The Upper Silesian plebiscite 20th March 1921. Origin – preparations – results – evaluation
The Upper Silesian plebiscite 20th March 1921. Origin – preparations – results – evaluation

Summary/Abstract: This article analyses the socio-political situation in Prussian Upper Silesia (district Opole/ plebiscite area) in the autumn of 1918 until June 1922. The region was one of the typical regions of Central and Eastern Europe, with a mixed national and religious population, sometimes weakened by ethnic diversity. Before the war, although statistically dominated by a Slavic-Polish population, the political majority was held by the German Catholic Centre Party. The Upper Silesian Industrial Region was one of the largest centers of heavy industry in Europe. A ref- erendum under the Treaty of Versailles to decide on citizenship was held on 20 March 1921. It brought practically no decision (almost 55% of the municipalities) voted to remain in Ger- many, the rest to join Poland). After the Third Silesian Uprising, by decision of the Council of Ambassadors (20 X 1921) the plebiscite area was in June 1922 divided according to national principle. Poland received the vast majority of industry, and with Germany remained the largest part of the disputed territory and the population.

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