Poland's Partition and Journey towards Independence
I hope everyone is doing well this week. Today, I thought we could take a look at our friends in Poland as they celebrate their Independence Day.
On November 11th, Poland celebrates its Independence Day with ceremonious gatherings and parades in towns and cities, including at Pilsudski Square in Warsaw. In the capital city, a change of guards also takes place at midday near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This day marks Poland's regaining of independence in 1918, after 123 years of partitions by Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Russia. On November 11th, the Polish Military Organization's secret departments, demobilized soldiers, and legionnaires disarmed the Germans in Warsaw and other Polish towns (1)
Poland's Partition and Journey towards Independence
Poland's rich history is dotted with invasions, annexations, and partitions by various countries. In the 18th century, Poland-Lithuania was one of the largest and most powerful states in Europe, but by the end of the century, the country was facing political turmoil, internal conflicts, and weakening military power. This provided an opportunity for neighboring powers to annex parts of Poland, ultimately leading to the country's partition in the late 18th century.
In 1772, Prussia, Russia, and Austria signed an agreement to divide Poland among themselves, with Russia gaining the largest portion of the territory. Two further partitions followed in 1793 and 1795, resulting in Poland's complete loss of independence and disappearance from the world map.
However, the desire for Polish independence and sovereignty never died out. The 19th century saw a growing wave of nationalistic movements in Poland, fueled by writers, poets, and thinkers who sought to revive Polish culture and identity. In 1830 and 1863, major uprisings occurred in Poland against Russian rule, although both were brutally suppressed.
The end of World War I provided the perfect opportunity for Poland to regain its independence. The collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Russian Revolution of 1917 created a power vacuum in Eastern Europe, and on November 11, 1918, Poland regained its independence after 123 years of partitioning by Russia, Prussia, and Austria.
Poland's Independence Day
The Regency Government appointed Józef Pilsudski as commander in chief over the Polish forces, and three days later, he was given complete civil control (1). Pilsudski formed a new centralized government, which issued key measures on November 21, including a manifesto of agricultural reforms. Pilsudski also brought in more favorable conditions for workers and called parliamentary elections (1).
Many countries remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty on November 11th, including the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, who all celebrate Remembrance Day on or near this date.
November 11th was declared a national holiday in Poland in 1937, but it was removed as an official holiday from 1939 to 1989. However, the holiday was restored in 1989 and has since been a national public holiday. The horizontally-striped Polish flag was officially adopted in its current form in 1980, but Poland's use of red and white dates back as far as the 13th century, when the colors were employed on the country's earliest documented coat of arms.
On this day, Polish towns and cities hold ceremonious gatherings and parades, and there is a change of guard at midday near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw. The day is an opportunity for Polish people to reflect on their country's past and future, and for people all over the world to appreciate the value of freedom and the sacrifices made for it.
Poland's journey towards independence was a long and difficult one, marked by invasions, annexations, and partitions. However, the resilience of the Polish people, their desire for freedom, and their commitment to their cultural heritage and identity helped them overcome these challenges and emerge as a sovereign nation. Today, Poland's Independence Day serves as a reminder of the importance of national pride, cultural heritage, and the struggle for freedom and independence.
Independence Day in Poland - Time and Date. https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/poland/independence-day