Adolf Hitler announces the invasion of Poland, 1939 (b/w photo)

Adolf Hitler during the Reichstag session on September 1, 1939. In his speech, Hitler justified the German invasion of Poland. The much-quoted saying "seid 5 Uhr 45 wird zurueckgeschossen" (We have been returning the fire since 5:45 a.m.) originates from that speech. In fact the fight against the Danzig Westerplatte began already at 4:45 a.m with ship artillery. The air raid on Wielun began one hour later. The reason for the German attack was a commando action feigned by SS men against the radio station Gleiwitz near Breslau. Hitler's statement reads in its entirety: "This night for the first time Polish regular soldiers fired on our own territory. We have now been returning the fire since 5:45 a.m.! And from now on bomb will be answered with bomb! Whoever fights with poison will be fought with poison gas!" Behind Hitler is Hermann Goering in his role as Reichstag President.