Józef Klemens Piłsudski was born on 5 December 1867 in Zulov, part of the Russian Empire. He was the second son of a noble family that valued Polish traditions. His early education was marked by a resistance to Russian cultural imposition, leading to his involvement in revolutionary activities. In 1887, he was arrested for plotting against Tsar Alexander III and sentenced to five years of exile in Siberia.After returning from exile in 1892, Piłsudski joined the Polish Socialist Party (PPS) and became a prominent figure in the movement for Polish independence. He formed the Polish Legions during World War I, fighting alongside the Central Powers against Russia. His military efforts were aimed at securing Polish independence, which he achieved in November 1918 when he became the Chief of State.As Chief of State from 1918 to 1922, Piłsudski played a crucial role in shaping Poland's borders through military engagements, including the Polish–Soviet War. His leadership during the Battle of Warsaw in August 1920 was pivotal in repelling the Soviet advance. After a brief retirement in 1923, he returned to power in a coup in May 1926, establishing a government known as Sanation, which sought to restore moral order in Polish politics.Piłsudski served as Minister of Military Affairs and maintained significant influence over Polish foreign policy until his death on 12 May 1935. His administration was marked by authoritarian practices, including the imprisonment of political opponents. Despite controversies, he is regarded as a key figure in the establishment of modern Poland and is often referred to as a father of the Second Polish Republic.His early life was characterized by a strong sense of Polish nationalism, and he envisioned a multi-ethnic Poland. Piłsudski's legacy includes his efforts to create a federation of Central and Eastern European states, although this vision faced numerous challenges. His death prompted widespread mourning, and he remains a significant historical figure in Poland.

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Józef Piłsudski