Poland

Explore the comprehensive timeline of Poland, highlighting significant events in the country's history from ancient times to the present. Discover Poland's transformations through various periods, including the Piast and Jagiellonian dynasties, the partitions, its role in the World Wars, and its contemporary developments.

14 april 0966

15 juli 1410

1 juli 1569

3 mei 1791

11 november 1918

1 september 1939

1 augustus 1944

31 augustus 1980

1 mei 2004

10 april 2010

14april
0966
14 April 0966

Baptism of Poland

The Baptism of Poland was the ceremony that marked the introduction of Christianity in Poland. It is recognized as a symbolic event for the foundation of the Polish state. The baptism was received by Mieszko I of Poland, the first historical ruler of the Poles, on the Holy Saturday of 966. It is considered as a significant turning point, fostering the Christianization of the people and integration into Christian Europe.

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15juli
1410
15 July 1410

Battle of Grunwald

The Battle of Grunwald, fought on 15 July 1410, was one of the largest battles in Medieval Europe and an important event in Polish and Lithuanian history. The Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania decisively defeated the Teutonic Knights. It ended the expansion of the Teutonic Order, marked the rise of the Polish-Lithuanian alliance, and paved the way for the future development of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

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01juli
1569
01 July 1569

Union of Lublin

The Union of Lublin was an agreement that united the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania into a single state called the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Signed on 1 July 1569, it marked a major political event in the region, allowing the two nations to coexist peacefully under a shared monarch and common institutions while maintaining separate armies and jurisdictions.

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03mei
1791
03 May 1791

Constitution of May 3, 1791

The Constitution of May 3, 1791, was adopted by the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and was the first modern constitution in Europe and the second in the world following the United States Constitution. Its adoption was a milestone in the history of Poland, aiming to strengthen the governance of the Polish state, improve the political system, and secure civil liberties. It was a progressive legal framework for its time.

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11november
1918
11 November 1918

Restoration of Poland's Independence

On November 11, 1918, Poland regained its independence after 123 years of partitions by Russia, Prussia, and Austria. This event marked the re-establishment of the sovereign Polish state after World War I. The date of 11 November, when the Regency Council handed over military authority to Józef Piłsudski, is celebrated as Poland's National Independence Day, commemorating the country's resurgence and autonomy.

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01september
1939
01 September 1939

Invasion of Poland

The invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, by Nazi Germany marks the beginning of World War II. Germany attacked Poland with more than 2,000 tanks and over 1,000 planes, signaling the start of a blitzkrieg strategy. This unprovoked attack led to the swift downfall of Polish defenses and precipitated international declarations of war, drawing the Allies into conflict. The invasion significantly impacted global history.

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01augustus
1944
01 August 1944

Warsaw Uprising

The Warsaw Uprising, which began on August 1, 1944, was a major World War II operation by the Polish underground resistance, led by the Home Army, to liberate Warsaw from Nazi occupation. Despite initial successes, the uprising failed amid insufficient support and relief from the advancing Soviet Army, leading to a tragic loss of life and the destruction of the city. It remains a poignant symbol of Polish resistance.

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31augustus
1980
31 August 1980

Solidarity Movement

The Solidarity Movement began on August 31, 1980, with the founding of the trade union 'Solidarity' at the Gdańsk Shipyard. Led by Lech Wałęsa, the movement played a crucial role in advocating for workers' rights and civil liberties in the Soviet-bloc country. It eventually contributed to the fall of communism in Poland and played a pivotal role in the dissolution of the Eastern Bloc. The movement symbolized social change.

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01mei
2004
01 May 2004

Poland Joins the European Union

On May 1, 2004, Poland officially joined the European Union, after a long period of preparation and reform. This pivotal event opened new political and economic opportunities for Poland, facilitating stronger connections and integration with Western Europe. Membership in the EU marked a significant transition for Poland from post-communist restructuring to participating in a unified Europe, with expanded access to markets and political influence.

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10april
2010
10 April 2010

Smolensk Air Crash

The Smolensk Air Crash was a tragic aviation disaster that occurred on April 10, 2010, near Smolensk, Russia, killing all 96 passengers, including Polish President Lech Kaczyński and numerous other high-ranking officials. The delegation was en route to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre. The incident had significant repercussions for Poland's political landscape and is solemnly remembered in the nation's consciousness.

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Frequently asked questions about Poland

Discover commonly asked questions regarding Poland. If there are any questions we may have overlooked, please let us know.

When did Poland join the European Union?

What major event occurred in Poland in 1989?

When did Poland regain its independence?

What was the significance of the year 1569 in Polish history?