Warsaw became a true capital in 1920

The history of Warsaw still raises many questions, especially if we look at it through the prism of today’s experiences. Błażej Brzostek, author of the book “Wstecz. Historia Warszawy do początku” (“Backwards. A history of Warsaw to the beginning”) talks about the changing directions of the city’s development, giving historical understanding of the capital city…



Chicago, the Polish city

An estimated 3 million Poles left their country between 1850 and 1914. The most common direction of their emigration was Chicago in the United States. As a result, the second biggest population of Polish people still lives in this city today, outside Poland! How did it happen that people from Polish lands started to migrate…


Alexandra Richie: The Warsaw Uprising remains a symbol of the struggles which have been made by the Poles in the name of freedom

On the 1st of August Poland will commemorate the 76th Anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising. It was one of the final chapters of the World War II and one of the largest acts of resistance both against Nazi and Soviet totalitarianisms. Alexandra Richie, a Canadian historian living in Warsaw, vividly depicted the Uprising’s fate in…


A young Girl and a Mighty Queen: the Exceptional Jadwiga of Anjou

After the coronation of Jagiełło, Jadwiga was still formally King, and not just the wife of the monarch. As she matured, she increasingly often took the initiative in matters of the state and, in the final years of her life, was an independent politician, able to effectively negotiate with neighbours and set them tough conditions….


The message of Chopin's music transcends the boundaries of musical cultures

polishhistory: Let us begin with the issue that raises disputes among historians. When should we really celebrate Fryderyk Chopin’s birthday? Zbigniew Skowron: This question remains unresolved to this day because two dates are at stake. In the light of the official document, which is Chopin’s birth certificate dated 22 February 1810, one should celebrate his…


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