Krakow marks return of independence

An Austrian flag is symbolically rolled up, marking Krakow's declaration of independence on 31 October 1918. Photo: PAP/Jacek Bednarczyk

Krakow was the first city in the occupied Polish lands to regain its independence from the partitioning powers of Austria, Russia and Prussia.

The former royal capital had been a city within the Austrian province of Galicia for much of the previous hundred years.

In October 1918, Polish MPs in the Austrian parliament and Polish officers in the Austrian army endeavoured to negotiate a handover after it became clear that the Austro-Hungarian Empire had lost the war.

However, a group of soldiers led by Captain Antoni Stawarz decided to take the matter into their own hands. On 30 October they captured the train station of Krakow-Plaszow, and the following day they took over barracks across the city, declaring independence on the Main Market Square.

During the first decade of the 20th century, the Poles had been among the most loyal subjects in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This was because Vienna had granted Galicia autonomy, which was officially achieved in 1873. Poles in the Prussian and Russian partitions did not enjoy comparable liberties.

However, after four years of war, the tone soured. A recent exhibition held by the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow recalled how portraits of the Austrian emperor were thrown from windows across Krakow during the empire's dying days.

Polish independence was declared on 11 November 1918. (nh)

Source: PAP