In view of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Polonia Institute encourages the American public to study events that followed the Yalta Conference of 1945 because this important part of the XX Century history, only now being pieced together, is most relevant to the Euro-Atlantic developments. In your essay please analyze the following issues: 1) the Yalta Conference of February 1945; 2) June 1945 show trial of the 16 Polish leaders in Moscow 3) 1946 Special Augustów Operation (Little Katyn) 4) 1944-1947 mission of Stanislaw Mikolajczyk in Poland; 5) NKVD/UB machine of oppression, a) special forces, prosecutors, court murderers, and show trials; b) torture dungeons: Rakowiecka, Fordon, Inowroclaw, Lublin prisons, c) exterminations ex. Witold Pilecki, Danuta Sieradzikówna “Inka,” Emil Fieldorf and others; 6) threats, blackmailing, deportations, discrimination, terror; 9) lesson for today.
The essay shall reflect the contestant’s own research and original thinking. The paper shall not exceed 15 typed pages (including bibliography), shall be typed in 12-point font, double-spaced with 1” margins; pages shall be numbered. The essay shall be submitted in the English language. All entries become the property of the Polonia Institute.
The Essay Competition on the History of Poland is open to adults who are at least 18 years and older as of September 17th. Proof of age is required. A copy of a valid document showing date of birth is acceptable. Deadline is September 17th (postmark date). Results will be announced on or about November 11th. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.
