The Soviet Takeover of the Polish Eastern Provinces, 1939–41

"The Soviet Takeover of the Polish Eastern Provinces, 1939–41" by Keith Sword is a historical study that examines the events surrounding the Soviet occupation of Eastern Poland during World War II. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Soviet Occupation: The book delves into the specifics of the Soviet Union's takeover of Eastern Poland, including the military strategies, political motivations, and social impacts.
2. Historical Context: It provides a detailed historical context, including the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and its secret protocols that led to the division of Poland between Germany and the Soviet Union.
3. Ethnic and Social Dynamics: The study explores the complex ethnic and social dynamics within the occupied territories, including the relationships between Polish authorities and minority groups like Ukrainians and Belarusians.
4. Resistance and Collaboration: It examines the resistance movements and collaboration with the Soviet authorities, highlighting both the military engagements and the political maneuverings.

Plot Summary

The book chronicles the events from September 1939, when the Soviet Union invaded Eastern Poland, to 1941. It covers the following key points:

• Invasion and Occupation: The Soviet invasion of Eastern Poland, which was coordinated with the German advance, is detailed. The book explains how the Soviet Union justified its actions by citing security concerns and the need to protect ethnically Belarusian and Ukrainian populations.
• Military Operations: It describes the military operations, including battles like the Battle of Szack, and the strategic movements of Soviet forces to secure the areas allotted to them by the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.
• Social Impact: The study delves into the social impact of the occupation, including the displacement of millions of Polish citizens, the formation of new administrative structures, and the imposition of Soviet rule.
• Resistance and Repression: It discusses the various forms of resistance and repression, including mass deportations of Polish citizens to the Soviet Far North, Siberia, and Central Asia.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews of the book are not provided in the search results, Keith Sword is a well-respected historian known for his meticulous research and detailed analyses. The book is likely to be well-received for its comprehensive coverage of a critical period in Polish history, offering insights into the complex political, military, and social dynamics of the time.

Publication Details

• Author: Keith Sword
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (1991)
• ISBN: 0-312-05570-6

The book is available in various formats, including paperback, and can be purchased from retailers like Barnes & Noble and Walmart.