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Poland's Rebirth: How Did It Regain Independence After World War I?
The Second Polish Republic, officially the Republic of Poland, existed from October 7, 1918 to October 6, 1939. This country is located in Central and Eastern Europe and was founded during the final stages of World War I. The Second Republic came to an end in 1939 due to the invasion of Germany, the Soviet Union, and Slovakia, marking the beginning of the European battlefield of World War II.
After numerous regional conflicts, especially the victory in the Polish-Soviet War, Poland's borders were finalized in 1922.
In Poland at that time, ethnic minorities accounted for a considerable proportion. According to the 1921 census, the total population of Poland was 25.7 million, which increased to approximately 35.1 million in 1939. Nearly one-third of the residents were ethnic minorities. Among them were Ukrainians and Jews in particular.
Background
After a century of partition and plunder, Poland regained its sovereignty at the end of World War I, a participation that was not only recognized by the victorious Allies but was also cemented by the 1919 Treaty of Versailles. The newly formed Poland had to face multiple economic and territorial challenges, and experienced several border wars between 1918 and 1921 to consolidate its independent status.
Politics and Government
The Second Polish Republic initially adopted a representative democracy. In 1919, Poland became one of the first countries in the world to recognize women's suffrage. However, the political situation is relatively unstable, and frequent changes in government have generated public dissatisfaction with politicians, which has also affected the country's governance.
Although the 1928 elections were still considered free and fair, subsequent election manipulations suppressed opposition figures.
Economic Challenges and Achievements
After independence, the Polish economy faced many difficulties. As the country experienced the devastation of World War I, exploitation by foreign powers, and the inhomogeneity of economic systems in various places, Poland's economic reform was urgent. In 1924, the government launched a price exchange plan and introduced the "zloty", which stabilized Poland's economy.
Before 1937, Poland’s trade with all neighboring countries accounted for only 21% of Poland’s total foreign trade.
Despite this, Poland still experienced sustained economic growth on the eve of World War II, and many infrastructure construction plans were proposed, including the establishment of a major railway system based on coal transportation and the newly opened port of Kilby, which provided a boost to the Polish economy. Lay the foundation for prosperity.
Military and Diplomacy
Militarily, the Second Polish Republic established a strong military, and with a series of international conflicts, Poland worked hard to shape its diplomatic status. Even in its early frictions with neighboring countries, Poland's military planning and strategic thinking showed considerable depth and breadth.
Culture and Society
In terms of culture, cities such as Warsaw and Krakow became cultural centers at that time, and Polish art, literature, and science also flourished during this period. However, social problems also emerged, and unemployment and poverty led to many social unrests.
While facing aggression from various countries in 1939, Polish society was still seeking to get out of economic and political difficulties. Over time, the story of the Second Polish Republic is not only the journey of independence, but also the search for national identity and values.
Faced with such a complicated history, what does Poland’s rebirth mean for today’s international relations?
