The roots of the Polish state trace back to the 10th century with the establishment of the Piast dynasty and the Christianization of Poland under Duke Mieszko I. The Kingdom of Poland was formally recognized in 1025, and by the 14th century, under the Jagiellonian dynasty, Poland had become a significant European power, eventually forming a strong political union with Lithuania in 1569, known as the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This period was marked by a unique system of "Golden Liberty," where the nobility had significant political influence.

However, the late 18th century brought partition and decline, as Poland was divided among the Russian Empire, the Kingdom of Prussia, and the Habsburg Monarchy in three successive partitions, ceasing to exist as an independent nation by 1795. Poland regained independence after World War I, only to face occupation and immense devastation during World War II, particularly during the Nazi and Soviet invasions. After the war, Poland fell under Soviet influence and became a communist state until the Solidarity movement, led by Lech Wałęsa, catalyzed a peaceful transition to democracy in 1989.

Poland