Poland Now

Poland emerged from World War II twenty percent smaller in territory and one-third reduced in population. There were enormous problems of reconstruction with regard to people property, government, and Church. Under Boleslaw Bierut, the Communist leader from 1945 to 1956, Poland advanced as an industrialized socialist state with progress in culture, education, health and social welfare. However, there was excessive dogmatic administrative pressure and the results were the Poznan riots in 1956, which brought the more liberal Secretary-General Wladyslaw Gomulka to power. Thereafter the standard of living rose, there was more artistic freedom, and Church-State relations were improved. In 1966, Poland observed the millennium of its conversion to Christianity.

Unfortunately, Gomulka returned to more repressive methods of government and he had to resign in 1970, because of widespread unrest and economic and political crises. He was replaced by Edward Gierek who pledged to raise living standards, modernize industry, and improve Church- State relations.

Hopefully, the election, on October 16, 1978, of Cardinal Karol Wojtyla as the first Polish Pope will help to affirm strong Polish consciousness and advance political and religious freedom.

Adam Mickiewiez,
The Great Improciisation

Early History | Beginnings of Christianity | Early Leadership | First Rulers | The Latin Rite | A New Dynasty | The Queen of Poland

The End of the Monarchy | The Partition | Cultural Leaders | Poland Now