Eighty-six years ago, on January 2, 1939, Roman Dmowski, a pivotal figure in Poland’s fight for independence, passed away. While his legacy is gradually being recognized, efforts to diminish his contributions persist.
A Key Architect of Poland’s Sovereignty and Advocate for National Unity
Born on August 9, 1864, Dmowski dedicated his life to advancing Poland’s national cause. With the outbreak of World War I, he became a leading member of the Polish National Committee, established on November 25, 1914, in Warsaw. The committee, which aligned itself with pro-Russian policies, consisted largely of National Democracy representatives, reflecting Dmowski’s vision for a united Poland.
One of his most defining roles came in 1919 when he co-represented Poland at the Paris Peace Conference alongside Prime Minister Ignacy Paderewski. On June 28 of that year, Dmowski co-signed the Treaty of Versailles, a historic agreement that formally recognized Poland’s sovereignty after over a century of partitions.
Roman Dmowski: A Statesman, Strategist, and Pillar of Polish Nationalist
Following his work in Paris, Dmowski served as a deputy to the Polish Sejm (parliament) between 1919 and 1922, despite being elected in absentia during his time abroad. In 1920, amid the Polish-Bolshevik War, he became a member of the State Defence Council, contributing to Poland’s strategy and resilience during a critical moment in its history. Three years later, in 1923, he briefly served as Minister of Foreign Affairs in Prime Minister Wincenty Witos’s cabinet.
After the 1926 May Coup led by Józef Piłsudski, Dmowski formed the Camp of Great Poland, a political organization opposing the ruling government. Known for its ideological focus on national solidarity, strong ties between the state and the Catholic Church, and an emphasis on moral and social discipline, the organization reflected Dmowski’s nationalist convictions.
Roman Dmowski’s life was marked by both his intellectual contributions and political activism, but his later years were overshadowed by illness. He passed away in Drozdowo, near Łomża, and was laid to rest in Warsaw’s Bródno Cemetery. His funeral, held at St. John the Baptist Cathedral, turned into a massive national commemoration, with an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 mourners attending the procession.