1867-1935. Polish nationalist politician,
dictator from 1926. Born in Russian Poland,
he founded the Polish Socialist Party 1892,
and was twice imprisoned for anti-Russian
activities. During World War I he commanded a
Polish force to fight for Germany, but fell
under suspicion of intriguing with the
Allies, and in 1917-18 was imprisoned by the
Germans. When Poland became independent he
was elected chief of state, and led an
unsuccessful Polish attack on the USSR 1920.
He retired 1923, but in 1926 led a military
coup which established his dictatorship until
his death.