Events with tag - Polish History

March 1000

Congress of Gniezno

The Congress of Gniezno was one of the most important events in medieval Polish history. In the year 1000, Bolesław the Brave and Emperor Otto III, along with their entourage of church and secular dignitaries, met in Gniezno. This event led to the establishment of an independent Polish church organization and significantly strengthened Poland's position in Europe.

April 18, 1025

Coronation of Bolesław the Brave

The coronation of Bolesław the Brave as the first King of Poland, which took place on April 18, 1025, at the Gniezno Cathedral, was a pivotal moment in Polish history. This event symbolically marked the birth of Polish statehood and significantly strengthened Poland's position in the international arena. The coronation was the culmination of Bolesław's years-long efforts to strengthen Poland's position and gain independence from the German Empire.

January 1, 1136

Wieliczka Salt Mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is a unique mining monument with documented history dating back to the 12th century. The first mentions of salt extraction come from a papal bull of 1136, and the site has transformed from a medieval mining center into a world-class tourist attraction.

September 13, 1195

Battle of Mozgawa

The Battle of Mozgawa (September 13, 1195) was one of the most important armed conflicts in medieval Poland. The clash between the forces of Mieszko III the Old and those of young Leszek the White, supported by Roman of Halych, led to significant changes in the political power structure of the Piast state.

June 15, 1226

Establishment of the Teutonic Order State

In 1226, Duke Konrad of Masovia invited the Teutonic Order to Poland, granting them the Chełmno Land as a base for fighting against pagan Prussians. This event initiated the establishment of a powerful monastic state in the Baltic region.

April 9, 1241

Battle of Legnica

The Battle of Legnica on April 9, 1241, was one of the most significant events in medieval Polish history. In this battle, Polish forces under the command of Duke Henry II the Pious resisted the Mongol invasion of Europe. Despite the defeat and death of the duke, the battle contributed to slowing down the Mongol expansion westward across the continent.

January 1, 1285

Defensive Walls of Krakow

Monumental city fortifications of Krakow, built from 1285, consisting of 2.7 km long walls, 47 towers and 8 city gates. The defensive system was a key element in the development of the medieval city and its position as the capital of the Polish Kingdom.

June 26, 1295

Coronation of Przemysł II

The coronation of Przemysł II as King of Poland at Gniezno Cathedral on June 26, 1295, was a pivotal moment in Polish history. This event ended the period of feudal fragmentation and initiated the process of unifying Polish lands. The coronation ceremony, conducted by Archbishop Jakub Świnka, restored Poland's status as a kingdom after more than 150 years.

February 8, 1296

Death of Przemysł II

On February 8, 1296, in Rogoźno, King Przemysł II of Poland, the last ruler from the Greater Poland line of the Piast dynasty, was murdered. The assassination was carried out as a result of a conspiracy involving the Margraves of Brandenburg and members of the Nałęcz and Zaremba noble families. This event ended the attempt to unify the Polish state and initiated a long-lasting political crisis.

October 1, 1306

Ladislaus Takes Control of Kraków

In October 1306, Władysław the Short (Ladislaus I of Poland) assumed power in Kraków after the death of the last Přemyslid, Wenceslaus III. This breakthrough event initiated the process of unifying Polish lands, which led to Ladislaus's coronation as King of Poland in 1320.

November 13, 1308

Capture of Gdańsk by the Teutonic Knights

On November 13, 1308, the Teutonic Order seized Gdańsk, carrying out a massacre of its inhabitants. This event, known as the Gdańsk massacre, led to the Order taking control of the city for the next 150 years and fundamentally changed the balance of power in the Pomeranian region.

May 14, 1311

Vogt Albert's Rebellion

One of the most important bourgeois uprisings in medieval Poland, which broke out in Kraków in 1311. The rebellion was led by Vogt Albert, who, along with German burghers, attempted to take control of the city and gain independence from the rule of Władysław the Elbow-high.

January 20, 1320

Unification of Poland by Władysław the Elbow-high

The unification of Poland by Władysław the Elbow-high was a turning point in Polish history. After nearly 200 years of feudal fragmentation, this prince managed to unite the fragmented Polish lands into one kingdom. The unification process culminated in the coronation of Władysław the Elbow-high as King of Poland on January 20, 1320, in Wawel Cathedral.

