Often times before reading a book, knowing the historical context helps understand the events and their significance. Languages and Silence in the German-Polish Borderland is a book that discusses the struggle Silesians face in determining where they belong. Are they Polish or are they German?
Before the First World War Upper Silesia belonged to the Prussian Empire. However after that war the Prussian Empire fell and the Treaty of Versailles held the fate of Silesia in its hands. It was decided that the best way to determine which country Silesia would become part of was to let Silesians vote. The vote was held and Germany won by a narrow margin. This led to three uprisings, including the Battle of Annaberg because the Poles were not satisfied with the results of the vote. This battle resulted in the division of Upper Silesia.
After the Second World War, Silesia was made a part of Poland. To make the region "truly Polish," all inhabitants who did not speak Polish were expelled to Germany. Even though the world eventually agreed on how to split up Silesia and which country it belonged to, this process left a mark on the history of the region and caused Silesians to question their identity and origin. Poland divided Silesia into three regions. The book is about people living in the region shown in white on the map.
Before the First World War Upper Silesia belonged to the Prussian Empire. However after that war the Prussian Empire fell and the Treaty of Versailles held the fate of Silesia in its hands. It was decided that the best way to determine which country Silesia would become part of was to let Silesians vote. The vote was held and Germany won by a narrow margin. This led to three uprisings, including the Battle of Annaberg because the Poles were not satisfied with the results of the vote. This battle resulted in the division of Upper Silesia.
After the Second World War, Silesia was made a part of Poland. To make the region "truly Polish," all inhabitants who did not speak Polish were expelled to Germany. Even though the world eventually agreed on how to split up Silesia and which country it belonged to, this process left a mark on the history of the region and caused Silesians to question their identity and origin. Poland divided Silesia into three regions. The book is about people living in the region shown in white on the map.