Poland's History and the Poland of Today

Poland’s first recognition as its own independent state began during the middle of the 10th century, by the 16th century it started to become even more powerful by gaining vast amounts of land in the central and eastern parts of Europe. During the 18th century there were various disputes on what to do with Poland among powerful monarchies. In 1772 and 1795 there were treaties created between Russia, Prussia, and Austria that split Poland into three sections. These treaties were done in an effort to create peace between these power hungry nations, but it inevitably failed. Finally in 1918 Poland had finally gained its independence as a nation. However its celebration was short lived when Germany and the Soviet Union (USSR) would take over Poland in World War II. It would be in January 1939, when Poland’s future would soon take a dark turn and enter an era full of communism. In 1990, almost 41 years later after Poland was invaded, Poland finally got rid of communism with solidarity that was one in free elections. Also In 1999 Poland joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and then the European Union in 2004. Currently Poland is still and active member of the Euro-Atlantic Organizations, and is one of the world’s most successful countries today.

Poland’s government is Republican and its capital is Warsaw. Poland’s chief of state is President Bronislaw Komorowski and has been since August 6, 2010. Its Head of Government is Prime Minister Donald Tusk since November 16, 2007; Janusz Piechocinski has been Deputy Prime Minister since December 6, 2012 and Elzbieta Bienkowska has been Deputy Prime Minister since November 27, 2013. Council of Ministers respond to the prime minister and the Sejm; the prime minister proposes, the...

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... the bottom stripe being red with the dimensions of 5 feet by 8 feet. These colors were based off of the colors of Poland’s national coat of arms. The coat of arms consists of a white eagle (with a gold crown on top of his head) on a red shield. The white section of the flag symbolizes peace and honesty, and the red section symbolizes the bloodshed in Poland’s fight for independence. It represents the bravery, strength, and valor of the all Polish soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country. This flag was adopted as Poland’s national flag on Feb 9, 1990, and the national colors have stayed white and red since Poland proclaimed independence from Russia in 1831. Another interesting fact is that on May 2nd is Poland’s Flag Day, and even though it is not a public holiday it is a day to honor and respect the flag that was inspired by the sacrifices of others.