A Brief Guide to the History of Poland

by U.S. Department of State, Ellsworth D. Foster

The text of this easy-to-read Kindle edition, equivalent in length to a physical book of approximately 12 pages, first appeared in the esteemed multi-volume reference work “World Organized Knowledge in Story and Picture,” 1919 edition (history of Poland through World War I) and in the U.S. Department of State’s 2012 publication “Background Poland” (history of Poland since World War I).Sample minor partition occurred in 1667, but what is known as the first partition was in 1772 and was deliberately planned by Frederick the Great of Prussia and Catherine II of Russia. Through their influence Poniatowski, a Polish nobleman, was elected king. His election led to anarchy in Poland, as the enemies of that country had foreseen. This disturbed condition gave Frederick and Catherine an excuse for intervention, which resulted in the appropriation of a portion of the country by each.

9 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 4, 2013

About the author

The United States Department of State (DOS), often referred to as the State Department , is the United States federal executive department responsible for the international relations of the United States, equivalent to the foreign ministry of other countries. The Department was created in 1789 and was the first executive department established.

The Department is headquartered in the Harry S Truman Building located at 2201 C Street, NW, a few blocks away from the White House in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The Department operates the diplomatic missions of the United States abroad and is responsible for implementing the foreign policy of the United States and U.S. diplomacy efforts. The Department is also the depositary for more than 200 multilateral treaties.

The Department is led by the Secretary of State, who is nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate and is a member of the Cabinet. The current Secretary of State is John Kerry. The Secretary of State is the first Cabinet official in the order of precedence and in the presidential line of succession.

Reviews

[Mike Lund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written broad view history of Poland. I do genealogy and wanted a simple overview. Sometimes it’s easier to start with a general knowledge, then drill down to a more precise history of the period of interest. This is a good first step for someone with little knowledge of the history of Poland.