Before partition
Germany’s defeat in the First World War opened a dispute over Upper Silesia’s state affiliation. The Polish movement sought incorporation into the restored Polish state; the German camp sought to retain the region in Germany. Neither side represented a uniform community.
Sources for this passage
- I powstanie śląskie (1919 r.) – okoliczności wybuchuFirst: introductory context; Identity: pp. 50–51
- Celebrating the nation: the case of Upper Silesia after the plebiscite in 1921First: introductory context; Identity: pp. 50–51
The Inter-Allied Administrative and Plebiscite Commission took over the plebiscite territory in February 1920. It was chaired by French General Henri Le Rond. France, Britain and Italy participated in Allied administration, but their interests and partition proposals differed.
Sources for this passage
- Treaty of Versailles, Article 88 and Annex; editorial notes in FRUSFRUS editorial note: proclamation 11 February 1920; Second: administration; Partition plans: Allied proposals
- II Powstanie ŚląskieFRUS editorial note: proclamation 11 February 1920; Second: administration; Partition plans: Allied proposals
- Ideas for the Division of Upper Silesia After the PlebisciteFRUS editorial note: proclamation 11 February 1920; Second: administration; Partition plans: Allied proposals
The decision in 1921
The partition dispute was referred to the League of Nations. Its recommendation formed the basis of the settlement approved by the Conference of Ambassadors on 20 October 1921. The border decision in 1921 and transfer of administration in 1922 were separate stages.
Sources for this passage
- Treaty of Versailles, Article 88 and Annex; editorial notes in FRUSFRUS editorial note on decision 20 October 1921; leaflet p. 2
- Powstania śląskie 1919–1921: exhibition leafletFRUS editorial note on decision 20 October 1921; leaflet p. 2
The Geneva Convention
The German–Polish Convention concerning Upper Silesia was signed in Geneva on 15 May 1922. It regulated consequences of partition, including economic matters and minority protection. The new border raised questions of citizenship, language and everyday life on both sides.
Sources for this passage
- Treaty of Versailles, Article 88 and Annex; editorial notes in FRUSFRUS: convention and minority regime notes; DHM final paragraph
- Die Teilung OberschlesiensFRUS: convention and minority regime notes; DHM final paragraph
June and July 1922
On 20 June 1922 Polish troops under General Stanisław Szeptycki ceremonially entered Katowice. Transfer of the Polish part of the region proceeded in stages during June and July. The Act marking Poland’s assumption of Upper Silesia was signed in Katowice on 16 July 1922.
Sources for this passage
- Ślązak i Polak Wojciech Korfanty (1873–1939)Biography: Walka o premierostwo; leaflet p. 2: transfer
- Powstania śląskie 1919–1921: exhibition leafletBiography: Walka o premierostwo; leaflet p. 2: transfer
Residents on both sides of the border
Household language did not determine national identification or a plebiscite vote. Some inhabitants used Polish or Silesian varieties of speech while favouring Germany. Regional, religious and family attachments could overlap with Polish or German affiliations.
Sources for this passage
- Celebrating the nation: the case of Upper Silesia after the plebiscite in 1921Identity: pp. 50–51; Fic: paragraphs on language and propaganda
- Upper Silesia plebiscite – an intensive course in Polish identityIdentity: pp. 50–51; Fic: paragraphs on language and propaganda
Sources
- Die Teilung Oberschlesiens
Arnulf Scriba · Deutsches Historisches Museum / LeMO · 2014-09-02
- Upper Silesia plebiscite – an intensive course in Polish identity
University editorial interview with Maciej Fic · University of Silesia · 2021-03-19
- I powstanie śląskie (1919 r.) – okoliczności wybuchu
Mirosław Węcki · IPN / Przystanek Historia · 2020-08-16
- Celebrating the nation: the case of Upper Silesia after the plebiscite in 1921
Andrzej Michalczyk · UCL Discovery (research repository)
- Ślązak i Polak Wojciech Korfanty (1873–1939)
Sebastian Rosenbaum; Mirosław Węcki · IPN / Przystanek Historia · 2022-08-16
- Ideas for the Division of Upper Silesia After the Plebiscite
Renata Skoczek · Institute of National Remembrance · 2021-05-07
- II Powstanie Śląskie
Mirosław Węcki · Instytut Pamięci Narodowej · 2025-08-19
- Powstania śląskie 1919–1921: exhibition leaflet
Instytut Pamięci Narodowej · 2021
- Treaty of Versailles, Article 88 and Annex; editorial notes in FRUS
Allied and Associated Powers; US Department of State editors · Office of the Historian, US Department of State · 1919 (treaty); 1947 (FRUS volume)
If a source is unavailable, search its title and archival reference with the named institution. A missing document is not replaced with a reconstruction.