West Prussia
West Prussia, or Westpreußen, was a province of the Kingdom of Prussia from 1773 to 1829 and again from 1878 to 1920. Here's a detailed overview:
History
- Formation: West Prussia was created from territories annexed by Prussia during the First Partition of Poland in 1772. These territories included areas of the former Pomeranian Voivodeship and Malbork Voivodeship of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
- Early Years: Initially, West Prussia was known as the "New East Prussia" due to its location east of the Vistula River. The province was officially named West Prussia in 1815 after the Congress of Vienna reorganized European territories following the Napoleonic Wars.
- Prussian Rule: Under Prussian rule, West Prussia was administratively divided into several Kreise or districts. The capital was Marienburg (now Malbork) until 1829 when it was moved to Danzig (now Gdańsk).
- 19th Century: In 1829, West Prussia was merged with East Prussia to form the Province of Prussia. However, in 1878, it was again separated to become an independent province.
- World War I and Aftermath: After World War I, the Treaty of Versailles (1919) led to the dissolution of West Prussia. The province was divided between the newly established Second Polish Republic and the Free City of Danzig. The German-speaking population was largely displaced or integrated into Poland.
Cultural and Economic Aspects
- Cultural Diversity: West Prussia was a melting pot of German, Polish, Kashubian, and other ethnic groups, leading to a rich cultural diversity.
- Agriculture: The region was predominantly agricultural, with fertile soil conducive to grain and sugar beet farming.
- Industry: There was some industrialization, especially around Danzig with shipbuilding and trade.
Notable Places
- Malbork Castle: The Malbork Castle, originally built by the Teutonic Knights, is one of the largest castles in the world and a major historical site.
- Danzig: Known for its port, which was one of the most important in the Baltic region, influencing the economic and cultural life of West Prussia.
References
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