May Coup facts for kids

Józef Piłsudski and his followers during the coup

The May Coup was a sudden takeover of the government in Poland in May 1926. It was led by Józef Piłsudski, a famous Polish leader and national hero. He wanted to change the "weak" democratic government that was in power.

The coup began on May 12 and ended on May 15, 1926. Piłsudski and his supporters won. This event changed Poland's government from a democracy to a system where one person or a small group had most of the power. This new government stayed in charge until World War II started in September 1939, when Germany invaded Poland.

What Was the May Coup?

The May Coup was a quick and forceful change of government. It happened in Poland in 1926. A "coup d'état" means that a group of people, often from the military, takes control of a country's government by force. They do this without following the usual rules or elections.

Who Was Józef Piłsudski?

Józef Piłsudski was a very important person in Polish history. He was a military leader and a politician. Many people saw him as a national hero. He had played a big part in helping Poland become an independent country again after World War I. Because of his past, he had many loyal followers.

Why Did the Coup Happen?

Piłsudski and his supporters were not happy with how Poland was being governed. They felt that the democratic government was not strong enough. They believed it was not doing a good job of leading the country. Piłsudski thought that Poland needed a stronger leader to solve its problems. He wanted to make the government more stable and effective.

The Events of the Coup

The May Coup started on May 12, 1926. Piłsudski gathered his loyal troops and marched towards the capital city, Warsaw. The government tried to stop them. There were battles between Piłsudski's forces and the government's army.

Fighting in Warsaw

The fighting lasted for three days in Warsaw. It was a difficult time for the city. Many people were hurt or killed during the clashes. Finally, Piłsudski's forces gained control. The president and the government leaders had to resign.

What Changed After the Coup?

After Piłsudski's victory, the way Poland was governed changed a lot. The country moved away from a full democracy. Instead, Piłsudski became the most powerful person in Poland. He did not become president, but he had a lot of influence over the government.

New Style of Government

The new government was more authoritarian. This means that power was held by a small group of people, with Piłsudski at the top. They made decisions without as much input from the public or other political parties. This system stayed in place for many years.

Piłsudski's Influence

Piłsudski remained a very important figure in Poland until his death in 1935. After he passed away, the government he created continued to rule. It became even stricter over time. Political opponents faced difficulties, but the government never became fully totalitarian. This means it did not control every part of people's lives. The system lasted until Germany invaded Poland in 1939, which marked the start of World War II.