Landverteilung und lokale Volksherrschaft als Staatsräson. Die Republika Tarnobrzeska 1918–1919
Land Distribution and Local Popular Rule as Reasons of State. The Republika Tarnobrzeska 1918–1919

Summary/Abstract: When the Habsburg monarchy lost its grip over the former Crownland of Galicia, spontaneously organised committees moderated the shift of power from Austria-Hungary to the future Polish state. In four districts in central Galicia however, Polish peasants sought to establish a new order that would primarily serve their economic and political interests. For a couple of months, the idea of a peasant republic challenged the central state. This republic was named after the town Tarnobrzeg, where every Wednesday thousands of peasants assembled to articulate their vision of a post-war order. This article explains the context of violence and social unrest in which the Republika Tarnobrzeska emerged, analysises how a priest and a former Habsburg officer became leaders of this peasant vision of democracy and self-determination. It also sheds light on the economic conflicts, societal ruptures and cultural clashes that the revolution of 1918 brought to the fore.

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