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Introduction to Polish history! From a Polish perspective


Kashub1410 6 | 690
4 Jul 2022 #1
Welcome to you reading on PolishForums.com!

As there are troubling times in Europe nowadays, skies darkening in midst of summer over a beautiful country filled with the main river named Vistula in English (it is derived from the Latin version of the locals name for it "Wisła") as you will soon learn Latin had a large impact on the Polish language and way of life, but for now bear with me cause there is another bear enireraly roaming close to this country's borders. Far far to it's eastern borders, funnily enough in a land that can be translated as "The borderlands" lives a people who again like many times in it's history are in conflict with another army being present on their lands. War is upon them, people being shot, murdered, plundered again like a very bad dream. Are they cursed? Who knows? Perhaps. Yet it still doesn't change the fact that troubles are coming slowly and the people of the fields are concerned about the east yet again, oddly enough the beginning of this country called "Poles" have closest connotation to Poles favorite weapon of all time was using lances perhaps, or for the more perverse mind a way for the English ladies to saviour a fond memory. Non the less, it certainly is derived from the Latin version of Poloniae. Which again stems from comments regarding the rulers of Poland, the main rulers and leaders of the main tribes of "Polanie" meaning "those of the field", or more shortly "fielders". To my suggestion it should been updated within the English lagnuage long ago, yet somehow the English and their fondness to the Latin version of most things is an ever strange thing.

None the less, the first beginnings of Poland had to do with the most known ruler of the fielder tribe, (what it stems from, working in the field or fighting in the field or even both is yet to be discovered!) Mieszko the first! Strangely enough he wasn't the first ruler of said tribe (his father and grandfathers name have been noted) yet, it is he nicknamed Teddy (Mieszko derives from the word Miś which is a more cute way of saying Niedzwiedź which certainly sounds more like bear in it's native tongue).

The Americans have Teddy Roosevelt yet Poland's first considered ruler was Teddy the first, how odd!

Either way he was mostly and honorably mostly remembered for adopting Christianity (Catholicism), some say it was out of political necessety as the ever growing influence of the Germanic peoples spread and conquest eastward had allready engulfed plenty of tribes west of the fielders (sorbs, pommeranians, lusatians and other tribes) swallowed up, threatened and slowly beaten or convinced in to subjecation by their new rulers introducing among other things a new religion. At these times it was the main driving force, uniting and making agreement among most members of society and to those it wasn't as important, had learned to stay quite as not to suffer consequences as religious Zeal was ever present.

Yet when Teddy the first adopted Christianity from his neighbouring folk the Czechs, who at the times funnily enough were called Bohemians (their country was the Kingdom of Bohemia, with allegiance towards the Holy Roman Emperor who even they had a chance to rule as in history, why this is important you say? Becaouse there was internal feuds within the Catholic world about who had the right to appoint bishops, the Bishop of the city of Rome nicknamed Pope or the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. oddly enough it was the Pope who was the kingmaker as the Pope was considered the Bishop to annoint blessed Christian rulers)

and due to the fact that the Bohemians were Slavic (it is unknown wether the word slave derives from the slavic word "słowo" meaning "word" or "sława" meaning "glory" or the Latin word "Servus" which means servant) it was quite easier to adopt Catholicism and wasn't seen as intrusive as other pagans at the time could have percieved it as such (which was brilliant!), however it was all part the conditions for Teddy the first to marry the princess of Bohemia (in the old times it was a way of creating alliances back then, strong ties by blood).

Back then in 966 CE, there wasn't much to speak of any slavic might or large slavic Empires. One of the influntial slavic countries were the lands currently called Ukraine meaning borderlands/at the land/near the country, Belarus (white Russia) and modern Russia (it's western parts ish) yet at the time of 966 it is described as Kiev Ruthinia/Kiev Russia/Kiev Rus depending on speakers culture and perspective, who seemed to have expanded from terrains of Novgorod (New Garden/New settlement) which are in modern St.Petersburg. After some time however it's main Centre was moved to Kiev in modern Ukraine, then split up to amny pieces before eastern slavs being invaded and engulfed by mongolian rule for a long long time.

