# PKWN Manifesto (1944)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1944-pkwn-manifesto
Location: Chełm

The Soviet-backed Polish Committee of National Liberation announced its manifesto, claiming authority in areas taken by the Red Army. Within the broader World War II period: Invaded by Germany and the Soviet Union, Poland suffered brutal occupation and the Holocaust, while its underground state and armed forces fought on every front of the war. At this point in the timeline (22 July 1944), the governing authority was Władysław Raczkiewicz (President of Poland (in exile)). President of the internationally recognised Polish government-in-exile in France and London during World War II. PKWN Manifesto mattered because it altered the structure of power and the direction of Polish statehood. 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
PKWN Manifesto mattered because it altered the structure of power and the direction of Polish statehood.

Ruler at the time: [Władysław Raczkiewicz](https://poland-history.com/rulers/wladyslaw-raczkiewicz)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Polish Committee of National Liberation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_Committee_of_National_Liberation)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — PKWN Manifesto](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=PKWN+Manifesto)
- [Wikipedia — History of Poland (1939–1945) (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Poland_(1939%E2%80%931945))