# Republic of Poland restored (1989)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1989-republic-of-poland-restored
Location: Warsaw

A constitutional amendment restored the name Republic of Poland, removed the communist party's leading role and returned the crown to the white eagle. Within the broader Third Republic period: Democratic Poland transformed its economy, joined NATO and the European Union and became one of Europe's leading states, while confronting new security challenges on its eastern border. At this point in the timeline (29 December 1989), the governing authority was Wojciech Jaruzelski (First Secretary of the PZPR; Chairman of the Council of State; President of Poland). General who imposed martial law in 1981 and later negotiated the transition; President 1989–1990. Republic of Poland restored mattered because it laid down fundamental rules for the state and became a lasting reference point in Polish political tradition. 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
Republic of Poland restored mattered because it laid down fundamental rules for the state and became a lasting reference point in Polish political tradition.

Ruler at the time: [Wojciech Jaruzelski](https://poland-history.com/rulers/wojciech-jaruzelski)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Contract Sejm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contract_Sejm)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Republic of Poland restored](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Republic+of+Poland+restored)
- [Wikipedia — History of Poland (1989–present) (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Poland_(1989%E2%80%93present))