in Poland the country of fielders however it was the Poles who expanded, conquered and started their reign among it's neighbours. Mostly during the reign and rule of the first crowned King of Poland: Bolesław (which can be shortly translated as great glory) so the great and glorious King of Poland expanded his tribes influence and reign to borders similar to nowadays modern Poland. Making the tribe of fielders one of the main tribes in this new country, later on as time went by the western germanic neighbours started to get used to this slavic Christian kingdom, trade was introduced, laws and generally all forms of influences. During the next 300-400 Poland was for a time divided among lesser rulers all proclaiming to be rulers of Poland, to some degree, it was during this time that Jews fled to this land in larger numbers due to prosecutions in Europe and at the same time a Monastic Order from the Crusades in the Holy land began to create a foothold to combat pagan pillagers and raiders on the behest of the Prince of Masovia. Many Polish historians have seen this as the seed that created a lot of modern Poland's problems yet, one can't ignore the vast impact that lead to this decision Poland was able to gain from by building itself up, create cohesion and create a problem so large that Pagans trembled and sought Polish supremacy as a guarantee for their very lives.

During this time the pagan mongolians who later on in one form or another turned to Islam (this is important to note to understand modern day issues by the way) conquered pillaged and sacked most of eastern europe, even raiding as far as Cracow (Kraków - Raven city). Yet due to unknown circumstances the mongol horde was unable to conquer Poland, many point out to the fact that the main leader of this horde (Genghis Khan) had recently died and the battle for a new heir had begun, leading to a larger focus on conquest in East Asia and seeking mostly tribute from western provinces. None the less, Poland provided being more then enough to stomache that the wolf hunger from the east was swayed for the time being to look somewhere else.

Poland then began to flurish from the decreased Pagan raids on her lands, broader trade and contact with western parts of europe (mostly via Bohemians or Germanic peoples. But, on the lands of balts (Prussians, Lithuanians, Latvians) this Teutonic order began to emarge as a large powerhouse, unable to ignore it any longer and conflicts arising. (Lithuanians were still pagan at the time, one of the last pagan peoples of Europe had conquered vast territories of former Kiev Rus, submitting the peoples of modern day Belarus, Ukraine and small parts of western Russia to pagan rulers, yet it had great deal of trouble fighting the Teutonic order).

A alliance grew at the time before the famous battle of Grunwald in 1410, as Poland's heir was a female girl the question of inheritance began to emarge as inheritance useally came by male lineage. But, due to Lithuanians pagan traditions and little knowledge of Christian traditions the Polish nobility was able to proclaim by legal means that Jadwiga became legally the King of Poland during her reign, while the younger brother of the Duke of Lithuania became her Husband (it wasn't until after her death that be in all practicality became king of Poland, while Lithuania was still ruled by another person) and in a similar way as Poland had adopted Christianity, Lithuania adopted Christianity as well through marriage, enacting a marriage between two individuals for the glory of God. It lead to a fully comitted union for a very long time between the Polish and Lithuanian people (in my humble opinion best way of spreading Christianity, by marriage).

After the famous battle of Grunwald, where the Teutonic order was beaten so badly it never truly recuperated itself back to it's former glory (only to be overshadowed by Hohenzollern dynasty of Brandenburg who famously created the Kingdom of Prussia, which later on lead to the downfall of the Polish Commonwealth creating enough vacuum and influence to emarge as Imperial Germany.

That however is for another time my dear readers. I hope you enjoyed this short first chapter of Polish history and feel free to add any contributions to the thread!

End of Chapter I - Written by Kashub1410 - in the early morning of 04.07.2022 CE
Novichok 4 | 7,855
4 Jul 2022 #2
As there are troubling times in Europe nowadays, skies darkening in midst of summer over a beautiful country filled with the main river named Vistula in English (it is derived from the Latin version of the locals name for it "Wisła") as you will soon learn Latin had a large impact on the Polish language and way of life, but for now bear with me cause there is another bear enireraly roaming close to this country's borders.

