November 11: Independence Day in Poland
Prayer Idea
Pray for the people and government of Poland.
Map by Peter Hermes Furian / Shutterstock.com.
History Note
The Poles are a Slavic people group. References to them appear in historical records by the 10th century. After Polish leader Miezko I accepted Christianity, the Roman Catholic Church became a strong part of Polish identity.
In the 13th century, Polish leader Boleslaw V welcomed Jews fleeing persecution elsewhere in Europe. By the early 20th century, Jews made up about 10% of the population of Poland.
During the Middle Ages, Poland competed with other nations in Eastern and Central Europe for dominance. From 1569 to 1795, the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania were united in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
Russia, Prussia, and Austria carved up Polish territory among themselves after 1795. After 123 years, the Polish people finally regained sovereignty and established the Polish Republic on November 11, 1918. That date is celebrated as Independence Day.
Unfortunately, Poland faced more troubles during the 20th century. It was a major battleground during World War II. About 90% of its Jewish population, some three million Jews, were killed during the Holocaust. Then it suffered under Soviet control during the Cold War.
Lech Wałęsa (b. 1943) was a Polish labor leader who helped challenge the communist government. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Wałęsa served as president of the Republic of Poland from 1990 to 1995.
Today Poland has a population of almost 40 million people. Nearly all are ethnic Poles who speak Polish. About 70% are members of the Roman Catholic Church.
2024 Independence Day parade in Gdansk, Poland. Photo by Lili_Ess / Shutterstock.com.
Learn More
Enjoy drone footage of Polish cities and landscapes.
Find more resources at Homeschool History.
