Civic education of a soldier in the Polish national army during the struggle for independence (1794-1864)

Abstract

The army is one of the oldest state institutions. Its existence is an inseparable attribute of the state organisation. The army's strength and combat efficiency played a significant role in deciding the state's fate. Poland's geopolitical location meant that the state depended on strong, trained and well-equipped armed forces. The army is a highly formalised institution with its internal regulations. Its strength and combat efficiency, alongside many other factors (e.g. equipment, command, communications), largely depend on the upbringing of soldiers, their high morale, exceptional courage and bravery, physical condition, discipline, self-control, and perseverance. Therefore, military education is an integral part of the functioning and development of the army and its successes in the theatre of war. The process of education in the military takes place in specific conditions. These include, among others, barracks for soldiers, basing the daily agenda on regulations and orders, the existence of a service hierarchy, and living in a collective. The existence of these properties means that military education greatly influences the psyche and personality of soldiers. For this reason, high demands are placed on military education.