Krakow's Historical Ties With Austria: A Complex Past

Krakow, also known as Cracow, is a city in Poland with a rich history. From 1815 to 1846, it was part of the Free City of Cracow, a city republic created by the Congress of Vienna and jointly controlled by Austria, Prussia, and Russia. During this time, Krakow experienced economic growth and became a symbol of Poland's independent political existence. However, due to its involvement in the unsuccessful Krakow Uprising of 1846, the Free City was annexed by the Austrian Empire, becoming the Grand Duchy of Krakow. This period of Austrian rule saw the city's fortified walls levelled, with the exception of the section around the Floriańska Gate and the Barbican. Despite the occupation, Krakow remained an important centre of Polish nationalism, culture, and art.

The Free City of Krakow was jointly controlled by Russia, Prussia and Austria

Krakow, one of the largest and oldest cities in Poland, has a rich and complex history. In the 19th century, it was known as the Free, Independent, and Strictly Neutral City of Krakow with Its District, or the Free City of Krakow. This city republic was created by the Congress of Vienna in 1815 and included the Polish city of Krakow (Kraków) and its surrounding areas.

The Free City of Krakow was jointly controlled by three neighbouring powers: Russia, Prussia, and Austria. This unique arrangement gave the city a degree of autonomy, with its own constitution and governing senate. However, the partitioning powers also exerted significant influence, as evidenced by their role in approving the election of the city's president.

During this period, Krakow became a centre of agitation for an independent Poland. The city's status as a duty-free area and its favourable trading relationships with its neighbours made it a hub for economic liberalism and laissez-faire policies. The city experienced impressive growth, attracting new enterprises and immigrants.

However, the Free City of Krakow was short-lived. In 1846, the Krakow Uprising, an attempt by Polish insurgents to fight for national independence, was centred on the city. The uprising was suppressed by Austrian forces, with assistance from local peasants. Following this, the Free City of Krakow was annexed by the Austrian Empire, bringing an end to its partial independence.

Thus, while the Free City of Krakow was jointly controlled by Russia, Prussia, and Austria for a time, its fate ultimately rested with these imperial powers. The city's role as a centre for pro-independence activism and its favourable economic status made it a target for annexation, leading to its incorporation into the Austrian Empire in the mid-19th century.

The Republic of Krakow was occupied by Austrian troops in 1846

The Republic of Krakow, officially known as the Free, Independent, and Strictly Neutral City of Krakow with Its District, was established by the Congress of Vienna on 3 May 1815. Covering an area of 1150 square kilometres, it included three cities—Krakow, Chrzanow, and Nowa Wies—along with 224 villages, and had a population of 87,984. The Republic was jointly controlled by its three neighbours: Russia, Prussia, and Austria.

In the years following its establishment, the Republic of Krakow became a centre of agitation for an independent Poland. The city was overwhelmingly Polish-speaking, with a population that was 85% Catholic and 14% Jewish. The Jagiellonian University, which was beyond the control of the Republic's government, became a hub for Polish political activity.

In 1836, the Republic of Krakow was occupied by Austrian troops, who remained there until 1841. During this time, the local police force was disbanded and replaced by Austrian police, and the competences of the local courts were curtailed. After a failed attempt to start an uprising in Krakow in 1833, the partitioning powers issued a new, restrictive constitution, reducing the number of senators and deputies and expanding the powers of their own commissars.

In 1846, the unsuccessful Krakow Uprising took place, centred on the city of Krakow and led by Polish insurgents such as Jan Tyssowski and Edward Dembowski. The goal of the uprising was to fight for national independence and to direct their efforts against the powers that had partitioned Poland, particularly the nearby Austrian Empire. Despite initial success, the uprising lasted only nine days and ended with an Austrian victory.

Following the failure of the Krakow Uprising, the Free City of Krakow was annexed by the Austrian Empire on 16 November 1846. This violation of the 1815 Treaty of Vienna caused a short-lived scandal in European politics. Krakow and its surrounding area were incorporated into the Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria, a province of the Austrian Empire, and the city was relegated to the role of a provincial capital.

Krakow was the capital of Poland until 1596

Krakow, also spelled Cracow, is the second-largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland. It is situated on the Vistula River in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship region. The city dates back to the 7th century and was the capital of Poland from 1038 to 1596. During this period, Krakow was a bustling trading centre and a leading centre of Polish academic, cultural, and artistic life.

In the 11th century, Krakow became the focal point of Christianity in Poland, and a bishop was appointed to the city. The Wawel Cathedral, one of the city's most prominent landmarks, was first constructed during this time. In 1038, Casimir I the Restorer moved the capital of Poland to Krakow, which remained the political centre of the country until 1596.

