This episode recounts the pivotal events of September 25–October 1, 1939, as the siege of Warsaw ends in capitulation, marking a decisive moment in Poland’s invasion. We explore the establishment of the Polish government-in-exile, the German–Soviet partitioning of Poland, and the fierce yet doomed battles on both fronts. Highlights include the Battle of Modlin Fortress, Soviet advances in the Baltic, and Winston Churchill’s iconic speech signaling a complex geopolitical struggle. The week reveals a world grappling with the rapid escalation of war and the resilience of a nation under siege.

This episode dives into the gripping events of September 18–24, 1939, as Poland fights desperately against dual invasions from Germany and the Soviet Union. From the relentless siege of Warsaw and the daring escape of the Polish submarine ORP Orzeł, to the tragic fall of cities like Lwów and Lublin, we uncover the human resilience and devastating losses of a nation under siege. Beyond Poland, we explore the shifting strategies in London, Washington’s neutrality debates, and the Soviet ultimatum to Estonia. This week captures the harrowing turning points and the global ripple effects of a war escalating beyond borders.

In this week’s episode, we explore the critical events of September 11–17, 1939, during the second week of World War II. The siege of Warsaw intensifies as Polish defenders struggle against relentless German bombardments, while the Soviet Union launches a surprise invasion from the east, sealing Poland’s fate. We delve into the fierce battles at Gdynia, Brześć Litewski, and Lwów, the first Allied naval victories, and key geopolitical developments, including Canada’s war budget and the Saar Offensive’s conclusion. Join us for a detailed fact-check of this pivotal week in history.

Step back into history as we relive the tense and turbulent days that led the world into the Second World War. This episode covers the events of the pivotal first week, beginning with covert acts of aggression in Poland and the frenzied diplomatic efforts in London, Paris, and Berlin.

From the Tarnów rail station bombing and German mobilization to the haunting Gleiwitz Incident, the narrative captures the chaos and manipulation orchestrated to justify war. Witness Poland’s desperate preparations and resilience as German troops mass at the border, while Mussolini scrambles to maintain neutrality and Britain and France mobilize their forces.

On September 1, 1939, the world changed forever with Germany’s invasion of Poland, triggering air raids, battles, and international outcry. The episode concludes with Britain and France’s declarations of war and the sinking of the SS Athenia, the first civilian tragedy of the conflict.

Join us as we explore the critical events of this monumental week, uncovering the decisions and actions that set the stage for global upheaval.

As the world edged toward the brink, the week before World War II was a tense and fateful countdown. Diplomatic efforts flickered in the shadows, desperate to keep peace alive, while military preparations intensified across Europe. In Berlin, Hitler’s demands grew bolder as he pressured Poland over Danzig and the Polish Corridor, while Britain and France reaffirmed their commitments to Polish sovereignty. Secret operations and acts of sabotage hinted at Germany’s strategy to ignite conflict, and ominous measures—like rationing in Germany and evacuation plans in Britain—painted a picture of a world preparing for the unimaginable.

Through a series of secret meetings, diplomatic exchanges, border closures, and covert attacks, each day brought Europe closer to the inevitable. This is the final week of uneasy calm—a period marked by last-ditch efforts for peace and the harsh reality that war was only a heartbeat away. Join us as we trace each event, reliving the mounting tension and critical decisions that would forever alter the course of history.