The largest uprising in occupied Europe
It certainly stands out from other uprisings in terms of the scale of the undertaking – the number of people involved, the command structure, the participation of young people and the civilian population of Warsaw
– said Dr Marcin Szymański.
Nowhere in Europe has such an uprising been carried out on such a scale
– added Dr Szymański.
We should also remember about the unique nature of the Polish Underground State, which made it possible to organise such an extensive underground operation.
It was a unique phenomenon on a European scale – due to its scope, capabilities and real power, which the Germans reckoned with
– underlined the historian.
The Uprising
The Uprising began on 1 August 1944, as the Red Army approached Warsaw.
The Poles wanted to welcome the Red Army as hosts, to gain political leverage – they distrusted Stalin, and rightly so
– the historian notes.
Initially, the insurgents achieved a few local successes, capturing buildings in the city centre. However, the Germans quickly reacted and began a brutal pacification.
After two weeks, a slow retreat began. And then all the tragic events we know today followed
– said Dr Szymański.
Without external help
Dr Szymański emphasises that one of the most controversial aspects of the uprising was its military imbalance:
The insurgents fought virtually unarmed. Small arms, grenades – that was all.
Despite announcements, the Allies did not provide assistance and information about the lack of airdrops was known only to a small circle of command:
It was one of the most controversial decisions – to fight despite the lack of support
– the historian added.
Was the Uprising necessary?
When quoting Professor Witold Kieżun, a student of Professor Kotarbiński, the first Rector of the University of Lodz, and a participant in the Uprising, Dr Szymański also recalls the geopolitical dimension of this event:
According to Kieżun, it was the Uprising that stalled the Red Army long enough to prevent it from reaching the Rhine – a fact that may have had enormous significance for the subsequent shape of Europe.
One can debate the decisions and consequences, but one thing remains undeniable – these people desired freedom so much that they were willing to give their lives for it.
Memory and Trauma
The uprising ended in defeat.
What was negotiated was the fact that the insurgents were recognised as soldiers – not bandits, as the Germans had previously wanted to classify them
– said Dr Szymański.
However, the humanitarian catastrophe for the civilian population was the greatest tragedy
– the historian underlined.
To this day, we do not know the exact number of victims. It was a trauma from which Warsaw has never recovered.
On 1 August, at the symbolic "W" hour of 5:00 p.m.– let us pause for a moment. Let us pause our conversations, work and daily routines. In silence and reflection, let us pay tribute to those who, in the fight for freedom, did not hesitate to sacrifice everything – including their own lives. Let us remember that freedom is not given once and for all. It is a privilege that requires courage, sacrifice and responsibility.
Honour and glory to the Heroes!
Source: Dr Marcin Szymański, Faculty of Philosophy and History, University of Lodz
Edit: Kacper Szczepaniak, Press Office, University of Lodz
