1972 Walki Zbrojne z Najeźdźcą Hitlerowskim na Ziemiach Polski w Latach Wojny 1939-45
By: Państwowe Przedsiębiorstwo Wydawnictw Kartograficznych
Date: 1972 (dated) Warsaw
Dimensions: 58.5 x 50.5 inches (including rollers)
A scarce wall map of which the Polish title translates to "Armed Campaigns in Poland Against the Nazi Invader 1939-45," this work the military engagements, battles, and guerrilla actions that took place on Polish territory during World War II. It should be understood that the data presented in the map came during Poland's time within the Soviet Eastern Bloc, thus, the map presents the war through a distinctly Soviet analysis, emphasizing the role of the Red Army and omitting certain crimes committed by the Soviets.
This map was published by the Państwowe Przedsiębiorstwo Wydawnictw Kartograficznych (PPWK), the state-owned cartographic publishing enterprise in Warsaw, in 1972. The PPWK was a key institution in Poland for producing detailed maps and atlases, particularly during the post-war period, with a focus on educational and historical themes. This map can be seen as an educational tool for the vast amount of information it provides on Nazi resistance as well as a piece of propoganda, as it suggest victory over the Nazi's may not have been possible without the support of Soviet forces commonly referred to as the "Red Army."
Examining the Map
The map includes a range of visual elements, such as stars, crosses, and other symbols, each representing many different military operations and forces opposing the Nazis. For example, red stars represent the regular and guerilla units of the Soviet army, yellow crosses indicate Polish regular troops, and green crosses that of Polish Guerilla units. Yellow crosses with two swords denote the Czechoslovakian People's Republic Army and yellow seals refer to German anti-fascists. The use of colors and symbols ensures that the map is not only informative but also accessible, allowing viewers to quickly understand the distribution and scale of the varied military engagements throughout Nazi-occupied Poland.
The map includes two fascinating inset maps, titled "Railway Lines Attacked by Guerrilla Forces," These attacks were crucial in disrupting German supply lines, troop movements, and overall military logistics. and "Operations of the Polish People’s Army." The first map offers key rail junctions and lines, particularly those critical to the German war effort, showcasing the strategic importance of these resistance actions in the broader context of the war. These attacks were crucial in disrupting German supply lines, troop movements, and overall military logistics. The second map shows how with Soviet support stemming from Moscow, the Polish People’s Army was able to liberate Poland from Nazi occupation and advance into German territory towards Belin.
Soviet Design and Propoganda within the Map
One of the most noticeable aspects of this map is its emphasis on the operations of the Polish People’s Army, a military force that was reconstituted and trained under Soviet supervision after the Soviet Union occupied eastern Poland in 1939 and later incorporated much of Polish territory into its war effort against Nazi Germany. This focus serves to promote the idea that the Polish People’s Army, and by extension the Soviet Union, played a central role in the liberation of Poland from Nazi control. It aligns with the Soviet narrative that portrayed the USSR as the primary liberator of Eastern Europe, while downplaying or ignoring the contributions of other Polish resistance groups that were not aligned with Soviet interests, such as the Armia Krajowa (Home Army), which was ideologically opposed to communism and sought to restore Poland’s independence after the war.
Additionally, the map can be seen as part of a broader Soviet strategy to justify its post-war presence in Eastern Europe. By depicting the Polish People’s Army as a key force in the liberation of Poland, the map implicitly supports the idea that Poland’s post-war government, which was established with Soviet backing, was the legitimate successor to the wartime resistance efforts. The portrayal of military operations and the role of the Red Army in these operations is designed to legitimize Soviet control over Poland and other Eastern European nations, presenting the USSR not as an occupier, but as a liberator and protector of these nations from fascism. This perspective was crucial in maintaining Soviet hegemony in the region during the Cold War.
Condition: Map is in B+ condition with original rollers securely attached to the map backed with original linen. Some fraying is apparent along the edges but the overall condition of the map is very fine.
Inventory #12870
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