Figure 1.--Poland when World War I began did not exist as a country, but Poles certainly did exist. And a great debate began among Polish nationalists as to which side would be better for Poland. Here is a group of youths in the German-controlled area of Poland. They are too young for military service, but are demonstrating patriotic fervor. Notice they are not showing German flags, but they dare not raise aolish flag yet. The German caotion read, "Das auch die polnische Jugend die Kriegsbegeisterung erfasst, wird uns in dieem Bild vergegenwärtigt. In ermangelung von Fähnchen haben sie ihre mehr oder weniger bunten Taschentücher an eine Haselrute gebunden, um so ihren sonntäglichen Vergnügungen, den kriegsspielen, nachzugehen." That translates as something like, "The Polish youth also captured the enthusiasm of the war is brought to light in this picture. In the absence of flags, they have tied their more or less colorful handkerchiefs to branchest, in order to pursue their sonorous pleasures, the war-playing."

Poland had been a great European power during ghe medieval and early modern era. Then Austria, Prussians Russia in a series of actions known as the Polish Partions erased Poland from the European map (18th century). Most of Poland was seized by Tsarist Russia, but Austria and Prussia got their share. As a result, when World War I. broke out Poles would be involved on both sides. Poland was an important battlefield in the first years of the War (1914-15). Although there was no Polish state, Poles participated in the the World War. Poles fought Poles as part of the armies of the three empires that had partioned the country. About 2.0 million Poles fought in the War. Poles were conscripted in to the Tsarist Army. Poles were also conscripted into the German and Austrian Armies and fought with the Central Powers. As far as we know, the only Polish units organized were fielded by the Austrains who formed the Polish Legion. Forming Polish units was seen as dangerous, as such unuts once armed might be influenced by Polish natiomalism more than imperial power and this is precisely what occurred, albeit only in the final months of the war. Poles as the ar vomntinued began to think about autonomy or even independence. But there was no consenus as to wether the allies or the Central Powers offered the greatest advantages to Poland. Polish nationalists were divided by the conflict. Many right-wing Poles led by Roman Dmowski's National Democrats promoted the Allied cause which on the Eastern Front meant the Russians. Dmowski thought that a grateful Russia might agree to autonomy for Poland, perhaps even independence in the future. Josef Pilsudski led the Polish Socialists. He commanded the Polish Legion in the Austrian Army. He had no confidence in a Russian victory and thought that Russia might well be knocked out of the War. Austria which had gained Galicia in the Partitions had been the most willing to allow a measure of Polish autonomy. Thus he fought with the Austrians.

Created: 6:06 AM 7/7/2017
Last updated: 6:06 AM 7/7/2017