19.10.1918 - Establishment of the National Council of the Duchy of Cieszyn

The imminent defeat of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the First World War spurred on the nations inhabiting the Habsburg monarchy in the pursuit of establishing national states. Emperor Charles, in an attempt to save the state, announced on October 16, 1818, a manifesto allowing the formation of local self-governments. Polish political parties that had been preparing for some time to take over power in the Duchy of Cieszyn were approved by the central authorities to act in this direction. On 19.10.1918, the National Council of the Duchy of Cieszyn was established, which represented the Polish population in Cieszyn Silesia and administered the Polish part of Silesia until 9th August 1920, when it was liquidated and its competences were transferred to the Polish government.