Date of Award

6-1967

Degree Type

Master's Essay - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

Abstract

The diplomatic history of Poland during the years 1919-1939 has one principal theme: the quest for security. This quest has its basis in the immediate chaos which accompanied the nation's declaration of independence on November 16, 1918, and continued to the signing of the Soviet-Polish Treaty of Riga on March 21, 1921. These twenty-nine tumultuous months reflect Allied indecision regarding Polish frontiers, and the subsequent turmoil which resulted among the Polish and Germans, Ukrainians (Ruthenians), Byelorussians, Czechs and Russians respectfully. Yet, a substantial minority of each of these antagonists was included within the final borders of Poland except for the Czechs, who received a large minority of Poles, and the Great Russians who did, however, claim cultural and national affinity with the Ukrainians and Byelorussians. Thus, the very principle of ethnocracy was violated, but never forgotten by the subject minorities. It dangerously lurked in the background until blatantly brought forth by the claims of Hitler.

Comments

Master of Art's Essay, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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