List of wars involving Poland
 | This articleneeds additional citations forverification.(February 2024) |
This is a chronological list of wars in whichPolandor its predecessor states of took an active part, extending from the reign ofMieszko I(960–992) to the present. This list does not includepeacekeeping operations(such asUNPROFOR,UNTAESorUNMOP),humanitarian missionsor training missions supported by thePolish Armed Forces.
The list gives the name, the date, the Polish allies and enemies, and the result of these conflicts following this legend:
- Polish victory
- Polish defeat
- Another result
- Internal conflict
- Ongoing conflict
Piast Poland (960–1138)
[edit]During theMiddle Ages,Poland sought to incorporate other fellowWest Slavicpeoples under the rule of the Polan dukes, such asMieszko I,Boleslaw I Chrobryand their descendants, and then defend the lands conquered in the west from theHoly Roman Empire.In the east and south it struggled withRuthenia,BohemiaandTatarraiders. In the north-east, it encountered intermittentLithuanianandPrussianraids.
Feudal fragmentation (1138–1320)
[edit]In 1138, after the death ofBolesław III Wrymouth,Poland was divided into districts ruled by localprinces.This began a period offeudal fragmentationthat lasted for more than 187 years during which Poland was severely weakened due to incessant internal conflicts. The feudal fragmentation ended in 1320 during the reign ofWładyslaw I Lokietek.
Reunited Kingdom of Poland (1320–1385)
[edit]In 1320, after the end of the feudal fragmentation, during the reign ofWładyslaw I Łokietekand his sonCasimir III the Great,Poland experienced a period of strong economic development, this period also increased migration to Poland especially ofGermansandJews.The period ended after the death of Casimir the Great and the assumption of the Polish throne byLouis I.
| Date | Conflict | Belligerents 1 | Belligerents 2 | Leaders | Events | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1323 | Polish–Hungarian expedition to Ruthenia[30][31] |  Kingdom of Poland Kingdom of Hungary
|
 Kingdom of Galicia–Volhynia
|
Victory | ||
| 1326 | Raid on Brandenburg | Kingdom of Poland
|
 Margraviate of Brandenburg
|
Victory | ||
| 1326–
1332 |
Polish-Teutonic War | Kingdom of Poland
|
 Teutonic Knights
|
Indecisive | ||
| 1340–
1392 |
Galicia-Volhynia Wars | Kingdom of Poland
|
Kingdom of Galicia–Volhynia
|
Victory | ||
| 1345–
1348 |
Polish-Czech War | Kingdom of Poland
|
 Kingdom of Bohemia
|
Indecisive | ||
| 1352–1358 | Maciek Borkowicz's Confederation | Kingdom of Poland
|
Maciek Borkowicz's ConfederationFamilies fromGreater PolandandBrandenburg | Victory | ||
| 1375–
1377 |
Hungarian-Ottoman War | Kingdom of Poland
|
 Ottoman Empire
|
Victory | ||
| 1381–
1385 |
Greater Poland Civil War |  Grzymała
|
 Nałęcz
|
Internal conflict |
Jagiellon Poland (1385–1569)
[edit]For much of its early history as a Christian state, Poland had to contend with Pomeranians, Prussians, Lithuanians and other Baltic peoples in continuous border wars without clear results or end in sight. After theTeutonic Orderconquered and assimilated the Prussians, it began incursions into both Polish and Lithuanian territories. This represented a far greater threat to both Poland and Lithuania, and the two countries united in a defensive alliance by the crowning of the Lithuanian DukeJogailaas King of Poland (as Władysław II) which led to a major confrontation at theBattle of Grunwaldin 1410 and subsequent wars until 1525, when the Order became a vassal to thePolish Crown.
Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth (1569–1795)
[edit]The 17th century saw fierce rivalry between the then major Eastern European powers –Sweden,thePolish–Lithuanian Commonwealthand theOttoman Empire.At its heyday, the Commonwealth comprised the territories of present-day Poland, and large parts ofUkraine,Belarus,Lithuania,Latvia,Estonia,andRussia,and represented a major European power. However, by the end of the 18th century a series of internal conflicts and wars with foreign enemies led to the dissolution of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth and thepartitioningof most of its dependent territories among other European powers.
