Poland's history is a long and varied one. It includes medieval tribes, Christianization and monarchy; expansionism and becoming one of the largest European powers; two world wars, communism and the restoration of democracy.
The Catholic Church has a strong presence in Polish culture and has played an important role in the country's development. It has brought science, culture and higher society to the country.
In the modern age, the Catholic Church has also had a strong influence on the nation's politics and economy. Pope John Paul II and the Solidarity trade union influenced the Polish people's resistance to communism in Eastern Europe, leading to the end of Soviet control over the country.
Catholicism has been a part of the Polish landscape for generations, and many Poles feel it is their foundation for identity. A recent survey showed that almost half of Polish citizens believe that religion is essential to their daily lives.
Protestantism has also had an impact on the Polish people's lives. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Evangelicals came to Poland from Germany and Austria and established churches throughout the country.
This religious movement was a key factor in the development of the Polish national identity and helped Poland develop into one of the most powerful nations in Europe. The Reformation sparked many changes in the Polish religious landscape, and a new emphasis on morality was introduced into Polish culture.
During the late 17th and early 18th centuries, Poland was the center of a great deal of scholastic learning in Europe. The University of Krakow was the seat of many of the greatest scholars and teachers of this time.
As Poland grew in size and wealth, its culture flourished as well. This resulted in the formation of several distinct eras of art and architecture.
Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo shaped the Polish visual landscape. It also led to the creation of some of Poland's greatest artists, including Jan Matejko and Wladyslaw Wojtyla.
By the mid-18th century, Polish art was at the peak of its creativity. During this period, the Polish Baroque art style gained a worldwide reputation.
The Polish Renaissance was another popular era. The period saw the development of a distinctive language, the introduction of the national symbol - the tricorne hat and the Polish national identity.
In the 19th century, the Polish national identity was under threat. The Russian Empire, Prussia and Austria were vying to take Polish territory from the Baltic Sea. In response, the Poles reformed their government and army.
During this period, Poland also experienced a number of economic problems that would lead to revolutions across the continent. These include the collectionivisation of agriculture, which caused major social unrest.
These problems were overcome by the introduction of a new system of government. The "Small Constitution" was passed in 1947 by the Legislative Sejm, and this constitution remained in place until 1952.
The first post-war elections were held in 1989 and the Third Republic of Poland was born. This period of transition from communism to a capitalist economy and parliamentary democracy was a challenging time for the country, but it eventually resulted in the end of Soviet rule over Poland and Eastern Europe.
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