January 20, 1320

Coronation of Władysław I the Elbow-high

The coronation of Władysław I the Elbow-high as King of Poland at Wawel Cathedral on January 20, 1320, was a pivotal event in Polish history. This ceremony ended the period of feudal fragmentation and symbolically united Polish lands under one scepter. This event restored the institution of the Kingdom of Poland after nearly 200 years of interruption.

October 16, 1325

Wedding of Casimir the Great and Aldona Anna

On October 16, 1325, the wedding of King Casimir the Great and Lithuanian Princess Aldona Anna, daughter of Grand Duke Gediminas, took place in the Wawel Cathedral. This marriage sealed the Polish-Lithuanian alliance and led to the release of 24,000 Polish prisoners.

September 27, 1331

Battle of Płowce

A key battle of medieval Poland fought on September 27, 1331, between the forces of Władysław the Elbow-High and the Teutonic Knights. Despite the lack of a decisive victory, the battle weakened the Teutonic Order and strengthened Poland's position.

April 25, 1333

Coronation of Casimir III the Great

On April 25, 1333, Casimir III the Great was crowned King of Poland at Wawel Cathedral in Kraków. This was a turning point in Polish history, marking the beginning of a period of prosperity and development for the country. Casimir III the Great, the last king of the Piast dynasty, assumed the throne after the death of his father, Władysław I the Elbow-high.

January 1, 1334

Coal Discovery in Silesia

The first documented discovery of hard coal deposits in the Silesian Basin, confirmed by the privilege granted by Duke John II the Good of Opole for coal mining in the vicinity of Bytom. This event initiated the development of mining in Silesia and transformed the region into one of the largest industrial centers in Europe.

January 1, 1347

The Statute of Wiślica

The Statute of Wiślica - a groundbreaking legal document issued in 1347 by King Casimir the Great, which unified the legal system in Lesser Poland and laid the foundations for the development of Polish legislation.

January 1, 1362

Conquest of Podolia by Casimir the Great

Casimir the Great, the last king of the Piast dynasty, made a strategic conquest of Podolia in the 1360s. The military campaign, culminating in the capture of Kamienets-Podolsky in 1362, significantly strengthened Poland's position in the east. The incorporation of this region ensured control over important trade routes and created a barrier against Tatar invasions.

May 12, 1364

Founding of the Krakow Academy

The Krakow Academy, founded by King Casimir the Great on May 12, 1364, was the second university in Central Europe. The institution was established in response to Poland's growing educational needs and aimed to educate the country's intellectual elite. It consisted of three faculties: Liberal Arts, Law, and Medicine.

September 22, 1364

Congress of Kraków

The Congress of Kraków in 1364 was the largest diplomatic event of medieval Poland, organized by King Casimir the Great. The meeting was attended by the most important monarchs of Central Europe, including Emperor Charles IV and King Louis I of Hungary. The event lasted five days and significantly influenced the balance of power in the region.

January 1, 1366

Conquest of Red Ruthenia by Casimir the Great

The conquest of Red Ruthenia by Casimir the Great was one of the most significant events in 14th-century Polish history. Between 1340-1366, the king systematically incorporated the wealthy Ruthenian lands into the Kingdom of Poland, including the strategically located Lviv. The campaign ended with the treaty of 1366, which ultimately confirmed Polish rule over this territory.

January 1, 1366

Annexation of Galicia-Volhynia to Poland

The annexation of Galicia-Volhynia (Ruthenian lands) by Casimir the Great in 1366 was one of the most significant events in medieval Polish history. This strategic move significantly expanded the state's territory, enriched it with new natural resources, and opened new trade routes. This event was the culmination of a long-term process of territorial expansion to the east.

November 5, 1370

Death of Casimir III the Great

On November 5, 1370, Casimir III the Great, the last Polish king of the Piast dynasty, died in Krakow. His death was caused by injuries sustained from falling off a horse while hunting in Przyszow. This event marked the end of Poland's Golden Age and the Piast dynasty's reign, opening a new chapter in the country's history under the Angevin rule.

March 4, 1386

Coronation of Władysław Jagiełło

On March 4, 1386, the coronation of Władysław Jagiełło as King of Poland took place at Wawel Cathedral. This event initiated the Jagiellon dynasty and led to the creation of the Polish-Lithuanian Union, one of the largest states in medieval Europe.

