The events that changed the history of Poland

The beginnig of Christianity – 966 r.

A polish duke Mieszko I, Poland’s first leader was converted to Christianity after marrying czech princess Dobrawa . The year 966 is recognized as the birth of the Polish nation. That moment was also

the beginning of building and writing development. Even today Poland as well as Spain and Italy is one of the most religious

countries in Europy.

Dobrawa

Mieszko I

Christianity adoption – 966 r.

By Jan Matejko 1889

The battle of Grunwald (the Polish-Lithuanian-Teutonic War)was one of

the largest battles in Medieval Europe.The polish-lithuanian army was led by the king Władysław Jagiełło while the teutonic army was led byUlrich von Jungingen. The Teutonic Knights were defeated by polish army. The Polish are proud of that victory. The painter,Jan Matejko immortalized this battle by painting an anormous painting (4m x 9m).

The battle of Grunwald July15th, 1410

The Battle of Grunwald by Jan Matejko

  XVII and XVIII century was very hard time for Poland.Our neighbours: Russia,

Austria and Germany wanted to take control over our country. They bribed members of Parliament and didn’t let them to carry out reforms that were

needed.On May 1791 Constitution was drafted. Its aim was to rescue Poland. Constitution

abolished „liberum veto”, and free election. From that time the throne became inherited by the oldest child.

The Constitution of May 3, 1791 is generally regarded as Europe's first and the world's second modern codified national constitution

Constitution of 3rd May,1791

Stanisław August Poniatowski – the king of Poland( 1764 – 1795)

3rd May Constitution 1791 (the painting by Jan Matejko, 1891)

Unfortunately’ The 3rd May Constitution’ didn’t rescue Poland from the fall. Poland's three powerful neighbours: Russia, Prussia and Austria,

each wanted to own Poland. This was all but impossible without risking war with each other. They finally settled their dispute by dividing

Poland among themselves in a series of agreements called the Three Partitions of Poland. For 123 years Poland didn’t exist on the maps of

the world. What gave independece to Poland was The end of World WarI.November 11th, 1918 is the day of regaining indepedence. To

commemorate that day ‚November 11th’ is celebrated annually as „Indepedence Day”.

The Three Partitions of Poland1795 - 1918

Partitions

Poland after the third partition ( land divided between Poland’s neighbours).

The WORLD War II. Hitler invided Poland on September 1st. On September 17th The Soviet Union invided eastern Poland. The Poles prooved how determined they are to fight and even die for their country. Many Poles were deported to labor camps. Most of Poland's Jewish population, including many non-Jews, died in Nazi death camps set up throughout Poland at Maidanek, Birkenau, and Oswiecim (Auschwitz). Poles were fighting at all fronts , on land, sea and air. They fight in Monte Casino,Tobruck.The war was finished in May 1945 but Poland was influenced by the Soviet Union. For the real freedom we had to wait till the year 1989 when Lech Wałęsa destroyed communism in Poland.

The Worls War II

Poland is the member of the European Union since May 2004. Poland is the 9th largest and the sixth most populous country in the EU.

Membership in the EU opened for polish nation opportunity to find better job abroad. Many Poles mooved to the reacher counties in the western Europe. Poland received many funds from the EU. Thanks to them Poland can develope. Another adventure of being a member of

the EU is the possibility to take part in programs like Comenius . It gives us a chance to travel and make friendship with students from Spain and

Italy.

Membership in the European Union