Poland: A Modern History

by Anita Prazmowska

Overview

Polish independence following the end of World War I marked a new era for a nation that had endured centuries of foreign partition. But the spirit of Polish nationalism - forged during this long period of external domination - has frequently been at odds with the modernising drives of democracy and communism. How can the ideals of nationalism survive in a modern nation-state? Anita Prazmowska traces this conflict from the emergence of an independent Poland in 1918; through World War II, communism and the democratic victories of Solidarity; to the present day, when Polish membership of the EU is changing perceptions both within Poland and in the wider world. Poland: A Modern History presents a vivid and accessible portrait of Poland's tumultuous history over the past century. It is a clear and concise introduction to a nation which, often at the epicentre of European political history, has nevertheless sometimes struggled to define its national identity.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781780762883
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	10/30/2012
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	312
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

ANITA PRAZMOWSKA is Professor of International History at the London School of Economics, UK.

Table of Contents

Contents

Abbreviations
Foreword
Introduction

Chapter 1: Poland on the Eve of the First World War
Chapter 2: The First World War and the Emergence of Independent Poland
Chapter 3: Independent Poland in Inter-War Europe
Chapter 4: The Outbreak and the Course of the Second World War
Chapter 5: Post-War Poland
Chapter 6: From Gierek to Solidarity
Chapter 7: Post-Communist Poland
Conclusion