World War I

• Context


  Poland's partitions by neighbouring powers—Russia, Prussia, and Austria—left the country non-existent for over a century.
• World War I


  Created conditions for Poland to regain independence, as the empires that partitioned Poland became embroiled in a devastating conflict.
• Polish Participation


  Created conditions for Poland to regain independence, as the empires that partitioned Poland became embroiled in a devastating conflict.
• Opportunity


  Collapse of the Russian Empire and Bolshevik Revolution provided an opportunity for Poland to assert its independence.
• Declaration of Independence


  Poland declared independence on November 11, 1918, at the end of World War I.
• Challenges


  Poland faced territorial disputes, conflicts with neighbouring states, and internal political tensions after independence.
• Legacy


  Recovery of independence shaped the course of Polish history in the 20th century, laying the foundation for the modern Polish state.