# Treaty of Warsaw (1970)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1970-treaty-of-warsaw
Location: Warsaw

West Germany recognised the Oder–Neisse line as Poland's western border. During the visit, Chancellor Willy Brandt knelt before the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes. 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 (7 December 1970), the governing authority was Marian Spychalski (Chairman of the Council of State), together with Władysław Gomułka (First Secretary of the PZPR). Marshal of Poland and former defence minister. Treaty of Warsaw 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
Treaty of Warsaw 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 — Treaty of Warsaw (1970)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Warsaw_(1970))
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Treaty of Warsaw](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Treaty+of+Warsaw)
- [Wikipedia — Polish People's Republic (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_People's_Republic)