Poles active in combat during the First World War

During the First World War, the Poles were in a difficult situation. Each of the occupying forces – Russia, Austria and Prussia – was trying to use them for fighting on its side. The Poles did their utmost so that Polish military units would not be used for the purpose. They also still hoped for an independent Polish state created with the help of the winning states. The defeat of the Central Powers and the outbreak of the Russian revolution opened the way for the Poles towards a free state.