Changes

In August 1939, [[Nazi Germany]] and the Soviet Union signed the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression treaty between the two countries. As part of the agreement, the two nations determined respective spheres of influence in Eastern Europe, including a division of Poland (despite the existence of a Soviet–Polish Non-Aggression Pact signed in 1932).

In August 1939, [[Nazi Germany]] and the Soviet Union signed the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression treaty between the two countries. As part of the agreement, the two nations determined respective spheres of influence in Eastern Europe, including a division of [[Poland]] (despite the existence of a Soviet–Polish Non-Aggression Pact signed in 1932).

Nazi Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Despite the peace between them, the alliance between Russia and Germany was a suspicious one, largely due to massive political and ideological differences between the Socialist Nazi government and the Communist Russians. Soviet leader [[Josef Stalin]] did not trust the Germans to halt their invasion within the predetermined sphere of influence stated in the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact. Because of this, and seeking to protect its own interests there, Russia invaded Poland on September 17.  

Nazi Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Despite the peace between them, the alliance between Russia and Germany was a suspicious one, largely due to massive political and ideological differences between the Socialist Nazi government and the Communist Russians. Soviet leader [[Josef Stalin]] did not trust the Germans to halt their invasion within the predetermined sphere of influence stated in the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact. Because of this, and seeking to protect its own interests there, Russia invaded Poland on September 17.  

Already defeated by the Nazi ''Blitzkrieg'' invading from the east, Polish soldiers fleeing the Germans were easily captured Soviet forces advancing from the west. The Red Army took over 40,000 Polish soldiers hostage, including approximately 8,500 officers. These prisoners (mostly men) were herded into prison camps in the towns of Yuzhe, Kozelsk, Kruzkha, Ostashkov, Kitaygorod, Starobielsk and Kryazovets.<ref>http://www.warsawuprising.com/katyn.htm</ref>

Already defeated by the Nazi [[''Blitzkrieg'']] invading from the east, Polish soldiers fleeing the Germans were easily captured Soviet forces advancing from the west. The Red Army took over 40,000 Polish soldiers hostage, including approximately 8,500 officers. These prisoners (mostly men) were herded into prison camps in the towns of Yuzhe, Kozelsk, Kruzkha, Ostashkov, Kitaygorod, Starobielsk and Kryazovets.<ref>http://www.warsawuprising.com/katyn.htm</ref>

Within several days of the invasion, Soviet officials were developing plans handling of Polish prisoners, including disposal of people likely to be disruptive to Soviet rule, including teachers, doctors, lawyers and other educated or "counterrevolutionary" elements. Military officers were also targeted, since a leaderless Polish military would pose no threat to the Russians.

Within several days of the invasion, Soviet officials were developing plans handling of Polish prisoners, including disposal of people likely to be disruptive to Soviet rule, including teachers, doctors, lawyers and other educated or "counterrevolutionary" elements. Military officers were also targeted, since a leaderless Polish military would pose no threat to the Russians.