Piłsudski's May Coup

Piłsudski's May Coup in 1926 was a military-led overthrow of the Polish government by Józef Piłsudski, a prominent military leader and statesman. Facing political instability, weak government authority, and disagreements among political factions, Piłsudski believed stronger leadership was necessary. He and his supporters seized control in a swift, largely bloodless military action, establishing a more authoritarian government. The coup aimed to restore order and stability, impacting Poland's political trajectory by reducing parliamentary power and strengthening executive authority, and it marked a pivotal shift from parliamentary democracy toward a more centralized leadership style.