Polish Home Army

About

The Polish Home Army, known as Armia Krajowa (AK), was a pivotal resistance movement during World War II. Formed in February 1942 from the Związek Walki Zbrojnej (Union for Armed Struggle), it became the largest and most influential underground force in German-occupied Poland. The AK was loyal to the Polish government-in-exile and constituted the armed wing of the Polish Underground State. Its strength in 1944 was estimated between 200,000 and 600,000 members, making it one of Europe's largest resistance movements. The Home Army conducted significant operations against German forces, including sabotage and pitched battles like the Warsaw Uprising. It also defended Polish civilians against atrocities. However, its allegiance to the Polish government-in-exile led to conflict with Soviet forces, which viewed the AK as an obstacle to communist control. After the war, many AK members were persecuted by the communist regime. Despite this, the AK remains a symbol of Polish resistance and resilience against both Nazi and Soviet occupations.