February 1, 1411

First Peace of Thorn

The First Peace of Thorn was a peace treaty concluded on February 1, 1411, in Thorn (Toruń), ending the Great War with the Teutonic Order (1409-1411). It was a consequence of the Polish-Lithuanian victory at the Battle of Grunwald and resulted in Poland regaining Dobrzyń Land and receiving war reparations.

July 23, 1422

Czerwińsk Privilege

In 1422, in Czerwińsk nad Wisłą (Czerwińsk upon Vistula), King Władysław Jagiełło issued the Czerwińsk Privilege - one of the most important noble privileges. The document introduced the principle of neminem captivabimus (prohibition of imprisoning nobles without a court verdict) and banned property confiscation without a court ruling, which significantly strengthened the nobility's position in the state.

March 12, 1434

Establishment of the Ruthenian Voivodeship

On March 12, 1434, King Władysław Jagiełło established the Ruthenian Voivodeship as a new administrative unit of the Kingdom of Poland. The voivodeship was created on the territories of the former Principality of Galicia-Volhynia and encompassed five lands with its capital in Lviv.

December 31, 1435

Treaty of Brześć Kujawski

The Treaty of Brześć Kujawski signed on December 31, 1435, between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order. The treaty ended a two-year armed conflict, bringing significant territorial and economic changes. Poland regained Nieszawa along with surrounding lands and obtained important trade privileges.

November 10, 1444

Polish-Turkish Wars

A series of armed conflicts between the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Ottoman Empire, lasting from the 15th to 17th centuries. The most significant moment was the Battle of Vienna in 1683 under the command of John III Sobieski, which halted Turkish expansion in Europe.

February 6, 1454

Thirteen Years' War

One of the most important military conflicts in medieval Polish history, lasting from 1454 to 1466. It began with the Act of Incorporation of Prussia into the Polish Crown by Casimir IV Jagiellon and ended with the Second Peace Treaty of Thorn.

September 14, 1454

Cerekwica-Nieszawa Privilege

The Cerekwica-Nieszawa Privilege was issued by King Casimir IV Jagiellon in 1454. This document significantly limited royal power in favor of the nobility, introducing, among others, a ban on imposing new taxes without the consent of local parliaments and the principle of personal inviolability of nobles.

June 7, 1457

The Siege of Malbork

The Siege of Malbork in 1457 was a crucial event in the Thirteen Years' War. The fortress, which symbolized the power of the Teutonic Order, was captured by Polish forces under the command of Casimir IV Jagiellon by purchasing it from Czech mercenaries for 190,000 Hungarian florins.

October 19, 1466

Second Peace of Thorn

The Second Peace of Thorn was a breakthrough peace treaty concluded on October 19, 1466, between the Kingdom of Poland and the Teutonic Order. As a result, Poland regained Pomerelia (Gdańsk Pomerania) and other territories, while the Teutonic state became a fief of the Polish Crown. The treaty ended the Thirteen Years' War and significantly changed the balance of power in Central Europe.

September 9, 1939

Battle of Bzura

The Battle of Bzura, lasting from September 9 to 22, 1939, was the largest armed clash of the September Campaign. In this battle, the Polish armies 'Poznań' and 'Pomorze' under the command of Gen. Tadeusz Kutrzeba and Gen. Władysław Bortnowski made a desperate attempt to stop the German advance on Warsaw.

September 17, 1939

Red Army Invasion of Poland

On September 17, 1939, the Red Army crossed Poland's borders, implementing the secret provisions of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. This event, along with the subsequent Soviet troops' entry in 1944, fundamentally changed Poland's fate, leading to the installation of communist rule and significant territorial changes after World War II.

September 17, 1939

Soviet occupation of eastern Poland

The Soviet occupation of eastern territories of the Second Polish Republic began on September 17, 1939, when the Red Army crossed Poland's borders. This event was a direct consequence of the secret protocol of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. The invasion led to mass deportations, repressions, and fundamental territorial and demographic changes in Poland.

September 17, 1939

Soviet Invasion of Poland

On September 17, 1939, the Soviet Union, breaking existing international treaties, launched a military invasion of Poland. The attack was the implementation of the secret protocol of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact and occurred when Poland was fighting a desperate battle against Nazi Germany. About 600,000 Red Army soldiers, supported by 4,700 tanks and 3,300 aircraft, crossed Poland's eastern border, beginning a period of Soviet occupation and mass repression against civilians.

