The People's Republic of Poland (Polish: Polska Rzeczpospolita Ludowa, PRL) was the official name of Poland from 1952 to 1989. From 1944 to 1952 Rzeczpospolita Polska (The Republic of Poland) was the name of the Polish state.
The Soviet Union had much influence over internal affairs and foreign affairs, and Red Army forces were stationed in Poland (1945 - 500,000; until 1955 - 120,000 to 150,000, until 1989 - 40,000). Therefore the People's Republic of Poland has been described as a satellite state of the Soviet Union. In 1945, Soviet generals and advisors formed 80% of the officer cadre of Wojsko Polskie. The Polish United Workers' Party became the dominant political party, officially making the country a Socialist state.
Read more about People's Republic Of Poland: History, Government and Politics, Culture, Demographics, Geography
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