Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth; history textbooks; analysis of the content

The analysis of the content of the textbooks focused on the presentation of information on the origins of the freedoms enjoyed by the aristocracy under the Commonwealth, before moving on to identify references to Polish kings and other major figures from the mid-15th century to the end of the 18th century, key events during this period and specifically on the sections of the textbooks describing the demise of the Commonwealth. The use and function of written, iconographic and graphic sources in presenting these topics was also taken into account. The textbooks do not devote as much attention to the Commonwealth of Poland as they do to the early beginnings of Polish statehood (which were closely associated with the Czech nation). Nor does this period in Polish history attract as much attention as the country’s 20th-century history. Nevertheless, the textbooks do contain some key information – and in some cases more information than might be expected – on Polish history.