Polish & Baltic History

There is a legend that surrounds the founding of Vilnius, the present day capital of Lithuania, The Legend of the Iron Wolf.

May 5, 2009 - David J. Shestokas

This Battle was a humiliation from which the Order would never recover, and it would be a source of nationalism and unity among the Kingdoms of Eastern Europe.

Apr 25, 2009 - Nate Breidenbaugh

The battle of Grunwald, the Teutonic Order's greatest defeat, was a result of political intrigue and religious fervor which brought two rival kingdoms to arms.

Apr 25, 2009 - Nate Breidenbaugh

With a government in exile, Communists under Soviet influence gained power in Poland after WWII.

Mar 1, 2009 - Kerry Kubilius

Poland's Jews had two options after WWII - to emigrate or to stay in Poland and attempt to rebuild lives and communities. Those who stayed faced a hostile environment.

Feb 19, 2009 - Kerry Kubilius

Geographically, politically, religiously, and economically a different country, Poland attempted to rebuild after the war.

Jan 26, 2009 - Kerry Kubilius

Martial law was declared in Poland in 1981 by Prime Minister Jaruzelski in order to squash the powerful Solidarity movement and stave off economic decline.

Jan 13, 2009 - Kerry Kubilius

Gdansk, on the Baltic Sea, has long been an important port town. Famous for amber, shipping, and the workers' union Solidarity, Gdansk history is not hard to find.

May 24, 2008 - Kerry Kubilius

Krakow, spared from WWII bombs, has much of its historically significant sights intact. Chruches, castles, synagogues, and Poland's ancient university can be explored.

May 24, 2008 - Kerry Kubilius

If you visit Warsaw, you'll be surrounded by history on all sides. Keep in mind that much of the city was destroyed during WWII, so what you see is loving reconstruction.

May 24, 2008 - Kerry Kubilius

During World War II Sendler was an activist in the Polish anti-Holocaust resistance in Warsaw. She risked her life rescuing 2500 Jewish children out of the ghetto.

May 12, 2008 - Christine Welter

Jogaila, or Jagiello, was Grand Duke of Lithuania and King of Poland. He joined both countries against the Teutonic Knights and produced an heir to succeed him as ruler.

Apr 18, 2008 - Kerry Kubilius

Casimir III, or Casimir the Great, was a Polish king who expanded medieval Poland, strengthened government, and left an indelible mark on Poland's history.

Apr 15, 2008 - Kerry Kubilius

Around the turn of the seventeenth century, during Russia's "Time of Troubles," several men arose pretending to be the slain heir to the Russian throne, Dmitri Ivanovich.

Mar 13, 2008 - Isaac M. McPhee

The Allies advanced across France and Soviet troops neared the Vistula River while gallant Polish forces attempted once again to drive the Nazi occupiers from their city.

Aug 5, 2007 - Frank W. Hardy

While most people know about the Trakai Island Castle on Lake Galve in Lithuania - it is now a popular museum - lesser known are the two castles nearby.

Jun 3, 2007 - Kerry Kubilius

Educated from an early age in Warsaw, Chopin made his name as a composer before the age of 20. He subsequently continued his career in Paris.

May 21, 2007 - Kerry Kubilius

Easter customs in Poland include decorating eggs called pisanki and cutting of indigenous plants to use as "palms" for Palm Sunday.

Mar 7, 2007 - Kerry Kubilius

Estonian language is spoken by few people internationally and does not share Lithuanian's and Latvian's Indo-European roots.

Jan 18, 2007 - Kerry Kubilius

Latvian language has progressed more quickly than its sister language, Lithuanian.

Dec 30, 2006 - Kerry Kubilius

Lithuanian language has been one of the Indo-European languages to exhibit the least amount of change from its original form.

Dec 28, 2006 - Kerry Kubilius

Estonia markes the "Yuletide" season with centuries-old traditions that have their roots in pagan rituals.

Nov 25, 2006 - Kerry Kubilius

Eastern European history is uncertain whether Riga, Latvia can be appropriately credited with the first decorated tree that started this Christmas tradition.

Nov 20, 2006 - Kerry Kubilius

Christmas Eve is observed as a time for family gathering and observing long-standing traditions in Lithuania.

Nov 18, 2006 - Kerry Kubilius

Amber is one of Eastern Europe's most popular semi-precious stones. Made of tree resin, it has been a coveted object of trade as well as part of a lost treasure.

Oct 24, 2006 - Kerry Kubilius