# Gorlice–Tarnów Offensive (1915)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1915-gorlice-tarnow-offensive
Location: Gorlice
Categories: battle

The Central Powers broke through Russian lines in western Galicia in May 1915, beginning a general Russian retreat. Within the broader World War I & Independence period: The First World War destroyed the partitioning empires. Poland regained independence in November 1918 and fought for its borders in a series of wars and uprisings until 1921. At this point in the timeline (1915), the governing authority was Nicholas II (King of Poland (Tsar of Russia)). Last tsar; Russian control of the Kingdom of Poland ended when Warsaw fell to German forces in August 1915. Gorlice–Tarnów Offensive mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed. The event is placed here so readers can follow it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion and culture across Polish history.

## Why it matters
Gorlice–Tarnów Offensive mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed.

Ruler at the time: [Central Powers occupation](https://poland-history.com/rulers/central-powers-occupation)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Gorlice–Tarnów offensive](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorlice%E2%80%93Tarn%C3%B3w_offensive)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Gorlice–Tarnów Offensive](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Gorlice%E2%80%93Tarn%C3%B3w+Offensive)
- [Wikipedia — History of Poland during World War I (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Poland_during_World_War_I)