Demarcation of the Polish-German Border in the Upper Silesian Section, 1921–1922
Abstract
Upper Silesia has often found itself at pivotal moments in history, particularly following the Great War. The era of the Silesian uprisings and plebiscites has garnered substantial academic attention, with numerous studies exploring this turbulent period. However, the subsequent demarcation of the border between Poland and Germany remains a relatively understudied aspect of Upper Silesian history. Historians have typically addressed this issue in the context of the uprisings and plebiscite, but the intricacies of the border-drawing process have yet to be fully explored. This article aims to address this gap by systematizing knowledge and outlining the course of the border dispute between Poland and Germany during 1921-1922. Drawing on both existing literature and archival materials housed in the State Archive in Opole, this work provides an overview of the negotiations and finalization of the border. While not intended as an exhaustive study, it sheds light on the significant involvement of both Warsaw and Berlin in the post-plebiscite partition discussions. Proposals for the division of Upper Silesia were formulated shortly after the plebiscite on March 20, 1921, continuing until the League of Nations intervened. The border draft was officially adopted on October 20, 1921, after which the demarcation work commenced, overseen by a specially appointed Border Commission that included representatives from both Poland and Germany. The dispute over the Polish-German border, often hastily drawn, primarily centered around the industrial district, a region highly coveted by both sides. The final border was officially confirmed and agreed upon by both nations in the Upper Silesia Convention of May 15, 1922. Due to the particular significance of this issue, the inclusion of a map illustrating the precise course of the demarcated border offers a valuable complement to the written narrative. This visual aid provides a clearer understanding of how the border was defined. The map is preserved in the Opole District collection at the State Archive in Opole.
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