The German–Polish Non-Aggression Pact: A Temporary Diplomatic Shift in the Interwar Period

The German–Polish Declaration of Non-Aggression, formally known as the Erklärung zwischen Deutschland und Polen über den Verzicht auf Gewaltanwendung in German and Deklaracja między Polską a Niemcami o niestosowaniu przemocy in Polish, was a pivotal non-aggression agreement signed on January 26, 1934, in Berlin. This pact marked a significant, albeit temporary, reorientation in the strained relations between Nazi Germany and the newly independent Second Polish Republic during the tumultuous interwar period.

Historical Context: Deep-Seated Tensions Prior to the Pact

Before the signing of this declaration, relations between Poland and Germany were deeply acrimonious, primarily stemming from the territorial settlements imposed by the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. This post-World War I peace treaty had re-established an independent Polish state after over a century of partition, but at the cost of significant German territorial losses, which fueled resentment in Weimar Germany and, subsequently, Nazi Germany. Key areas of contention included:

• The Polish Corridor: This strip of land, which provided Poland with vital access to the Baltic Sea and its port of Gdynia, effectively separated East Prussia from the rest of Germany, a source of constant German irredentist claims.
• The Free City of Danzig (Gdańsk): Though technically a League of Nations protectorate, Poland held specific economic rights and strategic interests in this predominantly German-speaking city, leading to frequent diplomatic friction.
• Upper Silesia: Following a plebiscite and subsequent League of Nations arbitration, parts of this economically vital industrial region were ceded to Poland, further fueling German grievances.

Beyond these territorial disputes, an economically damaging customs war had plagued German-Polish relations for nearly a decade, beginning in 1925. This tariff war involved significant duties imposed by both countries on each other's goods – for instance, Germany refusing to import Polish coal while Poland retaliated with tariffs on German industrial products. This economic standoff severely impacted trade and deepened animosity between the two nations.

Core Provisions and Diplomatic Objectives

The German–Polish Non-Aggression Pact committed both nations to a decade-long period of peace, pledging to resolve any future disputes exclusively through bilateral negotiations and to definitively renounce the use of armed conflict. This 10-year term was crucial, signaling a long-term commitment, at least on paper.

For Germany, under Adolf Hitler's nascent Nazi regime, the pact served multiple strategic objectives:

• It was one of Hitler's first major foreign policy initiatives, effectively undermining France's existing alliance system in Eastern Europe, which had been designed to contain Germany.
• It aimed to isolate Poland internationally, making it appear as if Poland was moving away from its traditional allies, particularly France, and towards a rapprochement with Germany.
• It bought Germany valuable time to rearm without immediate concerns about its eastern border, providing a temporary sense of security before any future territorial expansion.
• By appearing to recognize Poland's borders, Hitler masked his long-term expansionist goals for Eastern Europe, temporarily deflecting international suspicions.

For Poland, under the leadership of Marshal Józef Piłsudski, the pact was part of a broader "balance policy" aimed at navigating between its two powerful neighbors, Germany and the Soviet Union. Poland sought to avoid becoming dependent on either power and to gain a measure of security in a highly volatile region. The pact offered a temporary respite from German pressure and the economic damage of the customs war.

Immediate Impact and Subsequent Developments

The agreement had several immediate and significant impacts:

• Normalization of Relations: It dramatically de-escalated tensions, replacing years of open hostility with a period of more formal diplomatic engagement and cooperation.
• German Recognition of Borders: Crucially, Germany's commitment to non-aggression was widely interpreted as an implicit, albeit temporary, recognition of Poland's western borders as established by the Treaty of Versailles. This was a major diplomatic gain for Poland.
• End of the Customs War: Following the pact, the debilitating customs war between the two nations was officially concluded, leading to a much-needed increase in trade and economic exchange.

While the pact initially brought a period of improved relations and stability, its ultimate fate was short-lived. Despite being signed for a 10-year term, Adolf Hitler unilaterally abrogated the German–Polish Non-Aggression Pact on April 28, 1939, citing alleged anti-German policies by Poland. This abrogation was a clear prelude to the German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, which marked the beginning of World War II, effectively rendering the pact a tactical maneuver rather than a genuine commitment to peace.

Frequently Asked Questions about the German–Polish Non-Aggression Pact

What was the German–Polish Non-Aggression Pact?

It was a non-aggression agreement signed between Nazi Germany and the Second Polish Republic in 1934, where both countries pledged to resolve disputes through bilateral negotiations and to avoid armed conflict for a period of 10 years.

When and where was the pact signed?

The pact was signed on January 26, 1934, in Berlin, Germany.

What were the main reasons for signing this agreement?

For Germany, it aimed to undermine the French alliance system, isolate Poland, buy time for rearmament, and temporarily mask Hitler's expansionist goals. For Poland, it was a component of its "balance policy" to secure itself between powerful neighbors and alleviate economic pressures from the customs war.

How did the Treaty of Versailles influence German-Polish relations before the pact?

The territorial provisions of the Treaty of Versailles, which re-established Poland and transferred German territories like the Polish Corridor and parts of Upper Silesia to it, created significant border disputes and deep resentment in Germany, leading to strained relations.

What was the "customs war" mentioned in relation to the pact?

The customs war was an economically damaging tariff war that began in 1925 between Germany and Poland. Both countries imposed high tariffs on each other's goods, significantly hindering trade and exacerbating bilateral tensions, which the pact aimed to resolve.

Did the German–Polish Non-Aggression Pact last for its intended 10-year duration?

No, the pact did not last its full 10-year term. It was unilaterally abrogated by Adolf Hitler on April 28, 1939, just months before Germany's invasion of Poland, which initiated World War II.