History of Poland

Poland's history as a state begins near the middle of the 10th century. By the mid-16th century, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth ruled a vast tract of land in central and eastern Europe. During the 18th century, internal disorders weakened the nation, and in a series of agreements between 1772 and 1795, Russia, Prussia, and Austria partitioned Poland among themselves.

Poland regained its independence in 1918 only to be drag out by the Soviet Union and Germany in World War II. It became a Soviet satellite state following the war, but its government was comparatively tolerant and progressive. Labor turmoil in 1980 led to the formation of the independent trade union "Solidarity" that over time became a political force with over ten million members. Free elections held in 1989 and 1990 won Solidarity control of the parliament and the presidency, bringing the close of Communist era. A "shock therapy" program during the early 1990s enabled the country to transform its economy into one of the most sturdy and powerful in Central Europe.

In year 1999 Poland joined NATO and in 2004 the European Union. With its transformation to a democratic, market-oriented country largely completed, Poland is an increasingly robust member of Euro-Atlantic organizations.

 

European Commission Council of Europe European Migration Network Migration Policy Institute International Organization for Migration