966 Baptism

Mieszko I got married with Czech princess Dobrawa and took the Baptism in 966.

Thanks to that the prince improved the position and respectability of the Polish state on the international, European scene.

The event also improved the meaning of ruler to the subjects.

1025 The coronation

of Bolesław Chrobry

It was the first coronation in history of Poland which created

the new tradition of independent Polish country.

In the next years other rulers very often appealed to this event.

1320 The coronation of

Władysław Łokietek

Since 1138 Poland was divided into districts which were ruled by

different princes without one ruler. The coronation of Władysław

Łokietek meant that all lands were joined and Poland returned to

international political scene as one country.

1410 The battle

of Grunwald

In XIII century The Teutonic Knights was led to Poland. The knights created very strong and well organized

country on the lands they conquered. The state became so powerful

that started to threaten Poland, Lithuania and Russia. The victory of Jagiełło army over

the Knights in Grunwald weakened the Teutonic Knights.

1569Polish-

Lithuanian Union

The process of joining Polish and Lithuanian countries started in XIV century because

of threatening from Teutonic Knights. In 1569 in Lublin it was decided to join both states with

one king, parliament and common foreign policy. The Union caused the development of military

power and both countries authorities.

1795 The Third Partition

of Poland

Three neighboring countries: Russia Prusy and Austria divided weakened

Polish country during I and II

Partitions. Despite of tries of new

reforms (first modern constitution in Europe)

finally in 1795 was The Third Partition after which Poland disappeared from

Europe maps for 123 years.

1918 Poland regained Independence

Poland regained independence after years of captivity and many fights for freedom

(November, January Uprisings). On a day of ending World War I on 11th November

1918 Regency Council created by two former occupiers – Austria and Germany, handed over the power on army to Józef Piłsudski. From that moment he was informal leader

of Polish independent country.

1939-1945World War II

The day of German attack on Poland was the first

day of World War II. Our country was occupied by Germany and Russia. During this time 6 million

of Polish people were killed, many cities were destroyed eg. Warsaw. The end of war didn't mean independence

for Poland. The leaders of Russia, Great Britain and USA decided about

our country and its borders during

the conferences. We got caught by Russia and it meant Communism.

1989Round Table Talks

From some time antycommunist opposition was getting stronger and stronger. Workers together with Polish

Intelligence organized strikes and protests so strongly that government was made to sign August Agreement in 1980

thanks to which The Solidarity was created with Lech Wałęsa on the top. The government was afraid

of opposition so between 1981 and 1983 it put into martial law. It didn't stop the changes so in 1989 both sides

proceeded to Round Table Talks what was the beginning of ending Communism in Poland.

2004 Poland joined

European Union

After ending of Communism Polish started to rebuilt democratic country. They carried out all necessary

reforms, joined to NATO, led to leaving Russian Army from Poland and finally

they joined to EU.This event presented Poland as equal partner

in European cultural circle and Poland became a member of the most important international

organization. It opened Polish to international contacts.