The Upper Silesian Industry and Its Employee During the Great Economic Crisis

Abstract

Goal – The article aims to analyse the situation in the Upper Silesian industry during the great crisis of 1930-1935. Due to the large concentration of mines, factories and steelworks in a relatively small area and the highest population density in Poland, the crisis was particularly severe for the workers whose main source of income was the work in industry. The lack of a plot of land from which to derive additional income made the situation difficult. The decline in industrial production resulted in layoffs and a lower standard of living. Research methodology – The article uses the method of literature analysis, source analysis and the descriptive method. Score/results – The analysis of data from the main route in the Upper Silesia shows that all working families experienced a decline in their quality of life. The tragic situation is particularly acute for those families with a special role. German industrialists were the first to expel Polish workers. The assistance from the Silesian provincial authorities was instrumental. Therefore, calls for the socialisation of mines and steelworks are frequently heard. Originality/value – The pre-war source materials as well as studies by pre-war and post-war authors were used regarding the condition of the Upper Silesian industry. Some data were taken from the press published in the Polish Upper Silesia.