any external help."

This particular excerpt was written by Stefan Mossor.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tadeusz_Kutrzeba

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stefan_Mossor

[Strike For The South]

The what if game is futile

[ReluctantSamurai]

What ifs can be fun to discuss, but yes, in the end, pointless....and especially this what if. Either way, Poland is screwed and there's really not much she could have done about it. Anyone who suggests that Hitler would've played nice with Poland's very large Jewish population as an ally is.......dreaming.

[Jolt]

Poland was going to get the Germany stick, either sooner or later.

[Kadagar_AV]

Poland was going to get the Germany stick, either sooner or later.

This.

As much as I like "what ifs", Poland would be the very LEAST probable change.

If you look at maps from before the invasion you will understand why, the Versailles peace made Poland split Germany in two to give Poland sea access... So Poland basically ran like a corridor through Germany.

A lot of people don't know this these days.

Poland was the priority ONE thing to grab.

[Vladimir]

The thought of a German-Polish alliance is interesting. Imagine the restoration of greater Poland, to secure the German east, while Germany went west.

Obviously that could never happened with a maniac at the helm but a more thoughtful planner could have pulled it off.

[Domen]

Obviously that could never happened with a maniac at the helm but a more thoughtful planner could have pulled it off.

You talk about Hitler now ???

Anyone who suggests that Hitler would've played nice with Poland's very large Jewish population as an ally is.......dreaming.

At least Hitler would not be able to build death camps on occupied Polish terrotories.

By the way - several other states which were Germany's allies during World War 2 also had large Jewish minorities.

For example Hungary with almost 1 million Jewish population in 1939.

If you look at maps from before the invasion you will understand why, the Versailles peace made Poland split Germany in two to give Poland sea access... So Poland basically ran like a corridor through Germany.

Poland was the priority ONE thing to grab.

Man, the Corridor was like 3% of Polish territory...

Poland did not split Germany in two - but East Prussia (which was a relatively small & irrelevant province) from Germany proper.

Saying that Poland split Germany in two is like saying that Canada split the USA in two (i.e. Alaska from all other states).

So I guess the only solution for the Americans to get over this is to invade and annex Canada to reunite with Alaska ??? Lol.

A lot of people don't know this these days.

Uhm, maybe some total ignorants when it comes to WW2 history.