Wed, Nov 9, 2016
The first episode covers from early medieval times, ca. year 1000, up to the XVIII century. Those were mainly peaceful relations between Germany and Poland. The christening of Poland, originating from the Roman Empire, is said to have defined Poland's western orientation. The implementation of the Magdeburg laws and the migration of German population East, followed by strong economic and dynastic liaisons, have set the Polish-German relations for centuries to come.
Wed, Nov 9, 2016
The episode deals with the negative policy period, to begin with the growth of the importance of Prussia as a European power. It is directly connected with the breakdown and disintegration of the Polish State by three Polish partitions in the eighteenth century. Another important periods are the anti-Polish policy of Bismarck and the German Reich in the years 1871-1914, and the climax, with the six years of war and murderous occupying power of the Nazis in Poland. The anti-Polish policy of Prussia / Germany can not be explained without looking into their close and ultimately destructive cooperation with Russia. Once established, the connection would last to the point where enemy Soviet Russia and Nazi Germany would ally and pact in order to dismantle Poland for a fourth time in 1939.
Wed, Nov 9, 2016
This episode takes on one of the most interesting aspects of the history - the changing direction of migration and cultural exchange. Already in the early Middle Ages have German immigrants been settling in the Polish lands, to only much later witness an emigration from Poland to Germany. Another very strong part of history is the Jewish fate in both countries. The diaspora located in Poland and Germany has left the biggest mark in this part of Europe in regards to culture, economy and social relations. They lived freely in Poland creating a powerful commune that communicated with the German-sounding Yiddish. And at the same time having a significant impact on the German society with its local diaspora. Accounting for up to 10% of the population they were to suffer the biggest extermination in the modern European history.
Wed, Nov 9, 2016
The episode takes an angle on the Lower Silesian metropolis that is influencing the history of Central Europe for the past 1,000 years. It is a perfect example of a city where many ethnic groups lived side by side and in its history to belonged to 6 countries. Located at the crossroads of trade routes from north to south and from west to east for centuries connects Poland and Germany, but also shows the significant contribution of Czechs, Austrians and Jews. Wroclaw, as hardly any other European city, has written so many cards of German and Polish history with the changing fortunes and its many ups and downs. From its blooming period in the XIII century, the city witnessed powerful liaisons and gave birth to strong characters, that have shaped societies, cultures and history.