Demographic changes in an industrial centre (based on Sosnowiec as the example)

Abstract

Changes of demographic potential in Sosnowiec since 1886 till the present times are represented by a demographic curve. Its ran reflects social and economic conditions which influenced the discussed industrial centre. The demographic development in the given centre has been irregular, three peaks and three depressions of the population level can be distinguished on the curve. The first peak occurred before the I World War, being the result of intensive development of mining and steel industry, which made Sosnowiec the main industrial centre in Zagłębie Dąbrowskie (Dąbrowa Coal Basin). The second demographic peak developed before the II World War when the town became the most important industrial, trade and cultural centre in the contemporary Kielce province. The second demographic peak occurred in the seventies and eighties of the last century, during the administration reform and intensive industrial development of Zagłębie Dąbrowskie. Demographic depressions were specific and occurred after both World Wars and after the change of the political system (due to the economic transformation, results of the general demographic crisis).