Piłsudskiite

A Piłsudskiite (Polish: Piłsudczyk) was a supporter of Poland's Marshal Józef Piłsudski, founder of the World War I-era Polish Legions and the first Chief of State of the Second Republic of Poland. The Piłsudskiites had a major influence on Polish politics in the interwar period.

History

Piłsudski was the dominant political figure in the interwar Second Polish Republic. Most of the successive governments favored Pilsudski, who served as Chief of State from 1918 to 1922 and as Prime Minister in 1926-28 and for several months in 1930. Piłsudski was highly influential and never dropped out of public life, remaining active in Polish politics and exercising considerable influence until his death in May 1935. Piłsudski special position was highlighted by his holding the position of the General Inspector of the Armed Forces, which was created specifically for him and wasn't responsible to the Sejm (parliament) but only to the President.

In May 1926 Piłsudskiite forces conducted the May Coup, deposing the legally elected government and installing their own. The Sanacja political camp was formed and Piłsudski's power grew. The Sanacja began to strengthen its own power and curb the activities of opposition political parties. Many parties in that time became Piłsudskiite to get closer to power and stay safe from potential problems.

When Piłsudski died in May 1935, the Piłsudskiite Sanacja movement lost its leader. The political situation in Poland became radicalized and the pressure of opposition camps on the ruling Sanacja (especially from the right-wing National Democracy) became stronger. In order to unite the Piłsudskiites and hold on to power, the leading Piłsudskiite politicians formed the Camp of National Unity.

In order to gain voters from the opposition National Democracy, the Camp of National Unity radicalized its program and even took some issues from the opposition right-wing camp, and became more nationalist. Still it advocated Piłsudski's points of view and followed his political heritage.

See also

• Józef Piłsudski's cult of personality
• Piłsudski's colonels