Problem chłopski na łamach „Pamiętnika Historyczno-Politycznego” Piotra Świtkowskiego

Abstract

Piotr Świtkowski, both a priest and an editor connected with physiocratic ideas, became famous thanks to publishing “Pamiętnik Historyczno-Polityczny” (PHP). On the pages of the magazine, he focused a lot on the issues of the situation of peasants in the Republic of Poland at the end of the 18th century. It did not mean though that he was as radical as historians inspired by Marxism wanted these days. The key to interpretation of the texts related to peasants published in the magazines is the doctrine of physiocracy and an attempt to adapt it to Polish conditions. It was supported not only by the texts that were probably written by Świtkowski, but also by the reprints of the magazines or foreign books. ”PHP’’ analyzed the condition of Polish peasants and discussed many examples or new solutions that came from other countries. Moreover, the initiatives of enlightened Polish reformers were thoroughly discussed. Finally, the living conditions of peasants and their housekeeping preferences were also discussed.