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Poland
regained its independence on November 11, 1918, the
day World War I ended. After the war, the country and
its economy were in ruins. It's estimated that over
one million Poles lost their lives in WWI. All state
institutions had to be rebuilt. Even the borders had
to be redefined. The frontiers of the Second Republic
(sometimes called the Versailles Poland), were formed
along historical and cultural lines. There were, however,
two major exceptions: Upper Silesia, whose population
was still predominantly Polish was left outside the
country's borders while Gdansk was transformed into
the so called Free City of Danzig (Gdansk), within which
Poland exercised only restricted authority.
In
1919 Poland had to struggle with Bolshevik's. During
the battle, known as 'the Miracle on the Vistula' in
October 1920, marshal Józef Pi³sudski defeated the Red
Army. This victory saved the weakened Western Europe
from the Soviet conquest.
In
spite of independence the country had enormous economic
and social problems. At last in may 1926 Pi³sudski seized
power in a military coup. He held on it until his death
in 1935.
After
Pilsudski's death Poland was in a rather bad international
situation. Between Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia, Poland
could hardly look ahead with hope.
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