WE THREW OUR LIVES ON THE STAKE - ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF REGAINING INDEPENDENCE

This publication is the result of a scientific conference held in Kielce on November 8-9, 2018, commemorating the centenary of Poland regaining independence. It consists of fourteen articles on various topics, written by outstanding researchers of Polish history during the period of national bondage. The authors discuss various aspects of Polish history in the period between the fall of the January Uprising and the end of the Second Polish Republic.

• Study by Prof. Andrzej Nowak on the specifics of Polish history in the 19th century.
• Concepts for the reconstruction of the Polish state before and during World War I.
• The role of the Polish Legions in the struggle for independence.
• The attitude of the Catholic Church towards the idea of independence.
• Issues of care for war invalids.
• Polish historical research on the Great War before 1939.

The volume opens with an extensive study by Prof. Andrzej Nowak, which analyzes the specifics of Polish history in the 19th century, showing the unique challenges and aspirations of the Polish nation during the period of partitions. Professor Nowak thoroughly analyzes the process of shaping national consciousness and the role of culture and tradition in maintaining Polish identity in the face of repression and Germanization.

The remaining texts in the publication concern various aspects related to the regaining of independence by Poland. The authors analyze the concepts for the reconstruction of the Polish state that appeared before and during World War I, showing the complexity of the political and social debates of that time. Particular attention is paid to the role of the Polish Legions, which under the command of Józef Piłsudski fought for independence on the fronts of World War I.

The publication also discusses the attitude of the Catholic Church towards the idea of independence, showing its role in maintaining the national spirit and supporting independence aspirations. The authors also analyze issues of care for war invalids, who after the end of World War I required special care and support from the state and society. In addition, the volume contains texts devoted to Polish historical research on the Great War conducted before 1939, which show the contribution of Polish historians to understanding this breakthrough event in the history of Europe and the world.

This book is a valuable source of knowledge for all those interested in the history of Poland during the period of national bondage and the struggle for independence. Thanks to the diverse topics and the high scientific level of the articles, this publication allows for a better understanding of the complex political, social and cultural processes that led to Poland regaining independence in 1918. It is a must-read for historians, students and all lovers of Polish history.