Karol Modzelewski facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Karol Modzelewski
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| Born | 23 November 1937 |
| Died | 28 April 2019 (aged 81) |
| Nationality | Polish |
| Occupation | historian, writer, politician |
| Awards | Legion d'Honneur (2016) Nike Award (2014) Prize of the Foundation for Polish Science (2007) Order of White Eagle (1998) |
Karol Cyryl Modzelewski (born November 23, 1937 – died April 28, 2019) was an important Polish historian, writer, and politician. He was born in Russia but became a leading figure in the movement against the communist government in Poland from the 1960s to the 1980s.
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Karol Modzelewski's Early Life and Activism
Karol Modzelewski was the adopted son of Zygmunt Modzelewski. He became a professor at the University of Wrocław and the University of Warsaw.
Standing Up to the Government
Karol was a member of the Polish United Workers Party, which was the ruling communist party. However, he disagreed with some of their policies. Because of his opposition, he was removed from the party in 1964.
Along with his friend Jacek Kuroń, he wrote a document called the "Open Letter to the Party." This letter openly criticized the government. For writing it, he was sent to prison for three years.
Fighting for Change in the 1960s
Karol Modzelewski also took part in the Polish 1968 political crisis. This was a time when many students and intellectuals protested against the government. For his actions during these protests, he was imprisoned again for three and a half years.
The Birth of Solidarity
During the strikes in Poland in the 1980s, Karol Modzelewski came up with the famous name 'Solidarity'. Solidarity became a huge independent trade union and a powerful movement for freedom in Poland.
He worked as a press contact for Solidarity and was an active member in the Silesia region. When the government declared martial law in Poland in 1981, many activists, including Karol, were arrested and held without trial.
Serving in the Polish Senate
From 1989 to 1991, after the fall of communism, Karol Modzelewski became a member of the Senate of Poland. He was part of the Solidarity Citizens' Committee and often supported left-wing political groups.
Karol Modzelewski passed away in Warsaw on April 28, 2019.
Awards and Special Honors
Karol Modzelewski received many important awards for his work and contributions.
Poland's Highest Honor
In 1998, he was given Poland's highest award, the Order of White Eagle. This award is given to Poles who have done great things for their country.
Recognized for Historical Research
In 2007, he won the Prize of the Foundation for Polish Science. He received this award for his research on how European identity was formed. His work, especially his book Barbarzyńska Europa ("Barbarian Europe"), showed how old traditions and different cultures helped shape modern Europe.
Other Important Awards
In 2009, he received an honorary degree from the Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz. This is a special title given by a university to honor someone's achievements.
In 2014, he won the famous Nike Award for his autobiography. An autobiography is a book about a person's own life. His book was titled Zajeździmy kobyłę historii: wyznania poobijanego jeźdźca ("We'll Ride the Mare of History to the Ground: Confessions of a Bruised Rider"). He also won the Kazimierz Moczarski History Award and the Józef Tischner Award that same year.
In 2016, he was made an honorary citizen of the city of Wrocław. He also received the Legion d'Honneur from France, one of the highest French awards, along with Róża Thun.
Selected Works
Karol Modzelewski wrote many books and articles. Here are some of his notable works:
- Zajeździmy kobyłę historii. Wyznania poobijanego jeźdźca ("We'll Ride the Mare of History to the Ground: Confessions of a Bruised Rider"), Warsaw 2013
- Barbarzyńska Europa ("Barbarian Europe"), Warsaw 2004
- List otwarty do partii ("Open Letter to the Party") (co-written by Jacek Kuroń), Paris 1966
See also
- Nike Award
- History of Poland
- Polish literature
- List of Polish-language authors
