Historical Background
In the eighteenth century, the once strong Poland began to decline. In the years 1772, 1793
and 1795, there were three Polish partitions. Neighbours: Russia, Austria and Prussia, shared
the Polish lands were divided among themselves and our country disappeared from the map of
Europe.
It was a very difficult time in our history. Insurrections: November of 1830 and January of
1863, ended in disaster. Many Poles were killed, many were imprisoned, and many were
forced to flee abroad. It was impossible to learn the Polish language and history and to read
Polish books. So it was for 123 years, until 1918 when, on November 11, the Regency
Council (a body exercising control over the Polish Kingdom) transferred authority over the
military to Józef Piłsudski, who the day before had returned from internment in Magdeburg.
Marshal Pilsudski was the Supreme Commander of the Polish Army. After negotiations,
November 11, 1918, the German troops began to withdraw from the Polish Kingdom. At
night, the Polish soldiers disarmed the German garrison, which was stationed in Warsaw.
A day later, 12 November 1918 Regency Council entrusted the mission of creating a
government to Pilsudski and then dissolved itself, giving him full authority, appointing him
Chief of State. Free Polish state was created.
The celebration of Independence Day
November 11, established a public holiday for the first time in 1937. In the years from 1939 to
1944 during the Nazi occupation and in the period from 1945 to 1989, during the communist
regime the celebration of Independence Day was banned. Only in 1989, the Parliament
Act, restored the celebration of the feast. From this year on Independence Day is the most
important national holiday and the day on November 11 is a day off from work.
Day is celebrated all over the country but the main celebrations take place in Warsaw on
Piłsudski Square, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
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