# Warsaw Pact (1955)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1955-warsaw-pact
Location: Warsaw

The Soviet Union and its satellites signed a military alliance in Warsaw in response to West Germany's entry into NATO. Poland remained a member until the pact dissolved in 1991. 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 (14 May 1955), the governing authority was Aleksander Zawadzki (Chairman of the Council of State). First chairman of the collective head of state created by the 1952 constitution. Warsaw Pact mattered because its terms redrew borders or alliances and constrained Poland's options for years to come. 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
Warsaw Pact mattered because its terms redrew borders or alliances and constrained Poland's options for years to come.

Ruler at the time: [August Zaleski](https://poland-history.com/rulers/august-zaleski)

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