“The Polish Constitution was signed on 3rd May 1791. It was the first constitution in Europe and the second in the world (after The American Declaration of Independence of July 4 1776). The Constitution established a modern way of ruling the country with a separation of the executive, legislative, and judicial functions. Such a division created a modern and democratic country, the first of its kind in Europe. The peasants were promised greater freedom and the influence of the nobles was limited, creating a Constitutional Monarchy. This was the only way that a strong country could be created and this is why this date was so symbolic for Polish people during all the 123 years when Poland was under the rule of Prussian, Russian and Austrian invaders (1795-1918), then the Nazi occupation (1939-45) and finally the Russian occupation (1945-1989). Celebration of the 1791 Constitution was banned for many years and not officially celebrated. Today we all celebrate 3rd May at festivities, historical presentations, parades and concerts.”
phrase "Russian occupation (1945-1989)" is extremely incorrect.
ReplyDeleteHow would you describe it than? "Friendly Advising"? Many people here thinks that way about those times so don't expect foreigner to be more precise.
ReplyDeleteI dont hold anything against the author! It's just the phrase that is incorrect. That's all I said. And, yes indeed many do call it that way but in my opinion they do not really think of the actual meaning of the term itself ("occupation"). I dont like to call it like that because the Republic (People's) was still a free country. It's just our government that decided that Poland would lean towards its Eastern neighbour rather towards the western ones. Decision made by Polish politicians, possibly a little bit imposed by the country which liberated Poland from the Nazi occupation. That's my view; sorry I can't close all this in one single phrase-- Did my best, I hope. :)
ReplyDelete