# Katyn graves revealed (1943)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1943-katyn-graves-revealed
Location: Katyn

Germany announced the discovery of mass graves at Katyn. When the Polish government asked for a Red Cross inquiry, Moscow broke off relations. Within the broader World War II period: Invaded by Germany and the Soviet Union, Poland suffered brutal occupation and the Holocaust, while its underground state and armed forces fought on every front of the war. At this point in the timeline (13 April 1943), the governing authority was Władysław Raczkiewicz (President of Poland (in exile)). President of the internationally recognised Polish government-in-exile in France and London during World War II. Katyn graves revealed mattered because it altered the structure of power and the direction of Polish statehood. The event is placed here so readers can follow it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion and culture across Polish history.

## Why it matters
Katyn graves revealed mattered because it altered the structure of power and the direction of Polish statehood.

Ruler at the time: [Władysław Raczkiewicz](https://poland-history.com/rulers/wladyslaw-raczkiewicz)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Katyn massacre](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katyn_massacre)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Katyn graves revealed](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Katyn+graves+revealed)
- [Wikipedia — History of Poland (1939–1945) (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Poland_(1939%E2%80%931945))