Casimir
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
properly KAZIMIERZ ("founder of peace"), was the name of many Polish princes and kings. With the establishment of the power of Casimir I. in 1041, the predominance of Christianity was decided in Poland. But the most distinguished of this name was Casimir III., called Casimir the Great, who suc succeeded his father, Vladislav Loketek, as King of Poland in 1333. He added Little Russia and Red Russia to his dominions and repelled the Tartars, who then threatened Poland. He found ed the University of Cracow (1364), as well as several schools and hospitals, and showed great anxiety for the advancement of the arts and of learning in his kingdom, and for the improvement of the condition of the most oppressed classes, which won him the title of King bility that his mind was unbalanced. of Peasants, while a Jewish mistress obtained from him special liberties for her race. He died Nov. 5, 1370. CASIMIR-PÉRIER, JEAN PAUL PIERRE (käs-ē-mēr' per-yā'), a President of the French Republic, born in Paris, Nov. 8, 1847. He served in the Franco-Prussian War, and received the decoration of the Legion of Honor for bravery. In 1876, he was elected to the Chamber of Deputies; in 1890, Vice- President of the Chamber; and in 1893, President. He resigned to become Premier, which office he held till the assassination of President Carnot, when he was chosen his successor on the first ballot (June, 1894). He resigned the office of President, Jan. 16, 1895. He died March 12, 1907.
What Has Changed in the Last Century
Collier's 1921 account of Casimir III still stands in outline: he did take the throne in 1333, expand into Ruthenian lands, and found the Krakow university in 1364, which survives as the Jagiellonian University — closed by the German occupiers in 1939 and reopened in 1945. Two details have shifted. Historians now treat the "Jewish mistress" Esterka as legend rather than history, and credit the privileges granted to Poland's Jews to Casimir's confirmation and extension of the charter usually dated 1334; and Casimir I, whom Collier's has deciding "the predominance of Christianity" in 1041, is now known as the Restorer, rebuilding a church already established by Mieszko I's baptism in 966. Casimir-Perier's entry needs no correction, though he is now remembered chiefly for holding the presidency barely six months, the shortest tenure of the Third Republic.
Written for this edition, 2026.