One sentence. What a mess...
OP Kashub1410 6 | 690
4 Jul 2022 #3
@Novichok
Could you be so kind as to point out my grammatical errors? English is not my native tongue
Cojestdocholery 2 | 1,191
4 Jul 2022 #4
Wow! Too much for me to read! That is not the right forum for it.
jon357 74 | 22,019
4 Jul 2022 #5
That is not the right forum for it.

Worth reading and some interesting, if somewhat romantic, ideas.
GefreiterKania 36 | 1,397
4 Jul 2022 #6
End of Chapter I - Written by Kashub1410 - in the early morning of 04.07.2022 CE

Polish History in a Nutshell :) Interesting project, Kashub. Keep up the good work. *thumbs up*
Novichok 4 | 7,855
4 Jul 2022 #7
Interesting project, Kashub. Keep up the good work.

That was dishonest and bordering on mean. It's like telling me to keep on dancing or singing.
Bratwurst Boy 12 | 11,803
4 Jul 2022 #8
End of Chapter I - Written by Kashub1410 - in the early morning of 04.07.2022 CE

A good read! :)

(it is unknown wether the word slave derives from the slavic word "słowo" meaning "word"

Could it have something to do with the reason why the germanic people back then were called "niemcy" meaning mute? That would make much more sense than "slave"!

I still love the visuals of the Teutonic Order (not their politics!), even as I must say that Christianity was brought quite forcefully to the pagan Germanics back then too. Who could forget the massacres (beheadings) and enforced mass relocations of the Saxons!
OP Kashub1410 6 | 690
4 Jul 2022 #9
@GefreiterKania
Thanks! I'll write some in spare time! :D

@jon357
Thank you! I can create a version suited to your perspective if you won't mind? I'll just finish the one I am working on currently! :D

@Cojestdocholery
Would you like to prefer images? I have been wondering about making childrens stories using mythical creatures symbolically. Planning on using digital art in the future

@Novichok
Are you a lousey dancer/singer?
You can allways make a doll out of a white sock and have it dance for you and imagine it singing.

@Bratwurst Boy

Broadly speaking main difference as a generalisation Poles (Slavs) prefer to talk compared to Germans who prefer to do something (work/fixate on things in silence)

Adding to it that one couldn't understand verbal communication with one another
Novichok 4 | 7,855
4 Jul 2022 #10
A good read! :)

Have you lost your mind or do you just hate him? My post #2 is just his first sentence!
I know that you Germans like long words, but that sentence alone would give any editor a heart attack.
This is what happens when poets write prose. No rules. Just feelings...
Bratwurst Boy 12 | 11,803
4 Jul 2022 #11
Have you lost your mind or do you just hate him?

I guess it's because English isn't his native language either so he uses words and sentencens and expressions which make it easy for another non-native like me to read and understand...I liked it! :)
OP Kashub1410 6 | 690
4 Jul 2022 #12
@Novichok
I am a great swimmer, I am able to hold my breath for a long time.
Novichok 4 | 7,855
4 Jul 2022 #13
I guess it's because English isn't his native language

That five-pound sentence has nothing to do with English. It would be unacceptable in any language.

I am a great swimmer, I am able to hold my breath for a long time.

Another Polish metaphor, BB. This mental disorder has no cure and your country is in part responsible for it.
Bratwurst Boy 12 | 11,803
4 Jul 2022 #14
and your country is in part responsible for it.

Dammit!

*slinks away*
OP Kashub1410 6 | 690
4 Jul 2022 #15
@Novichok
Would you be so kind to suggest an improvement? Otherwise, why do you even bother pointing something out if I can't learn anything from you
Cojestdocholery 2 | 1,191
4 Jul 2022 #16
Would you like to prefer images?

Oh?! You are a dick. Good to know.
You can talk eye to eye with Novichok.
jon357 74 | 22,019
4 Jul 2022 #17
Would you be so kind to suggest an improvement?

I doubt it.

You do have a very romantic view of Poland's history however it's still interesting to read
OP Kashub1410 6 | 690
4 Jul 2022 #18
@Cojestdocholery
You wrote it yourself it was:

Wow! Too much for me to read! That is not the right forum for it.

