# Potsdam and the Oder–Neisse line (1945)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1945-potsdam-and-the-oder-neisse-line
Location: Potsdam
Categories: main-event

The Potsdam Conference placed German lands east of the Oder–Neisse line under Polish administration. 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 (1945), the governing authority was Bolesław Bierut (President of the State National Council, later President of Poland). Communist leader who headed the KRN from 1944, was President 1947–1952 and led Poland through its Stalinist period. Potsdam and the Oder–Neisse line mattered because diplomacy defined Poland's relations with its neighbours and the wider world. 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
Potsdam and the Oder–Neisse line mattered because diplomacy defined Poland's relations with its neighbours and the wider world.

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

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Oder–Neisse line](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oder%E2%80%93Neisse_line)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Potsdam and the Oder–Neisse line](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Potsdam+and+the+Oder%E2%80%93Neisse+line)
- [Wikipedia — History of Poland (1939–1945) (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Poland_(1939%E2%80%931945))