May 3, 1791: Polish Constitution Adopted

On May 3, 1791, Poland adopted the first democratic written constitution in Europe, following the lead of the Americans who had adopted their Constitution in 1789. Both were heavily influenced by the 18th century Enlightenment. 

Among other things, the Polish Constitution of May 1791 protected serfs from noble abuse, equalized political rights between townsfolk and landowners, and implemented a system of checks and balances.

Freedom and revolution seemed to be sweeping the world. Between 1775 and 1781, the American Revolution was successful in ridding the American continent of rule by the British monarchy. The French Revolution began in 1789, aimed at destroying the French nobility.

Poland’s neighbors — Austria-Hungary, Prussia and Russia, all monarchies — did not want the example of a democratically inclined nation adjacent to their borders. Over a period of years they divided up Poland (the “Partitions”), so that by 1795 Poland had disappeared from the map of Europe. For 123 years, from 1795 to the end of World War I in 1918, the Polish nation ceased to exist.

However, throughout the Partition period, May 3rd became an unwritten national holiday, helping to keep alive the spirit of Poland. May 3rd was officially restored as a national holiday in 1919, shortly after Poland regained its independence.

During World War II, the German and Soviet occupiers forbade celebration of Polish Constitution Day. After World War II, as the communists were asserting control over the country, the celebrations on May 3rd led to bloody patriotic revolts. The Polish communist government removed the day from the calendar of national holidays, officially making it illegal in 1951.

It was not until 1990, after the fall of communism, that May 3rd was once again restored as an official national holiday.

The Constitution of May 1791 was in force for less than two years, yet remains an important document in European history. It has stood as a powerful Polish national symbol, even during periods of foreign occupation and political captivity. Constitution Day continues to be one of Poland’s most important national holidays more than 200 years after its original creation.