
Polish Independence
Polish independence refers to Poland's emergence as a sovereign nation after over a century of partitions and foreign rule. From the late 18th century, Poland was divided among Russia, Prussia, and Austria. The nation regained its independence in 1918 after World War I, driven by national identity and the weakening of the empires that controlled it. This moment marked the establishment of the Second Polish Republic. However, Poland faced challenges, including invasions during World War II and long periods of communist rule after the war, before finally establishing a stable democratic government in the late 20th century.