# Bolesław Bierut takes office (1945)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1945-boleslaw-bierut-takes-office
Location: Poland
Categories: ruler-change

Bolesław Bierut became President of the State National Council, later President of Poland (1944–1952). Communist leader who headed the KRN from 1944, was President 1947–1952 and led Poland through its Stalinist period. Within the broader People'S Republic period: Shifted westward and placed under communist rule, Poland rebuilt from the war but repeatedly rose against the regime, until the Solidarity movement forced a negotiated transition in 1989. At this point in the timeline (28 June 1945), the governing authority was Bolesław Bierut (President of the State National Council, later President of Poland). Communist leader who headed the KRN from 1944, was President 1947–1952 and led Poland through its Stalinist period. Bolesław Bierut takes office mattered because succession and legitimacy shaped alliances, institutions and the direction of state policy. 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
Bolesław Bierut takes office mattered because succession and legitimacy shaped alliances, institutions and the direction of state policy.

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

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Bolesław Bierut](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boles%C5%82aw_Bierut)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Bolesław Bierut takes office](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Boles%C5%82aw+Bierut+takes+office)
- [Wikipedia — Polish People's Republic (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_People's_Republic)