Dilemmas of social integration in the Silesian Countryside

Abstract

The problem of social integration of a Silesian village has its roots in history and specifically in this region. Silesia belonged to the territory which separated from the Polish state a long time ago. Historically speaking, Silesia was a part of the Piast Poland in the early Middle Ages. However, the regional division dating from the times of Boleslaus Wrymouth, the mutual antagonisms among his sons and later the hereditory division of the Silesian lands resulted in the supreme authority being exercised over this region of Poland; first, by the Polish kings for almost 400 years, next by the Czech sovereigns for about 100 years and then by the Austrian rulers for about 250 years. The Prussian rule began in 1763. Summing up, Silesia was under Prussian-German rule for 182 years. [fragm. tekstu]