People's Republic of Poland

The People's Republic of Poland or Polish People's Republic (Polish: Polska Rzeczpospolita Ludowa, PRL) was the official name of Poland from 1952 to 1989, during its period of rule by the Communist party, officially called the Polish United Workers' Party (Polska Zjednoczona Partia Robotnicza, or PZPR). The Communists were in effective control of the Polish government from 1944 onwards, but the new name was not adopted until the 1952 constitution came into effect.

Related Topics:
Polish - Rzeczpospolita - Poland - Communist party - Polish United Workers' Party

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People's Republic of Poland was a sovereign state as defined by the international law. In reality it was however a satellite state subordinate to the Soviet Union. Soviets had much influence over internal affairs and foreign affairs, forces of Red Army were stationed in Poland (1945 - 500,000; until 1955 - 120-150,000, until 1989 - 60-80,000). The Ministry of Public Security was responsible to Soviet 'advisors'. In 1945 Soviet generals and advisors formed 80% of officer cadre of Wojsko Ludowe, by 1948 30 to 40%. Polish communists, responsible only to Soviets, were in total control of the country. Opposition was persecuted and suppressed, and contrary to Yalta Conference agreement, no 'free and fair' elections were held until 1989.

Related Topics:
Sovereign - International law - Satellite state - Soviet Union - Internal affairs - Foreign affairs - Red Army - Wojsko Ludowe - Polish communists - Yalta Conference

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