The Polish Quest for Liberation and Unification

Poland, after suffering a long period without independence, renewed its dream of liberation and unification. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Poland attempted to restore its independence with various uprisings and movements. The Polish people were divided between those seeking home rule and conservative reforms and those desiring a radical overthrow of foreign oppressors to establish a free Polish republic. This period saw a rise in clandestine meetings, public demonstrations, violent clashes, and armed uprisings in 1860-1863. Despite internal divisions, the Polish people were largely unified in their goal of achieving independence and self-governance.