Krakow's role as the capital of Poland spanned several significant historical periods, including the rule of the Piast dynasty, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and the Jagiellonian dynasty. The city was a member of the Hanseatic League and attracted many craftsmen, businesses, and guilds. It also became a centre of science and the arts, with the establishment of the University of Krakow in 1364, making it the second oldest university in Central Europe.

The Renaissance period in Krakow was marked by the influence of Italian artists and scholars, including Filip Callimachus, Conrad Celtes, and Veit Stoss. Intellectual pursuits flourished, and the city produced notable figures such as Nicolaus Copernicus. Architectural masterpieces from this era include ancient synagogues in the Jewish quarter and Renaissance buildings in the Kazimierz district.

In 1596, King Sigismund III Vasa transferred the administrative capital of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from Krakow to Warsaw, marking the end of Krakow's status as the capital. However, Krakow remained a prominent city even after the relocation of the capital. The Polish kings continued to be crowned in the Wawel Cathedral, and the city retained its cultural and intellectual significance.

In the following centuries, Krakow underwent various political changes and occupations. After the partitions of Poland in the late 18th century, the city came under the control of different empires, including the Austrian Empire and the Duchy of Warsaw. During the 19th century, Krakow became a symbol of Polish independence and a centre of cultural and intellectual life. The city was annexed by the Austrian Empire in 1846 and became part of the Grand Duchy of Krakow.

Despite the political turmoil, Krakow continued to be a thriving centre of art, science, and culture. It was known as the "Polish Athens" and played a crucial role in shaping Polish national identity. The city's rich historical and architectural heritage has been recognised by UNESCO, with its Old Town being declared a World Heritage Site in 1978.

The city was besieged by Russian troops in World War I

Krakow, a city in Poland, was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire when World War I broke out in July 1914. The conflict began with Austria-Hungary's declaration of war on Serbia, an ally of the Russian Empire. In response, Russia issued an ultimatum to Vienna, warning Austria-Hungary against attacking Serbia. As tensions escalated, Russia began mobilising its reserve army along the border of Austria-Hungary.

In October 1914, a series of battles took place, resulting in defeats for the central powers and significant territorial gains for Russia. The Russians returned almost all the lands in Poland, seized parts of eastern Prussia, and set their sights on invading Silesia. To achieve this, they needed to take Krakow.

The Battle of Krakow ensued from November 16 to November 28, 1914, on the Eastern Front. The Russian 9th and 3rd armies advanced towards the Dunac, pushing back the 4th Austro-Hungarian army between Krakow and the northern slopes of the Beskids. The Austro-Hungarians launched a counterattack in the northern section of the Vistula, but it was repelled by the Russians. After two weeks of fighting, the battles for Krakow were interrupted by both sides due to the unsuccessful attacks of the 9th German Army in the Battle of Lodz.

At the end of November, the Austro-Hungarians, led by Franz Conrad von Hötzendorf, regrouped for a new counteroffensive at Limanova-Lapanov to halt the Russian advance in northern Hungary. The Russians, despite their earlier successes, were unable to capture Krakow. In December 1914, the Austro-Hungarian forces gathered their strength and launched an offensive, pushing the Russians back from Krakow, although the Russians retained some positions in the Carpathian passes.

During the first winter of World War I, Russian troops laid siege to Krakow, causing thousands of residents to flee to safer areas such as Moravia. The city did not come under direct threat again, but it did experience severe food shortages. The Russian advance into Galician territory and the siege of Krakow were part of a broader campaign that contributed to the liberation of Poland from foreign rule.

Krakow is twinned with 36 cities around the world

Krakow, or Kraków in Polish, is the second-largest city in Poland and one of the oldest, dating back to the 7th century. It was the capital of Poland from 1038 to 1569 and has traditionally been a centre of Polish academic, cultural, and artistic life. The city has a rich history and has grown from a Stone Age settlement to become Poland's second-most important city.

Krakow was part of the Austrian Empire in the 19th century. The Free, Independent, and Strictly Neutral City of Krakow (also known as the Free City of Cracow or the Republic of Cracow) was created by the Congress of Vienna in 1815 and included the Polish city of Krakow and its surrounding areas. It was jointly controlled by Russia, Prussia, and Austria. In 1846, after the unsuccessful Krakow Uprising, the Free City was annexed by the Austrian Empire as the Grand Duchy of Krakow.

Today, Krakow is twinned with 36 cities around the world. Some of its sister cities include:

• Rochester, New York, USA
• Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
• La Serena, Chile
• Saint Petersburg, Russia
• San Francisco, California, USA

These sister city relationships foster international connections and promote cultural exchange, collaboration, and mutual understanding between the twinned cities.

Frequently asked questions