90th Anniversary of Polish-American Diplomatic Relations

 

When the First World War ended, the United States of America was the first country to recognize the newly independent Poland on January 29, 1919.  This year, our two countries celebrate 90 years of Polish-American diplomatic relations.  The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw and the U.S. Consulate General in Krakow will be joining with the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and institutions throughout Poland to commemorate this long-standing relationship.  Events throughout 2009 are to celebrate important periods in the friendship such as the founding of the Kosciuszko Squadron by American pilots in the 1920s, Paderewski’s aid to the American poor and artists, or the American support for free Poland and Solidarność during the Cold War.  Celebrations will include many cultural events highlighting shared contributions to jazz and classical music, visual arts, and the continued role Polish immigrants play in defining American society.

It was President Woodrow Wilson, who played the key role in demanding that an independent Poland was included in the Treaty of Versailles.  Inspired by his friendship with the Polish pianist, composer, and diplomat, Ignacy Jan Paderewski, President Wilson made Polish independence the thirteenth of his Fourteen Points for ending the war, which he unveiled in January 1918. Wilson thereby helped to repay the service Poles like Kosciuszko and Pulaski had given to American Independence. It was only at the end of the First World War on November 11, 1918, that Poland would reemerge on the map. The country had practically vanished during three partitions of Poland’s territory by Russia, Prussia, and Austria in 1772, 1793, and 1795.

In truth, Polish-American friendship began much earlier: over 400 years ago, when the first Poles arrived at Jamestown, Virginia, in October 1608.  Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement on the North American continent. These Polish glass-blowers and ship-builders introduced industry to the agricultural settlements and were responsible for the first exports back to Europe – and for the first strike, which won them the right to vote in Virginia elections. Poland at the time was near the peak of her power and international influence, and the founders of Jamestown had specifically recruited Poles to join their settlement.

Polish-American relations continue to be strong today, as we work together bilaterally and through NATO to achieve peace and security in the world, to spread freedom, and to enhance democratic institutions.  In 2009, we celebrate our history and our continued close relationship as we seek ways to strengthen and enhance our cooperation in a growing number of areas, from economic, legal, and political to the person-to-person contact facilitated by our numerous exchange programs, including the Fulbright Program, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.  We hope you will join us as we celebrate this ongoing relationship in 2009!

90th Anniversary Celebration Calendar:

12 January: Ceremony at the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
22-30 January: 90th anniversary lecture tour with Stanley Cloud and Lynne Olsen, historians and authors of A Question of Honor and The Murrow Boys, in Warsaw, Gdansk, Krakow, and Katowice.