# Władysław Raczkiewicz

> Polish politician, president of Poland from 1939 to 1947 (1885-1947)

**Wikidata**: [Q55840](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q55840)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Władysław_Raczkiewicz)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/wadysaw-raczkiewicz

## Summary
Władysław Raczkiewicz was a Polish politician and lawyer who served as the president of Poland from 1939 to 1947. He played a crucial role in the Second Polish Republic and was a key figure in the resistance against Nazi Germany during World War II.

## Biography
- Born: January 28, 1885, in Warsaw, Russian Empire
- Nationality: Polish
- Education: Lawyer, educated at the Imperial University of Dorpat (now Tartu University)
- Known for: Leading Poland during World War II and establishing the Polish government-in-exile
- Employer(s): President of Poland (1939–1947)
- Field(s): Politics, law

## Contributions
- Served as the president of Poland from 1939 to 1947, overseeing the country during World War II and the establishment of the Polish government-in-exile.
- Received the Cross of Independence, one of the highest Polish military decorations, for his leadership during the war.
- Awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour by France for his contributions to the Allied cause.
- Honored with an honorary doctorate from Fordham University for his political achievements.

## FAQs
**What was Władysław Raczkiewicz's role in Poland during World War II?**
Władysław Raczkiewicz served as the president of Poland from 1939 to 1947, leading the country during the war and establishing the Polish government-in-exile in London.

**What awards did Władysław Raczkiewicz receive for his service?**
He received the Cross of Independence, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, and an honorary doctorate from Fordham University.

**Where was Władysław Raczkiewicz educated?**
He studied law at the Imperial University of Dorpat, now known as Tartu University in Estonia.

**What was the significance of Władysław Raczkiewicz's presidency?**
His presidency marked a critical period in Polish history, including the establishment of the Polish government-in-exile and resistance against Nazi Germany.

## Why They Matter
Władysław Raczkiewicz's presidency was pivotal in shaping Poland's resistance during World War II. His leadership ensured the continuity of the Polish state and government in exile, which played a significant role in the Allied cause. His actions and awards reflect his enduring impact on Polish and international politics.

## Notable For
- President of Poland during World War II (1939–1947)
- Recipient of the Cross of Independence and the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
- Honored with an honorary doctorate from Fordham University
- Key figure in the establishment of the Polish government-in-exile

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Władysław Raczkiewicz was born on January 28, 1885, in Warsaw, which was then part of the Russian Empire. He pursued his legal education at the Imperial University of Dorpat, now known as Tartu University in Estonia. His academic background laid the foundation for his future career in law and politics.

### Political Career
Raczkiewicz began his political career in the Second Polish Republic, serving in various government roles. His leadership skills and commitment to Poland's sovereignty made him a prominent figure in the political landscape of the time.

### Presidency and World War II
In 1939, Raczkiewicz was elected president of Poland, a position he held until 1947. His presidency coincided with the outbreak of World War II, during which he played a crucial role in establishing the Polish government-in-exile in London. This government continued to represent Poland and resist Nazi occupation until the war's end.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Raczkiewicz received numerous awards and honors for his service to Poland and the Allied cause. He was awarded the Cross of Independence, one of the highest Polish military decorations, for his leadership during the war. Additionally, he received the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour from France and an honorary doctorate from Fordham University in the United States.

### Legacy
Władysław Raczkiewicz's legacy is deeply tied to Poland's resistance during World War II and the establishment of the Polish government-in-exile. His actions and awards reflect his enduring impact on Polish and international politics. His presidency marked a critical period in Polish history, ensuring the continuity of the Polish state and government in the face of adversity.

## References

1. Catalog of the German National Library
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Biographical Dictionary of Georgia
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. SNAC
7. BnF authorities
8. Internetowy Polski Słownik Biograficzny
9. Munzinger Personen
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. CONOR.SI
12. Sejm-Wielki.pl