National Day of the Victorious Greater Poland Uprising
The National Day of the Victorious Greater Poland Uprising is a Polish national holiday commemorating the successful rebellion that took place from 1918-1919, which freed the Greater Poland region from German occupation and incorporated it into the newly independent Polish state.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: December 27th
- Tagged as: National Holiday, Historical Commemoration
- What’s the hashtag?: #GreaterPolandUprising #VictoriousUprising
- When was it founded?: November 23, 2021
- Who founded it?: Established by the Polish Parliament and signed into law by President Andrzej Duda
History of the Greater Poland Uprising
The Greater Poland Uprising broke out on December 27, 1918, in Poznań following a patriotic speech by Ignacy Paderewski, who would later become Poland’s Prime Minister. This rebellion was unique as it was one of the few Polish independence uprisings that ended successfully. The uprising began when Poles in Poznań rose against German rule after the end of World War I and the fall of the German Empire.
The success of the uprising can be attributed to several factors, including well-educated and organized Polish social groups, favorable external political conditions with the invaders in conflict, and the weakening of German governmental control in the region. By mid-January 1919, Polish forces had liberated most of the Greater Poland province, and in June 1919, the Treaty of Versailles officially recognized the region as part of the newly independent Poland.
Timeline
- December 27, 1918: The uprising begins in Poznań with fighting breaking out in front of the police headquarters. Poles capture the main train station, post office, and part of the city fortifications.
- December 28, 1918: Insurgents capture Cytadela (a main stronghold) in Poznań. Captain Stanisław Taczak is promoted to temporary commander-in-chief.
- December 29, 1918: Polish forces capture multiple towns including Grodzisk Wielkopolski, Kłecko, and Gostyń.
- January 6, 1919: Poznań is completely freed from German control.
- February 16, 1919: The Trier Truce acknowledges insurgents’ gains, with the Greater Poland front recognized as a war front of allied countries.
- June 28, 1919: The Treaty of Versailles confirms the victory, returning almost the entire Greater Poland region to Poland.
Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | December 27 | Saturday |
| 2026 | December 27 | Sunday |
| 2027 | December 27 | Monday |
| 2028 | December 27 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | December 27 | Thursday |
| 2030 | December 27 | Friday |
How the Day is Observed
The National Day of the Victorious Greater Poland Uprising is celebrated with various commemorative events throughout Poland, especially in the Greater Poland region and its capital, Poznań. At 4:40 PM—the historic hour when the fighting broke out—sirens sound across the city, and public transportation stops for a minute of silence. Citizens gather at the Wielkopolska Insurgents Monument for ceremonies that include singing the national anthem and raising the Polish flag.
Celebrations extend beyond formal ceremonies to include concerts, marches, runs, field games, and historical reenactments. The day serves as an opportunity for Poles to express pride in their history and joy in the victory that helped shape modern Poland.
Fun Facts About the Greater Poland Uprising
- The uprising resulted in 2,261 fatalities according to Poland’s Institute of National Remembrance.
- Polish insurgents captured the Ławica airport, gaining access to several hundred airplanes.
- The Greater Poland Uprising was the largest independence rebellion on the territory of partitioned Poland that ended successfully.
- The uprising was initially planned for early 1919, but events in Poznań in late December 1918 triggered an earlier start.
- The first shot of the uprising was fired before 5:00 PM on December 27, 1918.
Quiz
- When did the Greater Poland Uprising break out?
- Who gave the patriotic speech that preceded the uprising?
- What treaty officially confirmed the victory of the Greater Poland Uprising?
- What year was the National Day of the Victorious Greater Poland Uprising first celebrated?
(Answers: 1. December 27, 1918; 2. Ignacy Paderewski; 3. The Treaty of Versailles; 4. 2021)
FAQs
Q: Why is the Greater Poland Uprising considered unique in Polish history?
A: It’s one of the few Polish independence uprisings that ended in success, resulting in the incorporation of Greater Poland into the newly independent Polish state.
Q: How long did the uprising last?
A: The uprising lasted from December 27, 1918, until the Treaty of Versailles officially confirmed Polish control of the region in June 1919.
Q: Was the uprising planned?
A: The uprising was initially planned for early 1919, but circumstances in Poznań in late December 1918 led to its earlier, somewhat spontaneous outbreak.
Importance of the National Day
The National Day of the Victorious Greater Poland Uprising serves as a reminder of a crucial moment in Polish history when local citizens successfully fought for their independence. It honors the sacrifice of those who fought to free Greater Poland from German rule and celebrates their contribution to the formation of modern Poland.
The holiday strengthens regional identity and national pride, connecting contemporary Poles with their historical heritage. By commemorating this successful uprising, Poland acknowledges the importance of civilian resistance and the power of unified action in achieving national sovereignty.
Related
- Independence Day of Poland (November 11)
- Constitution Day (May 3)
- Warsaw Uprising Remembrance Day (August 1)
- National Independence Day (November 11)
- Armed Forces Day (August 15)