# Nationalisation of industry (1946)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1946-nationalisation-of-industry
Location: Poland

A law nationalised major industries, banks and transport, laying the foundations of a centrally planned economy. 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 (1946), 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. Nationalisation of industry mattered because economic change affected the wealth, society and power of the Polish lands. 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
Nationalisation of industry mattered because economic change affected the wealth, society and power of the Polish lands.

Ruler at the time: [Prehistoric communities](https://poland-history.com/rulers/prehistoric-communities)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Polish People's Republic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_People's_Republic)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Nationalisation of industry](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Nationalisation+of+industry)