Your own words, is there nothing I can to improve it for you? I prefer not to paint body parts, especially male genitalia.

@jon357
Thank you! Maybe I'll surprise you one day
Novichok 4 | 7,855
4 Jul 2022 #19
Would you be so kind to suggest an improvement?

I am happy to help.
1. Uncombine dissimilar points. Setting up the mood does not combine well with a lesson about the Latin roots of the river's name and a veiled reference to Russia - all in the first sentence.

2. Sentences should be short enough for an average reader to read them, get them, and repeat them - if not verbatim then at least the main point.

3. Since English is not your primary language, write in Polish and google translate. Then give it a final shine if you are not comfortable with the product.

4. Use shorter paragraphs.

5. Use short sentences to start paragraphs to get the reader interested in the rest of it. Anything longer than 10 or so words needs a very good reason to exist as humans like short and declarative sentences because those are used in the most profound of situations. Even the famous 'day of infamy" opening sentence was too long.

6. Go easy on describing feelings. Leave that to the context.

Final point: never listen to "oh how lovely" fake friends. They are lazy and trying to be nice, no matter what. It's a well-known mental disorder aka participation trophism. OK, I just made it up...
OP Kashub1410 6 | 690
4 Jul 2022 #20
@GefreiterKania
Ah almost forgot *salutes* Starszy strzelec Franciszek Dolas, pierwszy pułk południowo amerykańskiej kawalerii Lamusów, ochotnik.
Novichok 4 | 7,855
4 Jul 2022 #21
Hey, 1410, did you read my 19 or did I waste my time?
jon357 74 | 22,019
4 Jul 2022 #22
did I waste my time?

Yes
OP Kashub1410 6 | 690
4 Jul 2022 #23
@Novichok
I did read it, I'll take into consideration the points that are valid
Novichok 4 | 7,855
4 Jul 2022 #24
did you read my 19 or did I waste my time?

Yes

I did read it, I'll take into consideration the points that are valid

Could you two get together and decide...The suspense is hard to take.
pawian 222 | 24,365
5 Jul 2022 #25
Polanie" meaning "those of the field", or more shortly "fielders".

Exactly. For a good reason. Today Poland is mostly a flatland but the region where fielders settled was the flattest of all with many rivers and lakes - excellent conditions to develop farming.







OP Kashub1410 6 | 690
5 Jul 2022 #26
Beginning of Chapter II - Written by Kashub1410 - during the day of 05.07.2022 CE

After the battle of Grunwald and several conflicts later with the Teutonic Order, Poland established itself as the major power in the eastern part of Central Europe and the western part of Eastern Europe. It's influence was strong among the Baltic peoples and the relationship between the elites of Poland and Lithuania grew steadily closer, at that moment both nations saw co-operation and communication as a way of gaining victory over major foes.

It began a golden age for Poland, trade flourished (most knowingly grain being sold to Western Europe) and it's military might increased. In the west the threat was reduced as German states had more then enough problems on their own and preferred peaceful border with Poland at the time and Emperor of the HRE (Holy Roman Empire) seemed vaguely and distantly interested.

However pagans being pacified and converted a new threat began to show itself on the horizon. The Ottomons! The band of people united under a family tracing it's lineage to their ruler named Osman was most noteably supported by Turks, which were filled with religious Zeal and aimed to subjegate all lands on their path due to their proclaiming of following a prophet called Muhammad. Poles knowing that there will those pretending to be Jesus or a "next prophet" after him knew fairly well that they had been lead astray and tried to lead as many as possible away from God.

It had to be stopped, just as Slavs used to be under pagan rule in Eastern Europe, now those not flying the Polish banner of the crowned white eagle on a red background. (You might ask: but isn't Polands flag just white and red? Nowadays that is true, however back then it was the royal coat of arms of the Piast dynasty. The first rulers of Poland).

As Novogrodians, Muscovites, Pskovians and other Ruthinians based around certain cities had their own problems and fight with the mongol horde who turned to Islam.

