Printing houses hidden in basements in the history of the Polish underground
Printing houses hidden in basements in the history of the Polish underground

Summary/Abstract: The experience of losing statehood, or the threat thereof, meant that the strongest national bonds in Poland's difficult history remained the memory of common ancestors, tradition, culture, and religion – strongly linked to the Church, its organization, and structure. These values served as an effective tool for protection against all that was foreign and un-Polish. Various forms of underground activity arose from this foundation. It was present before the national liberation uprisings of the 19th century, especially during the outbreak of the January Uprising, and also during the German occupation during World War II. It was the Polish Underground State, established at that time – the largest organization of its kind during World War II – that gained a well-deserved legend and glory. Forty years later, at another dramatic moment in Poland's history, with the imposition of martial law, a strong Solidarity underground movement emerged. Undoubtedly, one of the priority goals of underground and clandestine activities throughout history was informational activity. Only access to a press and other publications independent of hostile propaganda could ensure continued effective mobilization of society and ensure that the nation's spirit remained strong. Besides the looming penalties, activists faced enormous challenges in securing suitable premises where they could print leaflets, underground publications, and books, store "papers," equipment, and materials, hold meetings, hide pursued activists, and so on. Human ingenuity, however, knew no bounds. Some of these premises were hidden in special cellars dug deep beneath the foundations of houses and farm buildings.

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