'The Best Army East of Germany': Polish Miltary Effectiveness, 1918-1921

• In Event: Post-World War I: Poland and the Baltic States

Abstract

Between 1918 and 1921 Poland successfully waged war against Germany, Lithuania, Czechoslovakia, Ukraine, and Soviet Russia. Drawing on the by now extensive literature on the wars of independence, this paper will examine military effectiveness along several axes. Mastery of the modern system and technological adaptation provided the main advantage, but the strategic environment and external forces have to be factored into an explanation.

Author

• Matthew R. Schwonek, Air Command and Staff College