Pilsudski's May Coup (1926)

The Pilsudski's May Coup of 1926 was a military-led overthrow of the Polish government by Marshal Józef Piłsudski. Frustrated with political chaos, corruption, and ineffective parliamentary democracy, Piłsudski seized control to stabilize the country. He dissolved the parliament, suspended certain freedoms, and installed a more authoritarian regime. Although it was not a traditional war, it was a decisive act that shifted Poland from parliamentary democracy to a government with stronger executive authority. The coup reflected Piłsudski’s desire to restore order and sovereignty, influencing Poland’s political direction for years to come.