During the 18th century, European powers (most frequently consisting ofRussia,Sweden,PrussiaandSaxony) fought several wars for the control of the territories of the former Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. At the end of the 18th century, some Poles attempted to defend Poland from growing foreign influence in the country's internal affairs. These late attempts to preserve independence eventually failed, ultimately ending in Poland'spartitionand the final dissolution of the remains of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth.
Napoleonic Wars (Duchy of Warsaw)
[edit]Poles unsuccessfully struggled to win back their independence throughout the 19th century. At first, they put their hopes inNapoleon.Later, they tried to ignite national uprisings every now and then – most of them bloodily repressed.
Poland under partitions (1815–1918)
[edit]Poles unsuccessfully struggled to win back their independence throughout the 19th century. At first, they put their hopes inNapoleon.Later, they tried to ignite national uprisings every now and then – most of them bloodily repressed.
| Date | Conflict | Belligerents 1 | Belligerents 2 | Leaders | Events | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1830–
1831 |
November Uprising |  Kingdom of Poland
|
 Russian Empire
|
Defeat | ||
| 1846 | Kraków Uprising |  Poles
|
 Austrian Empire |
Defeat | ||
| 1848 | Greater Poland Uprising | Poles |  Prussia
|
Defeat | ||
| 1863–
1864 |
January Uprising |  Poles
|
Russian Empire
|
Defeat | ||
| 1905–
1907 |
Revolution of 1905 |  Polish revolutionaries |
Russian Empire |
Defeat | ||
| 1914–
1918 |
World War I |  German Empire Austria-Hungary Polish LegionsCentral Powers
|
Russian Empire
 British Empire
 French Third Republic
|
Victory[a] |
Second Polish Republic (1918–1939)
[edit]In the turmoil of theFirst World War,Poles managed to regain independence and then to expand their territory in a series of local wars and uprisings; only to be occupied again during the next world war.
Poland during World War II (1939–1945)
[edit]Thehistory of Polandfrom 1939 to 1945 encompasses primarily the period from theinvasion of PolandbyNazi Germanyand theSoviet Unionto the end ofWorld War II.Following theGerman–Soviet non-aggression pact,Polandwas invaded by Nazi Germany on 1 September 1939 and by the Soviet Unionon 17 September.The campaigns ended in early October with Germany and the Soviet Uniondividing and annexing the whole of Poland.After theAxis attack on the Soviet Unionin the summer of 1941, the entirety ofPoland was occupied by Germany,which proceeded to advance itsracial and genocidal policiesacross Poland.
| Date | Conflict | Belligerents 1 | Belligerents 2 | Leaders | Events | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1939 | World War II–September Campaign |  Second Polish Republic
UK
|
 Nazi Germany
|
Defeat | ||
| 1939–
1945 |
World War II–Polish resistance |  Polish Underground State
|
Nazi Germany
|
Indecisive[b] | ||
| 1939–
1945 |
World War II–Western Front | Polish government-in-exile
|
Nazi Germany
|
Victory | ||
| 1943–
1945 |
World War II–Eastern Front | Polish Republic
|
Nazi Germany
|
Victory |
Communist Poland (1945–1989)
[edit]The second half of the 20th century was more peaceful, but still tense, as Poland was involved in theCold Waron theSovietside.
| Date | Conflict | Belligerents 1 | Belligerents 2 | Leaders | Events | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1939–
1947 |
Polish–Ukrainian conflict | Polish Underground State
Polish People's Republic
|
 Ukrainian Insurgent Army
|
Victory | ||
| 1944–1953 | Anti-communist resistance in Poland | Polish People's Republic
|
Cursed soldiers | Internal conflict
| ||
| 1945 | Racibórz Conflict | Polish People's Republic
|
 Czechoslovakia
|
Indecisive | ||
| 1968 | Invasion of Czechoslovakia |  Warsaw Pact: Soviet UnionPeople's Republic of Poland People's Republic of Hungary People's Republic of Bulgaria East Germany
|
Czechoslovakia
|
Victory |
Third Polish Republic (1989–present)
[edit]At the beginning of the 21st century Poland is involved in theWar against terrorismon theNATOside.
