10 interesting facts about Poland – a country that has survived a lot, but managed to recover

The history of Poland is complex and sometimes dramatic. The country experienced devastation and divisions. Its lands have always attracted neighboring states, and therefore the inhabitants of the country had to defend their possessions with a sword in their hands. But, despite all these difficulties, the state each time was reborn from the ruins and rebuilt anew.

Modern Poland is a developed European state with its own unique history, culture and economy. The population of the country is more than 38 million people, the area of ​​the state is 312 km679. The capital is located in Warsaw, the official language is Polish.

Each state has a unique history intertwined with various legends. This country is no exception either. Let’s talk about 10 interesting facts about Poland that will make you curious.

10 Date of creation of the state 966

Date of creation of the state of Poland 966. At this time, from 960, Prince Mieszko I ruled the Polish territories. He was a wise and far-sighted ruler. Under him, many new lands were annexed to Poland, as a result, the country’s territory doubled.

The prince ruled alone, and he was helped in this by a large army with military leaders and retinue.

After marrying the Czech princess Mieszko converted to Christianity, and the pagan, until that moment, the country also began to accept the faith. It happened in 966, therefore, in historical documents, this year is considered the moment of the formation of Poland.

9. Became a kingdom in 1025

After the death of Mieszko I in 992, his son Bolesław became the ruler of Poland. He was a smart and resourceful politician. Continuing the work of his father, Boleslav strengthened the power of the state and annexed significant territories to his possessions. For his courage in battles, the prince received the nickname Brave.

In addition to military operations, Boleslav continued to promote Christianity and sent peaceful missions to the territories occupied by the Prussians. When it was not possible to agree on peace, the prince advanced with war.

The prince managed to resolve the long-term conflict with Germany peacefully at the Gniezne Congress in 1000. Therefore, later the recognition of the German ruler Otto II, who considered Boleslav his partner and named brother, and the Pope led the Prince of Poland to the coronation, and she herself Poland became a kingdom on April 18, 1025.

8. In 1795 the state was divided

During its history, the state has undergone three divisions. It all started in 1772, when the Commonwealth was divided between Russia, Prussia and Austria. The hard and dark times for the country after this partition gave way to an upswing in the late 1780s. At this time, Russia withdrew its occupying troops from Polish lands.

In 1788, the “Four-Year Diet” set itself the task of renovating the country through reforms, and a constitution appeared. However, the dissatisfied gentry began to seek support from Russia, as a result of which the Russian troops again entered the territory of Poland, canceling the constitution.

Simultaneously with the Russian troops at that time, the Prussian army also entered the territory of Poland. This led to a second division of land in 1793 between Russia and Prussia. The uprising led by Kosciuszko, which arose as a result of the next partition, eventually led to the capitulation of Warsaw.

And in 1795, the state was divided for the third time, this event led to the complete disappearance of Poland from the map.

7. Second country in the world to have a constitution

May 3, 1791 marked by the appearance of the constitution of Poland. According to the code of adopted laws, Poland became a hereditary monarchy, and power in the country was given to the parliament and ministers, who were elected every 2 years.

According to this document, the “Liberium veto” was canceled, a regular army was organized, and administrative and judicial powers were transferred to the cities. In addition to these innovations, the first steps were taken towards the abolition of serfdom.

Poland’s history was recognized as the second country in the world to have a constitution and the first country in Europe to have a written set of rules.

6. Family of Nicolaus Copernicus

Poland is a country that has given the world many famous people and scientists. For example, it is the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus, the author of the heliocentric system of the world.

The famous mechanic, mathematician and astronomer was born in 1473 in Torun. At that time, this city became part of Poland, which is why it is considered his homeland.

As for nationality, historians are still arguing here: Copernicus was born in a family where his mother was German and his father was Polish.

5. Birthplace of Frederic Chopin

Another famous person for whom Poland is the homeland is Frederic Chopin.. The famous pianist and composer was born in 1810 in a village near Warsaw into a family of intelligent parents.

My father taught German and French languages, literature, and also kept a boarding school for pupils of the lyceum, where he was a teacher.

Mother received an excellent education, as she was from the gentry family of the Krzyzhanovskis, spoke French, sang well and played the piano. Therefore, music accompanied Frederick from childhood.

Chopin became a representative of musical romanticism and the founder of the Polish school of composition, made a huge contribution to world music. In his mature years from 1830, Chopin lived and worked in France, leaving Poland for good.

4. One of the most educated nations

The Poles are an intellectually developed people and one of the most educated nations in the world.. Seventeen natives of the country throughout history have been awarded the Nobel Prize. And Nicolaus Copernicus put forward the theory of the heliocentric structure of the world, thereby laying the foundation for the first scientific revolution.

3. Marie Curie is the world’s only Nobel Prize winner in two different sciences

There are not so many women laureates in the natural sciences, and only one of all the nominees has entered the history of this award.

Marie Curie is the world’s only Nobel Prize winner in two different sciences. In 1903, this woman was awarded a prize in physics (in this science, Maria is one of only two women to become a laureate in physics in history), and in 1911 she took the Nobel Prize in chemistry.

Maria was born in Warsaw in a family of teachers. She graduated with honors from high school, and then from the Sorbonne, where she became the first female teacher. In 1894, a young woman met the physicist Pierre Curie and became his wife. After Pierre’s death in 1906, Marie becomes the first female professor at the Sorbonne and heads the department of physics.

Marie Curie continued her research in chemistry and discovered the metal radium and polonium, thus laying the foundation for medical radiology. Today, this area of ​​medicine is represented by radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. For her discovery in this area, Maria was awarded her second Nobel Prize.

All the money she received for the awards was used for new research and discoveries.

2. There is no nuclear power plant

In the 80s of the 20th century, the construction of the Zarnowiec nuclear power plant began in northern Poland. According to the plan, the station was supposed to have four units and a total capacity of 1860 MW.

However, after the tragedy that happened in 1986 in Chernobyl, construction was stopped already in 1990. To date, this station has remained unfinished and Poland does not have a single nuclear power plant.

1. The state was able to achieve independence and stability, despite all the historical difficulties

Poland has come a long way and has overcome partitions and wars on its way to becoming an independent country. In 1918, the state was able to achieve independence and stability, despite all the historical difficulties.

On November 11, 1918, the first armistice of Copien was signed, which recognized the defeat of Germany in the First World War. At that time, Marshal Jozef Pilsudski arrived in Warsaw, who became the head of an independent state.