Polish Independence Day

National Independence Day ( _pl. Narodowe Święto Niepodległości) is a public holiday in Poland celebrated every year on 11 November to commemorate the anniversary of Poland's assumption of independent statehood in 1918 after 123 years of partitions by Austro-Hungary, Prussia and Russia.

Date's significance

The process of restoration of Poland's independence was gradual; the date chosen is the one on which Józef Piłsudski assumed control of Poland. The Independence Day was constitued in 1937 and was celebrated only twice before World War II. In Peoples' Republic of Poland (PRL) the holiday was moved into 22 July, when pro-soviet government kept control in Poland. Since 1989 the Independence Day was moved into 11 November.

Calendar of events

*5th November 1916 - Act of November 5th
*14th January 1917 - The Temporary Council of the State started its activity.
*12th November 1917 - Regency Council took over responsibilities.
*7th October 1918 - Regency Council announced Poland's independence.
*25th October 1918 - Józef Świeżyński was the first Polish prime minister.
*6th/7th November 1918 - Ignacy Daszyński established a Polish provisional government.
*10th November 1918 - Józef Piłsudski came to Warsaw.
*11th November 1918 - Piłsudski was appointed Commander in Chief of Polish forces by the Regency Council and was entrusted with creating a national government for the newly independent country.