Polish Independence Day

Over 100 years ago — during the night of November 6–7, 1918 — in Lublin, in the Austrian-occupied part of the Kingdom of Poland, the Provisional People’s Government of the Republic of Poland, popularly known as the Lublin government, was established. Its prime minister was Ignacy Daszyński, who, however, stepped down a week later following Józef Piłsudski’s demand to dissolve the cabinet.

Why did Daszyński yield to Piłsudski, and why was the Lublin government unable to survive? This government represented the first seeds of Polish statehood after 123 years of foreign domination.

So why don’t we celebrate the national holiday on November 7?

A Complicated Political Situation

At the beginning of November 1918, forming a government in the newly reborn Polish state was a necessity. In addition to the Regency Council, the socialists led by Daszyński attempted to create a government claiming authority over all of Poland. They realized, however, that without the support of Piłsudski and his allies, the government had no chance of survival.

The cabinet was formed largely due to Daszyński including E. Rydz-Śmigły, whom Piłsudski had appointed as commander of the Polish Military Organization before his arrest in Magdeburg. Rydz-Śmigły became the head of the army within the Lublin government, which was intended to secure Piłsudski’s political support.

Daszyński, despite his socialist convictions, did not expect the government to last long. He certainly did not anticipate that upon Piłsudski’s return from Magdeburg to Warsaw on November 12, he would demand the cabinet’s resignation, deeming it too partisan and representing only the center-left — incapable of ensuring social stability needed for the foundation of the Polish state and secure borders. Daszyński’s resignation was necessary in Piłsudski’s eyes to begin discussions on forming a coalition government that would include the center-right as well.

Daszyński and Galicia

Although Daszyński, born in 1866, came from a moderately wealthy noble family, his early life was far from easy. He grew up in Galicia, where Austrian rule led to economic stagnation, mass emigration of peasants, declining living standards, and widespread usury — the so-called “Galician poverty.”

Although the peasants had been granted land in 1848, most plots were small and unproductive. Galicia lacked industry, communication, and trade, was overpopulated, and faced constant internal conflicts. Education was limited, and most importantly, there was no driving force to foster national consciousness. These conditions shaped Daszyński’s socialist views, making him a committed socialist and co-founder of the Polish Socialist Party. He never hid or was ashamed of his origins.

Why the Lublin Government Could Not Survive

The instability of the emerging Polish political system in autumn 1918 stemmed from many factors. World War I had disrupted the European political order. Russia experienced revolution and civil war, the German and Austro-Hungarian monarchies collapsed, new states appeared on the political map, and France’s influence weakened.

While these events opened the door to Polish independence, they also created serious risks. Radicalization of some social groups and emerging political chaos were direct consequences of global conflict. Daszyński’s government tried to organize political life, a task beyond its capacity.

From a historical perspective, the Lublin government was a necessity. Yet, Poland could not remain under socialist leadership: Western Europe would not accept a socialist government in Poland, and aligning with eastern neighbors was not a viable option.

Was Daszyński an incompetent prime minister? Certainly not. He was an idealist. For Piłsudski, however, a socialist-led government at that time was unacceptable. Daszyński’s resignation, despite his personal convictions, was done for the good of the Polish state, demonstrating his commitment to national interests over personal ambition.

Independence Day

Daszyński’s government was established on November 7 and was the true beginning of the newly formed Polish state. So why do we celebrate Independence Day on November 11? The transfer of military authority by the Regency Council to Piłsudski on that day, and his appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Army, was historically considered more decisive than forming the first government.

On November 7, 1940, the underground Polish Socialist Party (WRN) issued a proclamation marking the 22nd anniversary of independence and the first government, stating:"22 years ago, on liberated Polish soil, the First Government of Independent Poland was formed. This is the true date of the rebirth of the Polish state. However, it was omitted in favor of November 11, the official Independence Day..."

Subsequent governments of the People’s Republic of Poland did not commemorate the November 7 anniversary, and the date was largely forgotten. Even in the Third Republic, November 7 remains largely unrecognized outside Lublin, where local memory of the event is preserved.

In any case, this underlines Piłsudski’s dominance over Daszyński and the socialists — the statesman and practical architect of the Polish state, whose legacy endures today. Daszyński is remembered, but his role could not be central in the difficult process of rebuilding Polish statehood. Polish Independence Day remained November 11.