Meeting to Commemorate the Twelfth Anniversary of the Polish Uprising of 1863–1864

On January 23, 1875, the twelfth anniversary of the Polish Uprising of 1863–1864 was commemorated in London. The commemoration was presided over by the Polish revolutionist W. Wrôblewski, and was attended by representatives of revolutionary-democratic refugees from Poland, Russia, Germany, France, and other countries, as well as by participants in the Paris Commune. Marx and Engels delivered a speech at the commemoration. In his speech, Marx pointed out that the Working Men’s Party of Europe takes the keenest interest in the emancipation of Poland, and the original programme of the International Working Men’s Association declares the restoration of Poland to be one of the goals of working-class politics

Engels then spoke highly of the struggle of the Polish people as a “reliable ally” of the European workers' parties against the forces of reaction.

On January 22, 1876, at the International’s meeting held to commemoration of the Polish Uprising of 1863–1864, Engels made another speech, holding that the role of Poland in the history of Europe’s revolutions is a role that stands apart. Any revolution in the West which does not succeed in involving Poland and ensuring its independence and liberty is doomed to defeat.