| Date | Conflict | Belligerents 1 | Belligerents 2 | Leaders | Events | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990–
1991 |
Gulf War | Coalition of the Gulf War:Poland United States of AmericaFrance
|
 Iraq
|
Victory | ||
| 1994–1995 | Operation Uphold Democracy | United States of AmericaHaitian OppositionPoland Argentina
|
 Haiti
|
Victory | ||
| 2001–2021 | War on Terror(Main phase) | United States of AmericaUnited KingdomPolandothers
|
 al-Qaeda Talibanothers
|
Victory | ||
| 2003 | 2003 invasion of Iraq | United States of AmericaUnited KingdomPolandothers
|
Iraq
|
Victory | ||
| 2007 | War in Afghanistan(Polish intervention) | Poland Afghan National Army
|
Taliban
|
Victory | ||
| 2007 | Iraq War(Polish intervention) | United States of AmericaUnited KingdomPolandIraqi Security Forces
|
 Mahdi Army
|
Indecisive | ||
| 2013–2014 | Operation Serval |  France MaliPolandOthers
|
Islamic militants
|
Victory |
See also
[edit]- History of the Polish Army
- List of Napoleonic battles
- List of wars involving Germany– An aspect of German military history
- List of wars involving Russia
- List of wars involving Ukraine
- Polish–Ottoman Wars
- Polish–Russian Wars– Russo-Polish Wars
- Polish–Swedish wars
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^В. Д. Королюк. К вопросу об отношениях Руси и Польши в X веке. АН СССР, Институт славяноведения. Краткие сообщения. № 9. М., 1952. С. 47. Дата обращения: 9 марта 2019. Архивировано 28 января 2021 года.
- ^ab"Jak król Bolesław niewierne żony ukarał".CiekawostkiHistoryczne.pl(in Polish). 2020-05-25.
- ^abpo/PAP (2011-12-24)."Trochę historii: 935 lat temu Bolesław Szczodry został królem Polski".Newsweek(in Polish).
- ^"Bolesław Śmiały i Stanisław ze Szczepanowa. Krwawa rozprawa króla z biskupem zdrajcą | HISTORIA.org.pl - historia, kultura, muzea, matura, rekonstrukcje i recenzje historyczne".HISTORIA.org.pl(in Polish). 2021-03-04.
- ^Pashuto 1968,p. 44.
- ^Nadgoplańskie Towarzystwo Historyczne (2016).Bitwa nad Gopłem 1096 r. - przyczyny i skutki walki.
- ^Długosz, Jan.Roczniki czyli kroniki sławnego królestwa Polskiego, vol 3&4(PDF)(in Polish).
- ^Pashuto 1968,p. 151-152.
- ^abPashuto 1968,p. 151.
- ^Pashuto 1968,p. 152.
- ^Karamzin, Nikolay (1824). "IX".История Государства Российского[History of the Russian state] (in Russian). Vol. II.
- ^Pashuto 1968,p. 153.
- ^Długosz, Jan.Roczniki czyli kroniki sławnego królestwa Polskiego, vol 5&6(PDF)(in Polish).
- ^Pashuto 1968,p. 159.
- ^Włodarski 1927,p. 15-16.
- ^Włodarski 1927,p. 87.
- ^Włodarski 1927,p. 39.
- ^Włodarski 1927,p. 50.
- ^abcWłodarski 1927,p. 88.
- ^"Henryk I Brodaty".zamki.name.
- ^"Walka o tron krakowski po śmierci Leszka Białego w 1227 r."historia.interia.pl(in Polish).
