Table of Contents
When did Silesia become German?
The Silesia region was part of the Prussian realm since 1740 and established as an official province in 1815. It became part of the German Empire in 1871. This is the region featured in this article.
When did Silesia become part of Poland?
1945
In 1945, at the end of World War II, Silesia was one of the regions of German territory that was granted to Poland by the Soviet Union in compensation for land in eastern Poland that was incorporated into the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
Is Silesia in Germany?
The biggest metropolitan area is the Upper Silesian metropolitan area, the centre of which is Katowice. Parts of the Czech city of Ostrava and the German city of Görlitz are within Silesia’s borders….
Silesia | |
---|---|
Coordinates:51.6°N 17.2°ECoordinates:51.6°N 17.2°E | |
Country | Poland Czech Republic Germany |
Largest city | Wrocław |
When did Poland lose Silesia?
1939
Culturally German for centuries, Silesia was given to Poland after World War I, fell to the Nazis in 1939, and reverted to Poland after World War II in compensation for the loss of its eastern provinces to the Soviet Union. Nearly all its Germans were forcibly repatriated to Allied-administered West Germany.
When did Breslau become part of Germany?
1871
It was ruled by Hungary between 1469 and 1490, and after the War of Austrian Succession in the 18th century, the city and region were annexed by the Kingdom of Prussia, and in 1871 became part of the German Empire.
Is Breslau a Silesia?
Regierungsbezirk Breslau, known colloquially as Middle Silesia (German: Mittelschlesien, Silesian: Strzodkowy Ślōnsk, Polish: Śląsk Środkowy) was a Regierungsbezirk, or government region, in the Prussian Province of Silesia and later Lower Silesia from 1813 to 1945.
How long was Breslau German?
three-month
The siege of Breslau, also known as the Battle of Breslau, was a three-month-long siege of the city of Breslau in Lower Silesia, Germany (now Wrocław, Poland), lasting to the end of World War II in Europe.
Where is Breslau in Germany?
Wrocław, German Breslau, city, capital of Dolnośląskie województwo (province), southwestern Poland. It lies along the Oder River at its confluence with the Oława, Ślęza, Bystrzyca, and Widawa rivers. A large industrial centre situated in Dolny Śląsk (Lower Silesia), Wrocław is the fourth largest city in Poland.
Are there any Silesians in Germany?
The German Silesians existed since the Middle Ages, but they were expelled after 1945 and only a small minority around Görlitz in Germany still exists (also mostly something reborn after the end of Communism). The Polish part is interesting.
Which countries claimed Silesia as their own?
Over the centuries the land was claimed by Poland, Bohemia, Hungary and Prussia. Wars between the Holy Roman Empire and Sweden, and Prussia and Austria waged over Silesia.
What happened to the Silesians after 1945?
The Czech Silesians were the smallest group, and after 1945 their Silesian identity somehow disappeared until the end of Communism. The German Silesians existed since the Middle Ages, but they were expelled after 1945 and only a small minority around Görlitz in Germany still exists (also mostly something reborn after the end of Communism).
Where can I find books on Silesia genealogy?
The GGS collection of Germanic Genealogy Books at Concordia University in St. Paul, MN has 6 books specifically on Silesia genealogy, all are in English. Rental Cars: Rent your car in the U.S. when you book your trip.