ICMMB-17

POLAND – GENERAL INFORMATION

Poland is an ancient nation that was conceived in the middle of 10th century. Its golden age occurred in 16th century. In the following century, the strenghthening of the gentry and internal disorders weakened the nation. In a series of agreements between 1772 and 1795 ,Russia, Prussia and Austria partitioned Poland amongst themselves. Poland regained its independence in 1918 only to be overrun by Germany and the Soviet Union in the Second World War. It became a Soviet satellite state following the war for next 45 years, but its communist government was much less severe than that of the Soviet Union. Poland has never broken cultural contacts with the West. Moreover, the Catholic Church always preserved its independence from the state authorities during the communism period. Labor turmoil in 1980 led to the formation of the independent trade union “Solidarność” (“Solidarity”) that over time became a political force, and by 1990 had swept parliamentary elections and the presidency. The great victory of non-comunist forces in parliamentary elections and formation of the non-comunist government in 1989 initiated the implosion of the communist regimes in all Eastern European countires. A “shock terapy” programme during early 1990s enabled the country to transform its economy to one of the most robust in Central Europe. Poland joined NATO in 1999, and the European Union in 2004. With its transformation to a democratic, market-oriented economy largely completed, Poland is an increasingly active member of Euro-Atlantic organizations.

"The 4th of June, 1989 marked a decisive victory for democracy in Poland and, ultimately, across Eastern Europe." - Angela Merkel       At High Noon, June 4, 1989 - political poster featuring Gary Cooper to encourage votes for the Solidarity party in the 1989 elections. →