The National Guard, operating in Poland from 1923 to 1927, was an organization with a clear paramilitary and ideological character, powerfully linked to the environment of National Democracy. Its emergence and improvement should be analysed in the broader political context of the turbulent 1920s. Poland, as a young nation reborn after 123 years of occupation, faced structural, social and ideological problems. The political parties competed for power, and the economical situation, aggravated by hyperinflation and unemployment, favoured the radicalisation of society.
National Democracy, the backbone of which was the People's-National Union (ZLN), attempted to counter leftist and communist threats while promoting its national program. The full strategy of satellite organisations – social, educational and paramilitary – was utilized to accomplish these objectives.
After planet War I and the Polish-bolshevik War, Polish society was highly politically diverse. There were tensions between the supporters of sanation, socialists, the folk movement and the endeciation. It was in this atmosphere that the National defender was established – as a consequence to the threat of “destructive” and “anarchical” forces.
The creation of the Association of National Guards in December 1923 was a consequence to the real needs of a society that wanted order, safety and patriotism. The creators of the initiative – Czesław Mączyński and Bolesław Zajączkowski – were not just politicians. They were people who were profoundly afraid about the future of the Homeland, who understood that words were not adequate to defend it – the request for action. This union was intended to merge a number of organizations with a rich patriotic and military tradition – including the Hallerian Union, the Falcon, the Dowborczyks or the Legacy of the Constitution – into 1 strength, capable of resisting destructive external and interior influences.
From the first days of its existence, the National defender set itself ambitious but highly needed goals. First of all, it was about protecting the national social and moral order, spreading national ideas and combating social decay, which could endanger the fragile independency of Poland. The defender was to be a buffer between citizens and the forces of chaos – a buffer organized, liable and ideological.
Initially, the organization functioned as a federation of associations. It was a applicable solution, allowing for a fast association of different environments – from combatants to patriotic youth. However, in time there was a request for consolidation – a clear structure, hierarchy and discipline. Thus was the thought of turning the defender into a unified organization.
February 1925 was a breakthrough – then a fresh National defender statute was registered, ending the national phase and starting a fresh chapter in the organization's history. This enabled the defender to work even more effectively for the common good as a single integrated ideological and organisational mechanism. The fresh statute was transparent and powerfully aimed at national objectives: strengthening independence, promoting public order and forming civic attitudes. Organisational authorities – General Assembly, General Board, Main Board – acted in harmony, following the principles of work and social sacrifice.
The organization was headed by Colonel Czesław Mączyński – a hero of the fight for Lviv, a patriot and a man of extraordinary spirit. His leadership added to the organization of prestige and authority. It was thanks to his individual commitment the defender gained direction, identity and dynamics of action. Mączyński was not only a symbol – he was besides a man of action, combining military professionalism with political reason.
Organisational structure and membership
The National defender was organized on a military model – which should not be surprising, given the origin and purpose. The structure was transparent: the team, the huff, the flag – and at national level: the General Assembly, the General Council and the General Board. Members were divided into honorary, active and cooperative members. Each had its place and mission. Joining the defender was not easy – it was essential to show patriotism, good reputation and advice of 3 members. It was a kind of sito that selected the people most devoted to national affairs.
Each organizational level was liable for another tasks: local teams worked with youth and organized relief actions, banners coordinated larger projects. In Warsaw the defender had about 900 active members – they were mostly workers, officials and craftsmen – people of a simple state, but a large spirit.
Ideology and programme objectives of the organisation
The National defender carried the flag of conservative values – the same ones that shaped the identity of the Republic for centuries. Order, family, religion, patriotism – these were the perfect pillars on which the defender built its activity. The organization defended not only the territory of Poland, but besides its soul – cultural identity and national honour.
At a time erstwhile communist propaganda and anarchy threatened to destabilize, The guards took on a hard task – defending order. Counteracting left-wing agitation, breaking rallies, surveillance of extremists – all of this was done not for profit, but out of a sense of work towards the Homeland. It was an ideological conflict – for Poland to be law-abiding, safe and morally strong.
Combat and paramilitary activities
The National Guard, although officially a civilian association, in fact held functions akin to protective formations. Its members watched over the safety of political appointments, protected organization venues, as well as editorials sympathetic to national magazine democracy. erstwhile political opponents attempted to disrupt these events, the members of the defender responded decisively, but always with a sense of higher necessity.
Guard activity besides had an intelligence dimension. Members of the association have penetrated the structures of hostile organizations, gained information about planned actions and prevented provocations. peculiar attention was paid to leftist groups, which, according to many patriots, posed a serious threat to the young Polish state.
Combat training was an crucial part of the preparation of the defender members. They taught not only the basics of the drill and shooting, but besides the principles of conspiracy and emergency management. Uniform uniformation and organizational identifiers were introduced – not for vanity, but for order and sense of belonging. There were besides hymns and slogans that built an perfect community and brotherly ties.
Social and social work of the National Guard
What distinguished the National defender against another political organizations was her large commitment to social assistance. The guards brought support to the most needy. They ran diners for urban poverty, organized summertime colonies and training courses for children from mediocre families. They raised funds for baby milk, funded textbooks, and even provided legal advice to the unemployed.
Cooperation with the Catholic Church was besides of large importance. Organisational meetings were frequently held in churches or church halls, and pastors frequently played the function of chaplains. In smaller towns, the meetings were held after the Sunday Holy Mass – symbolically combining the spiritual spirit with the civic duty.
Organisational publishing and propaganda
The organisation has besides conducted extended publishing activities. The diary “Team” was the authoritative press body of the National Guard. It not only published information about the actions of local troops, but besides ideological materials, patriotic poems and texts promoting public morality. For younger readers, “Junak” was designed – a paper with a educational and educational mission.
The message of the defender was clear and clear: Poland needs strong citizens, given to the state and principles. Propaganda – frequently demonized present – was then a means of mobilising and unifying society around common goals.
Response of the Sanitation Authorities and Delegated Authorities
In May 1927, following actions aimed at a national camp, the Ministry of the Interior decided to ban the National Guard. The authoritative reason was to exceed the statutory powers, but the real reason was deeper. Sanation feared organized national movement, which gained public support and became a real political alternative. At night from 21 to 22 May 1927, national searches and arrests began. Organisational premises, magazine editorials, and private dwellings of activists were searched. Despite these actions, many members of the defender did not halt their activities – they continued in the spirit of conspiracy.
The National defender did not vanish – it went underground. A fresh plan was created – the Legion of Defence of the Polish State, which was to take over part of the tasks of the erstwhile Guard. Meetings, courses and even the press were inactive held. The fire did not go out – there was hope for a return to legal activity. As force from the authorities grew and ZLN lost political influence, However, the guards gradually expired. Nevertheless, her memory continued – among erstwhile members, sympathizers, and above all in national consciousness as an example of dedication to the public cause.
The legacy of the National defender did not die with its illegalization. It survived in the ideas of the Camp of large Poland, in the activities of the All-Polish Youth, in the moral ethos of national democracy. The defender was a symbol of national mobilization in the face of threats and a model for future generations.
Rafał Skórniewski
