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{{Short description|Historical region of west-central Poland}} {{Short description|Historical region of west-central Poland}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}{{Use British English|date=December 2024}}
{{Distinguish|Greater Poland Voivodeship}} {{redir|Wielkopolska|the voivodeship in Poland|Greater Poland Voivodeship}}
{{Other uses}} {{Other uses}}
{{More citations needed|date=April 2014}} {{More citations needed|date=April 2014}}
{{Infobox settlement {{Infobox settlement
| native_name =''Wielkopolska'' | native_name =''Wielkopolska''
| native_name_lang =pl | native_name_lang =pl
| settlement_type = Historical region | settlement_type = ]
| image_skyline = {{multiple image
⚫ | image_shield = ]
| border = infobox
| total_width = 270
| image_style = border:1;
| perrow = 2/2/2
| image1 = Poznan 10-2013 img15 Old Market.jpg{{!}}Poznań Old Town
| image2 = Cathedral of Gniezno (21).jpg{{!}}Gniezno Cathedral, a Historic Monument of Poland
⚫ | image3 = Kalisz Town Hall 2019 P02.jpg{{!}}Kalisz Old Town
⚫ | image4 = Pałac w Rogalinie (3).jpg{{!}}Raczyński Palace in Rogalin, a Historic Monument of Poland
| image5 = Głogówko 889-74.jpg{{!}}Basilica on the Holy Mountain in Głogówko, a Historic Monument of Poland
| image6 = Castillo de Kórnik, Kórnik, Polonia, 2016-12-21, DD 03.jpg{{!}}Kórnik Castle, a Historic Monument of Poland
}}
|image_caption = {{hlist|From top, left to right: ]|]|] Old Town|Raczyński Palace in ]|]|]}}
⚫ | image_shield =POL województwo kaliskie IRP COA.svg
| image_map =Poznańskie kaliskie.png | image_map =Poznańskie kaliskie.png
| mapsize =240px | mapsize =240px
| map_caption =The proper Greater Poland | map_caption =The proper Greater Poland
| seat = ], ], ] | seat =], ], ]
| subdivision_type =Country | subdivision_type =Country
| subdivision_name ={{flag|Poland}} | subdivision_name ={{flag|Poland}}
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| blank1_info_sec2 =] ] ] ] ] | blank1_info_sec2 =] ] ] ] ]
}} }}
'''Greater Poland''', often known by its Polish name '''Wielkopolska''' ({{IPA-pl|vjɛlkɔˈpɔlska|pron|Pl-Wielkopolska.ogg}}; {{lang-la|Polonia Maior}}), is a Polish ] of west-central ]. Its chief and largest city is ] followed by ], the oldest city in Poland. '''Greater Poland''', often known by its Polish name '''Wielkopolska''' ({{IPA-pl|vjɛlkɔˈpɔlska|pron|Pl-Wielkopolska.ogg}}; {{langx|la|Polonia Maior}}), is a Polish ] of west-central ]. Its chief and largest city is ] followed by ], the oldest city in Poland.


The boundaries of Greater Poland have varied somewhat throughout history. Since the ], Wielkopolska proper has been split into the ] and ] ]s. In the wider sense, it also encompassed ], ], ] and ] voivodeships, which were situated further east, and the ], located to the northwest.<ref>{{cite book|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Słownik geograficzny Królestwa Polskiego i innych krajów słowiańskich, Tom X|year=1889|language=pl|location=Warszawa|page=301}}</ref> The region in the proper sense roughly coincides with the present-day ] ({{lang-pl|województwo wielkopolskie}}). The boundaries of Greater Poland have varied somewhat throughout history. Since the ], Wielkopolska proper has been split into the ] and ] ]s. In the wider sense, it also encompassed ], ], ] and ] voivodeships, which were situated further east, and the ], located to the northwest.<ref>{{cite book|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Słownik geograficzny Królestwa Polskiego i innych krajów słowiańskich, Tom X|year=1889|language=pl|location=Warszawa|page=301}}</ref> The region in the proper sense roughly coincides with the present-day ] ({{langx|pl|województwo wielkopolskie}}).


Like all the historical regions of Poland, i.e ], ], ], ] or ] and others, the Greater Poland region possesses its own folk costumes, architecture, cuisine, that make the region touristically and culturally interesting. Like all the historical regions of Poland, i.e ], ], ], ] or ] and others, the Greater Poland region possesses its own folk costumes, architecture, cuisine, that make the region touristically and culturally interesting.


== Name == == Name ==
⚫ ] strongholds during the reign of ], mid-10th cencury]]
Due to the fact that Greater Poland was the settlement area of the ] and the core of the ], the region was at times simply called "Poland" (Latin {{lang|la|Polonia}}). The more specific name is first recorded in the Latin form {{lang|la|Polonia Maior}} in 1257 and in Polish {{lang|pl|w Wielkej Polszcze}} in 1449. Its original meaning was ''the Older Poland'' to contrast with ] (Polish {{lang|pl|Małopolska}}, Latin {{lang|la|Polonia Minor}}), a region in south-eastern Poland with its capital at ] that later became the main centre of the state. Due to the fact that Greater Poland was the settlement area of the ] and the core of the ], the region was at times simply called "Poland" (Latin {{lang|la|Polonia}}). The more specific name is first recorded in the Latin form {{lang|la|Polonia Maior}} in 1257 and in Polish {{lang|pl|w Wielkej Polszcze}} in 1449. Its original meaning was ''the Older Poland'' to contrast with ] (Polish {{lang|pl|Małopolska}}, Latin {{lang|la|Polonia Minor}}), a region in south-eastern Poland with its capital at ] that later became the main centre of the state.