- ^Pashuto 1968,p. 252.
- ^Kazimierz Lepszy,Słownik biograficzny historii powszechnej do XVII stulecia.Wiedza Powszechna Warszawa 1968
- ^Boras, Zygmunt (1983).Książęta Piastowscy Wielkopolski(Poznańskie ed.). pp. 153–154.
- ^Świeżawski, Aleksander (2006).Przemysł – król Polski(DiG ed.). pp. 48, 100.
- ^abDługosz, Jan.Roczniki czyli kroniki sławnego królestwa Polskiego, vol 7&8(PDF)(in Polish).
- ^Kotlâr, Mikola Fedorovič (2003).Diplomatiâ ûžnoj Rusi.Slavânskaâ biblioteka. Sankt-Peterburg: Aletejâ. p. 322.ISBN978-5-89329-593-1.
- ^Rocznik Krzeszowski Większy, w: MPH, t. II
- ^Kronika książąt polskich,w: MPH, t.II
- ^Nowak, A. (2010).Historia Polski. Kalendarium dziejów: Pradzieje-1655.p. 183.
- ^Leszczyńscy, A.; Leszczyńscy, M.Najważniejsze wydarzenia w historii Polski i świata.
- ^Gieysztor, Aleksander; Kieniewicz, Stefan; Rostwokowski, Emanuel; Tazbir, Janusz; Wereszycki, Henryk (1979).History of Poland.Warsaw:Polish Scientific Publishers.p. 149.
- ^Besala, Jerzy.Wielkie zwycięstwa Rzeczypospolitej.p. 28.
- ^Bánlaky, József.Az 1619. évi hadjárat. A magyar nemzet hadtörténelme(in Hungarian).
- ^Officially neutral but Danish fleet was attacked by Britain at theBattle of Copenhagen.
- ^Abolished following the restoration of the neutralPapal Statesin 1799.
- ^Short lived state that replaced the Kingdom of Naples in 1799.
- ^Nominally theHoly Roman Empire,of which theAustrian Netherlandsand theDuchy of Milanwere under direct Austrian rule. Also encompassed many other Italian states, as well as otherHabsburgstates such as theGrand Duchy of Tuscany.
- ^abJoined the Confederation of the Rhine on 11 December 1806.
Further reading
[edit]- Gąsowski, Tomasz (1999).Bitwy polskie: leksykon.Kraków: Społeczny Instytut Wydawniczy Znak.ISBN83-7006-787-5.
- Kozłowski, Eligiusz; Wrzosek, Mieczysław (1984).Historia oręża polskiego 1795–1939.Warszawa: Wiedza Powszechna.ISBN83-214-0339-5.
- Lawson, M. K. (2004).Cnut – England's Viking King(2nd ed.). Stroud: Tempus.ISBN0-7524-2964-7.
- Nowak, Tadeusz M.; Wimmer, Jan (1981).Historia oręża polskiego 963–1795.Warszawa: Wiedza Powszechna.ISBN83-214-0133-3.
- Reuter, Timothy (1995).The New Cambridge Medieval History: Volume 3, c.900–c.1024.Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 891.ISBN9780521364478.Retrieved25 August2022.
- Sikorski, Janusz (1972).Zarys historii wojskowości powszechnej do końca wieku XIX.Warszawa: Wydawnictwo Ministerstwa Obrony Narodowej.OCLC20835374.
- Winged Hussars,Radoslaw Sikora, Bartosz Musialowicz,BUM Magazine,2016.
- Włodarski, Bronisław (1927),Polityka ruska Leszka białego,vol. III
- Pashuto, Vladimir (1968),Внешняя политика Руси[The foreign policy of Russia] (in Russian),Moscow:Наука
Further reading
[edit]| General and related |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piast Poland |
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| Jagiellon Poland |
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| Commonwealth |
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| Poland partitioned | |||||||||
| Second Republic | |||||||||
| World War II in Poland |
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| People's Republic | |||||||||
| Third Republic | |||||||||
