The National Day of the Silesian Uprisings commemorates a series of three historic uprisings from 1919 to 1921 when Polish-Silesian insurrectionists fought to have Upper Silesia transferred from German control to the newly independent Polish state.
Quick Facts
When is it: June 20th annually
Tagged as: National Holiday (non-working day)
What’s the hashtag: #SilesianUprisings #PolishHistory
When was it founded: 2022
Who founded it: President Andrzej Duda with parliamentary approval
History of the Silesian Uprisings
The Silesian Uprisings were a crucial part of Poland’s post-WWI independence struggle. The conflict involved Polish separatists fighting against German forces, with over 2,000 casualties. After international intervention and League of Nations mediation, Poland received approximately one-third of Upper Silesia, containing half its population and most industrial areas.
Timeline
- August 1919: First Uprising breaks out after massacre at Mysłowice mine
- February 1920: Second Uprising begins
- May 2-3, 1921: Third and largest uprising starts
- June 20, 1922: Polish army enters Katowice
- July 16, 1922: Official unification ceremony with Poland
Dates for Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June | 20 | Friday |
| 2026 | June | 20 | Saturday |
| 2027 | June | 20 | Sunday |
| 2028 | June | 20 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | June | 20 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | June | 20 | Thursday |
How It’s Observed
The day is marked with official ceremonies, educational events, and commemorative gatherings. While it’s a national holiday, it remains a working day in Poland.
Fun Facts About Silesian Uprisings
- The uprisings sometimes divided families, with relatives fighting on opposite sides
- The French generally supported the Polish cause while British and Italian forces favored Germans
- Poland gained 49 out of 61 coal mines in the final settlement
- The uprising resulted in Poland acquiring most of Upper Silesia’s industrial capacity
Quiz
- When was the Third Silesian Uprising?
- Who led the Third Silesian Uprising?
- What percentage of industrial plants went on strike during the uprising?
(Answers: 1. May 2-3, 1921 2. Wojciech Korfanty 3. 97%)
FAQs
- Was it a public holiday? No, it’s a national holiday but not a day off work
- What was the outcome? Poland received significant industrial areas and half the population
- How many uprisings were there? Three major uprisings from 1919-1921
Related
- Polish Independence Day
- Greater Poland Uprising
- Treaty of Versailles
- Upper Silesian Plebiscite
- Polish-German Relations