Memory and Narratives of the Second World War in Polish Public Opinion (2000–2020)

In Polish public opinion Poland’s participation in the World War II remains one of the most important events in Polish history of the 20th century. However, largely due to the influence of historical politics, collective memory and public opinion undergone significant revision in assessments of the main events and the role of historical figures during this war. The main trend was a predominantly negative interpretation of Polish-Soviet relations across the entire spectrum of events: from the moving in of Soviet troops on the territory of western Belarus and Ukraine on September 17, 1939, to the liberation of German-occupied Poland by the Red Army in 1944–1945. In practice, this led to the revision of holiday dates, the dismantling of monuments to the Red Army soldiers, and equating of Nazi Germany’s and the USSR’s policies toward the Polish people.