In its narrowest definition, Kulturkampf was Otto Von
Bismark’s struggle with the Roman Catholic Church in the early 1870s. In
actuality, it had an enormous effect on the Polish provinces of Prussia beyond
the conflict between church and state.
Most Poles were Roman Catholics. Kulturkampf affected every aspect of their
lives.
In 1872, a decree demanded that the use of the German
language was compulsory in all state schools. The Polish language was banned - even as a foreign language. [1] In all courts and public offices, down to
the local post office, business was conducted only in the German language
This was a key move in the process of Germanification of the
Prussian Poland. German citizens were encouraged to migrate to Poland, and were
given priority when acquiring property and in hiring.
It is no surprise to me that my ancestors chose to emigrate
to the United States.
Bibliography
God’s Playground – Norman
Davies
Gold and Iron – Fritz
Stern
It's always about power and politics isn't it? I had always thought that Posen was mostly Protestant. Good information.
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