Free, Independent, and Strictly Neutral City of Kraków

What if Krakow had never been annexed by Austria? Could it have become an important center of Polish culture before an independent Poland emegred, if one did at all? Assuming World War I happens in a way similar to OTL, would Krakow become Poland's capitol?
It was just a puppet state of the three surrounding powers, but it could have had a large effect on the region.
 
I don't see Kraków becoming Polish capital (capitol is a set of buildings in which a legislature meets) - especially considering that continued independence will most likely stunt cities' growth.

About continuing existence Free City of Kraków - I believe that Austrian occupation from 1836 onwards needs to be prevented. But it's rather a tall order, considering that Russia, Prussia and Austria in 1835 pretty much agreed on future annexion of Kraków by Austria...
 
What if Krakow had never been annexed by Austria? Could it have become an important center of Polish culture before an independent Poland emegred, if one did at all? Assuming World War I happens in a way similar to OTL, would Krakow become Poland's capitol?
It was just a puppet state of the three surrounding powers, but it could have had a large effect on the region.

Um, Austrian zone in Poland (Galicia) actually was a centre of Polish culture after it gained autonomy after 1867. I can't see independent Krakow being preferable to it.
 
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