The Values of the Peasant Elite of the Anti-Communist Underground(in the Light of the Preserved Personal Accounts of Zdzisław Broński “Uskok” and Edmund Edward Taraszkiewicz “Żelazny”)

Abstract

After 1947, the struggle against the communist authorities in Poland was predominantly conducted by peasant fighters, which is an exceptional occurrence in Polish history. This kind of situation had not previously occurred. In the Lublin Voivodeship, the underground struggle was led by Zdzisław Broński “Uskok” and Edmund Edward Taraszkiewicz “Żelazny”. They fought from the end of the war until their deaths in 1949 and 1951, respectively. Their memoiristic writings, which were seized by the security organs and published by IPN (the Institute of National Remembrance), allow for the reconstruction of their value system which included elements such as: homeland and its freedom, faith in God, honor, and family. These values were strongly connected to the national history and fully aligned with the traditionally understood Polish patriotism. Additionally, instrumental values crucial for achieving the aforementioned priorities included: courage, heroism, care for subordinates and collaborators, uncompromising attitude, and dedication to the organization. Both commanders also revealed political and social values: anti-Sovietism, anti-communism, and acceptance of democracy as a social system. Given the value system they adopted and kept to and their resolute stance, they can be considered part of the elite fighting for Polish independence.