Poland (Twilight of a New Era)

Poland (Polish: Polska), officially the Republic of Poland (Rzeczpospolita Polska), is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; Austria-Hungary to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea, Danzig and East Prussia, to the north.

Poland was established has an independent state after the Polish National Independence War (1919-1920) on the former territories of the Russian Empire and Germany. During World War I, the Imperial German Army occupied the future territory of Poland and installed puppet local government councils. The Polish Legions where formed has breakaway from the Austro-Hungarian Army by the Germans. In March 1919 on the surrender of Germany, most of the members of the Polish Legions refused to swear allegiance to the emperor and were interned. Several successful mutinies establish them has independent army forces. The uprising of Warsaw (May 1920) marks the beginning of the Polish National Independence War and the creation the Polish Volunteer Army is formed. Later both forces (Polish Legions and Polish Volunteer Army) are organized into the Polish National Army.

The Red Army, composed of Russian and Belorussian forces advance in Polish territory with the intention of establishing a socialist republic. The Battle of Warsaw lasted less then a week before polish forces reoccupied the city and pushed back the red army. The Polish Volunteer Army besides confronting the Red Army it also had to deal with German Army. The Polish occupation of the Prussian provinces of West Prussia, Posen and Silesia.

In May 1920 it is proclaimed the Republic by the Polish National Council. At the same time Polish Revolutionary Committee ( Polrewkom) in Białystok proclaims the People's Republic of Poland. Having to deal with the White Forces, the revolutionary goverment of Russia signed a truced (June 1920) provisionally estabished the border of Belarus and Poland.

The Treaty of Versailles, besides recognizing the independence of Poland and German-Polish borders in the Baltic region. It established the access and use of the port of Danzig. The recognition of the Belarussian and Lithuanian minorities within the State. The war with socialist Russia and Belarus and downfall of Polrewkom created an anti-left coalition and sentiment.