September 17, 1939

Red Army Invasion of Poland

On September 17, 1939, the Red Army began its invasion of Poland, implementing the secret provisions of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. The attack was launched without a declaration of war while the Polish army was fighting the Germans in the west. The Soviet aggression led to the occupation of eastern Poland, mass deportations of the population, and crimes against Polish officers and intelligentsia.

September 27, 1939

Polish Underground State

The Polish Underground State was established on September 27, 1939, as a secret administrative and military structure in response to the German and Soviet occupation of Poland. It was a unique phenomenon in Europe, encompassing both civilian and military structures that operated in conspiracy throughout World War II.

October 2, 1939

Battle of Kock

The Battle of Kock (October 2-5, 1939) was the last battle of regular Polish Army units during the September Campaign. The Independent Operational Group 'Polesie' under the command of General Franciszek Kleeberg made a heroic stand against superior German forces. Despite the inevitable defeat, the battle became a symbol of Polish soldier's indomitability.

November 6, 1939

Sonderaktion Krakau

Operation Sonderaktion Krakau was a brutal action carried out by Nazi Germany on November 6, 1939, in Kraków, during which 183 academics were arrested, mainly from the Jagiellonian University. This event was part of the occupier's broader plan aimed at destroying Polish intelligentsia and culture. Most of the arrested were sent to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, where 15 professors lost their lives.

November 13, 1939

Establishment of the Union of Armed Struggle

The Union of Armed Struggle (ZWZ) was established on November 13, 1939, by order of Gen. Władysław Sikorski as the main underground organization in occupied Poland. ZWZ was formed to replace the Service for Poland's Victory and operated until its transformation into the Home Army in 1942. This organization became the foundation of the Polish Underground State during World War II.

February 8, 1940

Jewish relocations to ghettos in Poland

Mass relocations of Jews to ghettos in occupied Poland began in early 1940. It was a systematic process of Jewish population isolation, initiated by Nazi occupiers, which led to the creation of the largest ghettos in history, including the Warsaw ghetto housing over 400,000 people. These actions were a key stage in the implementation of the Nazi policy of Jewish extermination.

March 5, 1940

The Katyn Massacre

The Katyn massacre was a mass execution of approximately 22,000 Polish prisoners of war, mainly officers and members of intelligentsia, carried out by the Soviet NKVD in spring 1940. The decision to conduct the executions was made on March 5, 1940, by order of the Political Bureau of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks), signed by Stalin. The executions were carried out in Katyn, Kharkiv, and Kalinin between April and May 1940.

July 15, 1940

Polish Squadrons 302 and 303

In July and August 1940, two legendary Polish fighter squadrons were formed - 302 'Poznań' and 303 'Warszawa' Tadeusz Kościuszko Squadron, which played a crucial role in the Battle of Britain. Polish pilots demonstrated extraordinary combat effectiveness, courage, and dedication in defending British skies against the German Luftwaffe.

November 16, 1940

Establishment of the Warsaw Ghetto

On November 16, 1940, Nazi Germany officially established the Warsaw Ghetto, the largest Jewish ghetto in occupied Europe. Over 400,000 people of Jewish origin were crowded into an area of 3.4 km², separated from the rest of the city by 3-meter-high walls. This decision was part of the Nazis' broader plan to isolate and exterminate the Jewish population.

April 13, 1943

Discovery of Katyn graves

On April 13, 1943, German radio announced the discovery of mass graves of Polish officers in the Katyn Forest. This event revealed the NKVD crimes against Polish prisoners of war and state officials who were murdered by decision of the highest Soviet authorities in 1940. The discovery led to the severance of diplomatic relations between the Polish government-in-exile and the USSR.

January 17, 1945

Liberation of Warsaw by the Red Army

On January 17, 1945, the troops of the 1st Belorussian Front under the command of Marshal Georgy Zhukov entered the ruined Warsaw. This event was part of the Vistula-Oder Operation and ended the German occupation of Poland's capital. The liberation of the city opened a new chapter in the country's history, although it also brought controversies related to subsequent Soviet domination.