Kingdom of Poland

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Ustawa sukcesyjna Bolesława Krzywoustego hu

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Wiec Kazimierz Wielki

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Kingdom of Poland refers to several historical states that have existed on the territory of the present-day Poland under monarchical rule. The concept and geographical extent of the Kingdom of Poland have varied over the centuries, from its early medieval inception to its modern period before the establishment of the Polish People's Republic following World War II. This article provides an overview of the different forms the Kingdom of Poland has taken, highlighting its political, social, and cultural developments.

Early History

The foundation of the Polish state can be traced back to the 10th century, with the establishment of a duchy under the Piast dynasty. The most notable figure of this era was Mieszko I, who adopted Christianity in 966, a pivotal event that is often considered the founding of the Polish state. His son, Bolesław I the Brave, was crowned in 1025, marking the beginning of the Kingdom of Poland.

The Piast Dynasty

Under the Piast dynasty (), the Kingdom of Poland expanded its territories and played a significant role in European medieval politics. The kingdom reached its zenith under Casimir III the Great, who reigned from 1333 to 1370. Casimir is remembered for his legal reforms and for extending the kingdom's borders to the east.

The Jagiellonian Dynasty

The marriage of Jadwiga of Poland to Lithuanian Grand Duke Władysław II Jagiełło in 1386 led to the establishment of the Jagiellonian dynasty (), which ruled over a Polish-Lithuanian union. This period is marked by significant military victories, such as the Battle of Grunwald in 1410, and cultural flourishing, with the foundation of the Jagiellonian University in 1364.

The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth

The Union of Lublin in 1569 transformed the personal union between Poland and Lithuania into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, a federal state more integrated than before, yet retaining much of the autonomy of its constituent parts. The Commonwealth was a notable example of parliamentary monarchy, with the Sejm (parliament) playing a crucial role in governance. However, internal disputes and foreign invasions led to a period of decline known as the Deluge and eventually to the partitions of Poland in the late 18th century, which erased the Kingdom of Poland from the map of Europe.

Partitions and Rebirth

Following the partitions, the Polish people struggled for independence, resulting in brief periods of sovereignty, such as the Duchy of Warsaw under Napoleon and the Congress Kingdom established by the Congress of Vienna. Full independence was not regained until the end of World War I, with the re-establishment of the Polish state.

The Second Polish Republic and World War II

The interwar period saw the establishment of the Second Polish Republic, which was again invaded and partitioned by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union at the outset of World War II. The post-war settlement led to the establishment of a communist state, the Polish People's Republic, under Soviet influence.

Modern Poland

The fall of communism in 1989 marked the beginning of the modern Republic of Poland, a democratic state that has since become a member of both the European Union and NATO.

Conclusion

The Kingdom of Poland has a rich and complex history, marked by periods of great power and cultural achievement, as well as times of partition and foreign domination. Its legacy continues to shape the modern Polish state and its place in Europe.