„Free Region of Silesia”? Thoughts about an Origin of a Search for New Solutions for Upper Silesia after the Great War

Anna Muś

University of Silesia in Katowice
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9010-3139

Abstract

Upper Silesia is a region, which history and ethnic composition cause problems of interpretation. Today the problems are theoretical, but in 1918 decisions concerning the region needed to be made immediately. Solution presented on Paris Peace Conference included plebiscite, during which the population were to decide about its future. In 1921 it turned out, that the new remedy had not met expectations. Then a new solution appeared – Free Region of Silesia. Although political consequences of the idea were rather marginal, the mere manifestation was a rare phenomena.

Keywords:

Upper Silesia, Paris Peace Conference, plebiscite, Free Region Silesia