Origins & Early Life

Bolesław Bierut (Polish: [bɔˈlɛswaf ˈbʲɛrut] ; 18 April 1892 – 12 March 1956) was a Polish communist activist and politician who was the leader of communist-ruled Poland from 1948 until 1956. He was President of the State National Council from 1944 to 1947, President of Poland from 1947 to 1952, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Polish United Workers' Party from 1948 to 1956, and Prime Minister of Poland from 1952 to 1954. Bierut is believed to have worked as an NKVD informant or agent prior to 1945, although his relationship with the Soviet agency has been a subject of debate among historians. As communist leader, he implemented aspects of the Stalinist system in Poland.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Together with Władysław Gomułka, his main rival, Bierut is chiefly responsible for the historic changes that Poland underwent in the aftermath of World War II. Unlike any of his communist successors, Bierut led Poland until his death. Born in Congress Poland on the outskirts of Lublin, Bierut was employed in various trades from the age of fourteen, but obtained further education through self-study. He joined the Polish Socialist Party in 1912. Later, he became a member of the Communist Party of Poland...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Akira Mutō — Contemporary (Born in 1892) (1892): Imperial Japanese Army General implicated in war crimes during WWII.
• Alexander Alekhine — Contemporary (Born in 1892) (1892): A celebrated Russian-French chess master and four-time World Champion.
• Alexander Cartwright — Contemporary (Died in 1892) (1892): Founding member of the Knickerbockers and developer of early baseball rules.
• A. A. Milne — Contemporary (Died in 1956) (1956): Celebrated English author, famed for Winnie-the-Pooh and children's literature.
• Aileen Wuornos — Contemporary (Born in 1956) (1956): American serial killer known for murdering seven male clients in Florida.
• Alain Ducasse — Contemporary (Born in 1956) (1956): Renowned French-born Monégasque chef, celebrated for Michelin-starred cuisine.
• Albert Einstein — Shared historical date (04-18 · Died) (1955): Pioneering theoretical physicist known for the theory of relativity and E=mc2.
• Alexandre Alexeieff — Shared historical date (04-18 · Born) (1901): Russian-born artist, filmmaker, and illustrator known for inventing the pinscreen technique.
• Alexander Mackenzie (explorer) — Shared historical date (03-12 · Died) (1820): Scottish explorer and fur trader famed for crossing North America north of Mexico.
• André Le Nôtre — Shared historical date (03-12 · Born) (1613): Master French landscape architect, famed for the formal gardens of Versailles.
• 1892 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1892
• April 18 (04-18) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on April 18
• 1956 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1956
• March 12 (03-12) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on March 12