Timeline of Poland

Chronology

16 events spanning the history of Poland. BCE/CE dating.

1. 966

   Duke Mieszko I became Poland’s first recorded Christian leader.

   Duke Mieszko I became Poland’s first recorded Christian leader.

2. 966 – 1370

   The Piast Polish Dynasty

   The Piast Polish Dynasty.

3. 1382 – 1572

   The Jagiellonian Dynasty

   The Jagiellonian Dynasty.

4. 1572 – 1795

   The Royal Republic

   The Royal Republic.

5. 1596

   Poland’s capital city is moved from Krakow to Warsaw.

   Poland’s capital city is moved from Krakow to Warsaw.

6. 1700

   The Three Partitions of Poland - Russia, Prussia and Austria divide Poland amongst themselves.

   The Three Partitions of Poland - Russia, Prussia and Austria divide Poland amongst themselves.

7. 1793

   During the Second Partition, Russia and Prussia take over half of what was left of Poland.

   During the Second Partition, Russia and Prussia take over half of what was left of Poland.

8. 1870

   Russia attempts to eradicate Polish culture.

   Russia attempts to eradicate Polish culture, making Russian the official language of the Russian partition. Prussia does the same in their portion of Poland, attempting to Germanicize Poles. Under the Austrian partition, Galician Poles are allowed to retain some autonomy.

9. 1918

   Poland becomes independent.

   Poland becomes independent as WWI comes to an end. The country was devastated by the war. Approximately one million Poles died. All Polish institutions had to be rebuilt as the country once again formed a nation. The official boundaries are not set until 1923.

10. 1919

    The Treaty of Versailles gives Poland western Prussia, thus getting access to the Baltic Sea.

    The Treaty of Versailles gives Poland western Prussia, thus getting access to the Baltic Sea.