People's Republic of Poland

The People's Republic of Poland (Polska Rzeczpospolita Ludowa, PRL) was a socialist state that existed from 1952 to 1990. It was internationally recognised as a sovereign state, despite accusations by imperialist western nations that it was a satellite country of the Soviet Union. It was ruled by the Polish United Workers Party (PZPR).

Near the end of World War II, Nazi German forces were expelled from Polish territory, thanks to the advance of the Red Army. The Yalta Conference sanctioned the formation of a provisional pro-communist coalition government in Poland. The new government, established in Warsaw, increased their power and after the first two years the PZPR took control of the country, making it part of the sphere of influence of the new Soviet Republic in post-war Eastern Europe.

A full constitution was adopted on 22 July 1952, with significant amendments being made ​​in 1976. Despite the government encouraging an atheistic society, religion was not outlawed and freedom of religion was permitted in the constitution.

Many people in modern Poland regret the move to a capitalist system and the end of the People's Republic of Poland. This view was reinforced by Zofia Niczke, founder and director of the Emeryt’s Foundation, who said in 2009 how the transformation has changed accessibility to education. Her family, from a working class background, was able to send six of its seven children to good schools under the People's Republic. Today, a poor family in the country is lucky if they are able to send more than one of their children to receive a good education.