There were southern Slavs under threat of this new rule of Osmans lineage who tried to build up again the Roman Empire, which Christianity triumphantly destroyed and made to cease it's existence on the pile of history. Yet megalomaniacs were marching on after capture of Constantinople, there was a joint effort in liberating the areas with a crusade, jointly with the Hungarians. Yet due to a lost battle at Varna, the initiative turned from offence to defence for a long time.

This lasting threat from the Ottomans would later on make the priorities of an emerging Prussian state, Imperialistic Austria and Tsardom of Russia seem ignored and eventually disasterous.

One of the main reasons of those three powerhouses to cut up Poland like a cake was it's political system, which was introduced due to the fashion of the renessance and last male heir eventually dying out. For that reason elections were introduced! But that's for another time!

End of Chapter II Written by Kashub1410 - during the day of 05.07.2022 CE
pawian 222 | 24,365
5 Jul 2022 #27
the most known ruler of the fielder tribe, Mieszko the first!

Here in a bit romantic representation and on a note. I have a pocketfull of such notes right now. :):)

PS. BTW, try to include the timeline coz readers might feel lost. How should they know that Mieszko ruled in 900s and not 1500s???





Novichok 4 | 7,855
5 Jul 2022 #28
After the battle of Grunwald and several conflicts later with the Teutonic Order, Poland established itself as the major power in the eastern part of Central Europe and the western part of Eastern Europe. It's influence was strong among the Baltic peoples and the relationship between the elites of Poland and Lithuania grew steadily closer, at that moment both nations saw co-operation and communication as a way of gaining victory over major foes.

It began a golden age for Poland, trade flourished (most knowingly grain being sold to Western Europe) and it's military might increased. In the west the threat was reduced as German states had more then enough problems on their own and preferred peacefulborder with Poland at the time and Emperor of the HRE (Holy Roman Empire) seemed vaguely and distantly interested.

However pagans being pacified and converted a new threat began to show itself on the horizon. The Ottomons! The band of people united under a family tracing it's lineage to their ruler named Osman was most noteably supported by Turks, which were filled with religious Zeal and aimed to subjegate all lands on their path due to their proclaiming of following a prophet called Muhammad. Poles knowing that there will those pretending to be Jesus or a "next prophet" after him knew fairly well that they had beenlead astray and tried to lead as many as possible away from God.

It had to be stopped, just as Slavs used to be under pagan rule in Eastern Europe, now those not flying the Polish banner of the crowned white eagle on a red background. (You might ask: but isn't Polands flag just white and red? Nowadays that is true, however back then it was the royal coat of arms of the Piast dynasty. The first rulers of Poland).

As Novogrodians, Muscovites, Pskovians and other Ruthinians based around certain cities had their own problems and fight with the mongol horde who turned to Islam.

There were southern Slavs under threat of this new rule of Osmans lineage who tried to build up again the Roman Empire, which Christianity triumphantly destroyed and made to cease it's existence on the pile of history. Yet megalomaniacs were marching on after capture of Constantinople, there was a joint effort in liberating the areas with a crusade, jointly with the Hungarians. Yet due to a lost battle at Varna, the initiative turned from offence to defence for a long time.

This lasting threat from the Ottomans would later on make the priorities of an emerging Prussian state, Imperialistic Austria and Tsardom of Russia seem ignored and eventually disasterous.

One of the main reasons of those three powerhouses to cut up Poland like a cake was it's political system, which was introduced due to the fashion of the renessance and last male heir eventually dying out. For that reason elections were introduced! But that's for another time!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Highlighted are just the spelling errors and some punctuation. Style is beyond repair.

BTW, try to include the timeline coz readers might feel lost.

How about helping him make this mess digestible...Too much effort, professor?
Bratwurst Boy 12 | 11,803
5 Jul 2022 #29
However pagans being pacified and converted

*mourns*

it was the royal coat of arms of the Piast dynasty. The first rulers of Poland).

Question....how did the Piasts became the first rulers? Were they an influential family before already? Elections? That would be an interesting extra chapter....
Cojestdocholery 2 | 1,191
5 Jul 2022 #30
Were they an influential family before already? Elections?

Yes they were cunning and sucessful warriors family. Elections? lol!


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