Poland disappeared from the maps of Europe in 1795, when it was divided between three partitioning states - Russia, Prussia and Austria. It wasn't until the end of World War I restored the Polish state after 123 years. In November 1918, the Republic of Poland regained its independence and a sovereign state was established, but it took several more years of diplomatic efforts, internal and external conflicts and even fighting before the final borders, political system and constitutional law were formed. A great difficulty in rebuilding the country was the fact that it was formed from areas belonging to three different states with different legal systems, language, administration, education, currency or economy. Poland's regaining of freedom was a gradual process, but National Independence Day is celebrated by Poland on November 11. Why exactly on this day? The Armistice of Compiègne (France) was signed on this date, sealing the final defeat of Germany in World War I. On the same day in Poland, the Regency Council handed over military power to Marshal Józef Pilsudski and the Polish people began to realize the regaining of freedom and the end of more than 120 years of captivity. November 11 was established as Independence Day by a law of April 23, 1937. It is one of the most important Polish public holidays and one of the most important dates in the history of the Republic of Poland.