Edward Rydz-Śmigły's cult of personality

[1] After Piłsudski's death, tensions grew within the Sanation camp, particularly between Prime Minister Sławek and President Mościcki, who had increasing political aspirations.

This led to Sławek's marginalization within the ruling camp, the collapse of his government, and the appointment of a new cabinet under Marian Zyndram-Kościałkowski.

[1] In May 1936, Kościałkowski resigned, and Felicjan Sławoj Składkowski, supported by the General Inspector, was tasked with forming a new government.

This cabinet included politicians informally referred to as "Rydz's ministers": Tadeusz Kasprzycki, Juliusz Ulrych, and Witold Grabowski [pl].

[4] Despite holding a strong position within the Sanation camp, Edward Rydz-Śmigły did not formally occupy the highest state offices.

According to Stanisław Mackiewicz:[6]Składkowski's circular breached constitutional norms and should have been grounds for his accountability before the State Tribunal.

While the concept of a "second person" in the state might have been secondary – given that the Marshal of the Senate was already designated to assume presidential duties in case of death or resignation – the directive's requirement of "obedience" for Rydz-Śmigły fundamentally undermined the April Constitution.

The April Constitution envisioned a system where the government, parliament, judiciary, and armed forces were all under the President's authority.

The General Inspector of the Armed Forces was appointed by the President without counter-signature, isolating him from internal political influences.

Składkowski's circular disrupted this structure by positioning Rydz-Śmigły between the President and the government, effectively reintroducing him into politics.

It made Rydz-Śmigły a mediating instance between the President and the government and even rendered him accountable for the government's actions, as one bears responsibility for those subordinate to them.On 10 November 1936, President Mościcki appointed General Edward Rydz-Śmigły as Marshal of Poland[7] and awarded him the Order of the White Eagle.

He was portrayed as a person standing above current political conflicts, parties, whose thoughts should serve as a guide for the programs and actions of all organizations operating in the state.

A characteristic feature of the press' interest in the leader was the sidelining of other Camp of National Unity figures, such as Stanisław Skwarczyński or Zygmunt Wenda [pl], during the growing threat from Germany.

[10] It was unofficially spread by the Camp of National Unity, hoping to strengthen the marshal's popularity after Poland's forced establishment of diplomatic relations with Lithuania.

Manifestations of the military cult included posters displayed on the streets, featuring a portrait of the general against the backdrop of Piłsudski's image.

Furthermore, Rydz-Śmigły's name day (March 18) began to be celebrated like a national holiday[11] (in military units, schools, and the Shooting Association, there were events, and articles dedicated to him were published in the press).

[15] An extremely popular song in the military (and taught in some schools) had lyrics by Adam Kowalski [pl]:[16][17]Forward, soldiers, old faith, young scouts.

[55] The cult of the military leader faced criticism both from opposition groups to the Sanation camp and from some Piłsudski loyalists.

However, according to scholars like Jacek Majchrowski, the cult surrounding the Marshal did not resemble the solutions adopted in, for example, Fascist Italy.

The leader's cult differed from the Italian or German fascist conceptions because it did not claim that Rydz-Śmigły alone had the right to interpret the will of the nation.

[59] The president also appealed to the citizens to rally around the Commander-in-Chief and the army:[60]In this historic moment, I appeal to all citizens of the state with the profound conviction that the entire nation, in defense of its freedom, independence, and honor, will rally around the Commander-in-Chief and the armed forces, and will deliver a worthy response to the aggressor, as has happened many times in the history of Polish-German relations.Due to the superiority of German forces, errors in command, and the Soviet invasion on September 17, Marshal Edward Rydz-Śmigły crossed the border into Romania on 18 September 1939, shortly after midnight, driving across the border bridge over the Cheremosh river.