The exhibition explores the turbulent history of German-Polish relations in the 20th century.
The exhibition features around 200 historical postcards documenting various aspects of relations between the two countries, including topics such as the ethnic diversity of the textile hub of Łódź, the referendum campaigns in Upper Silesia after 1918, and the newly founded state with its “Polish Corridor” and coal railway. The exhibition also addresses the Germanization mania of the Third Reich, the extermination of Jews at Auschwitz, the destruction of Warsaw, as well as the themes of flight and expulsion and reconstruction during the communist era.
Examining German-Polish history during the Industrial Age is a painful experience for both sides, evoking memories of conflict and oppression, war and crimes, flight and expulsion. It seems almost forgotten, however, that there were also periods of understanding, of aid, solidarity, and cultural cooperation. It was only fanatically exaggerated nationalism that, over the course of the 20th century, destroyed a fascinating mix of peoples, such as the one that had developed in Lodz within a few decades under the banner of the thriving textile industry.
The historical postcards that “illustrate” various aspects of Polish-German history are not objective documents. Rather, they often promote ideological or political agendas, stir up sentiment, agitate, and denounce.
The selection of postcards, which is based primarily on the collections of the LWL Industrial Museum, was made subjectively. The accompanying text explanations are necessarily brief. The aim was not to present a “balanced” overall picture, but rather to visualize aspects, raise questions, and stimulate reflection.
Info section
Further information about the exhibition
Borrowing rules
- upon request
Technical specifications
- upon request
Access
- analog
Venues and dates
05.03.2013 - 26.04.2013
Herder-Institut für historische Ostmitteleuropaforschung – Institut der Leibniz-Gemeinschaft
11.03.2007 - 13.05.2007
LWL-Industriemuseum, Zeche Zollern, Dortmund