== Geography == == Geography ==
⚫ ]]]
]
Greater Poland comprises much of the area drained by the ] and its tributaries, including the ]. The region is distinguished from ] with the lowland landscape, and from both Lesser Poland and ] with its numerous lakes. In the strict meaning, it covers an area of about {{convert|33000|km2|sqmi}}, and has a population of 3.5 million. In the wider sense, it has almost {{convert|60000|km2|sqmi}}, and 7 million inhabitants. Greater Poland comprises much of the area drained by the ] and its tributaries, including the ]. The region is distinguished from ] with the lowland landscape, and from both Lesser Poland and ] with its numerous lakes. In the strict meaning, it covers an area of about {{convert|33000|km2|sqmi}}, and has a population of 3.5 million. In the wider sense, it has almost {{convert|60000|km2|sqmi}}, and 7 million inhabitants.


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==History== ==History==
{{split-section|History of Greater Poland|date=November 2023}}
{{Further|History of Poland|History of Poznań}} {{Further|History of Poland|History of Poznań}}
⚫ ], ca. 1617]]
⚫ ] within the borders of the ], 1664]]
⚫ ]]]
⚫ ] on the banks of the ]]]
⚫ ]]]


===Medieval and early modern period=== ===Medieval and early modern period===
⚫ ] strongholds during the reign of ], mid-10th cencury]]
Greater Poland formed the heart of the 10th-century ], sometimes being called the "cradle of Poland". ] and ] were early centres of royal power and the seats of Poland's first Catholic diocese, est. in ] in 968, and the first archdiocese, est. in ] in 1000, but following devastation of the region by ] rebellion in the 1030s, and the invasion of ] in 1038, the capital was moved by ] from Gniezno to ]. Greater Poland formed the heart of the 10th-century ], sometimes being called the "cradle of Poland". ] and ] were early centres of royal power and the seats of Poland's first Catholic diocese, est. in ] in 968, and the first archdiocese, est. in ] in 1000, but following devastation of the region by ] rebellion in the 1030s, and the invasion of ] in 1038, the capital was moved by ] from Gniezno to ].


In the ], which initiated the period of fragmentation of Poland (1138–1320), the western part of Greater Poland (including Poznań) was granted to ]. The eastern part, with Gniezno and ], was part of the ], granted to ]. However, for most of the period the two parts were under a single ruler, and were known as the ] (although at times there were separately ruled duchies of Poznań, Gniezno, ] and ]). The region came under the control of ] in 1314, and thus became part of the reunited Poland of which Władyslaw was crowned king in 1320. In the ], which initiated the period of fragmentation of Poland (1138–1320), the western part of Greater Poland (including Poznań) was granted to ]. The eastern part, with Gniezno and ], was part of the ] centered in ], granted to ]. However, for most of the period the two parts were under a single ruler, and were known as the ] (although at times there were separately ruled duchies of Poznań, Gniezno, ] and ]). It was one of the leading and fastest developing regions of Poland, with ] modeled after Poznań and Kalisz becoming the basis of municipal form of government for several towns in the region, as two of five local Polish variants of medieval town rights. The region came under the control of ] in 1314, and thus became part of the reunited Poland of which Władyslaw was crowned king in 1320.
⚫ ] on the banks of the ]]]


In 1264, Duke ] issued the ] in the region. It was a unique protective privilege for Jews during their persecution in ], which in the following centuries made Poland the destination of Jewish migration from other countries. In 1264, Duke ] issued the ] in the region. It was a unique protective privilege for Jews during their persecution in ], which in the following centuries made Poland the destination of Jewish migration from other countries.


From the late 13th century, the region experienced first German invasions and occupations. In the late 13th century, the northwestern part of Greater Poland was occupied by the ].<ref>{{cite book|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Kodeks dyplomatyczny Wielkopolski|volume=IV|year=1881|language=pl|publisher=Biblioteka Kórnicka|location=Poznań}}</ref> In 1331, during the ], the ] invaded central and eastern Greater Poland, however, the Poles defeated the invaders at ] and an indecisive battle was fought at ]. The Teutonic Knights soon retreated. King ] regained parts of northwestern Greater Poland, including ] in 1365 and ], ] and ] in 1368. Poland still attempted to recover the remainder of Brandenburg-annexed northwestern Greater Poland, which in 1373 became part of the ], ruled by the ]. In 1402, Poland and the Luxembourgs reached an agreement, according to which Poland was to buy and re-incorporate the afforementioned territory,<ref>{{cite book|last=Rogalski|first=Leon|year=1846|title=Dzieje Krzyżaków oraz ich stosunki z Polską, Litwą i Prussami, poprzedzone rysem dziejów wojen krzyżowych. Tom II|language=pl|location=Warszawa|pages=59–60}}</ref> but eventually the Luxembourgs sold it to the Teutonic Order. Allied Poles and Czech ] captured several towns of Teutonic-held northwestern Greater Poland, including ] and ], during the ]. From the late 13th century, the region experienced first German invasions and occupations. In the late 13th century, the northwestern part of Greater Poland was occupied by the ].<ref>{{cite book|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Kodeks dyplomatyczny Wielkopolski|volume=IV|year=1881|language=pl|publisher=Biblioteka Kórnicka|location=Poznań}}</ref> In 1331, during the ], the ] invaded central and eastern Greater Poland, however, the Poles defeated the invaders at ] and an indecisive battle was fought at ]. The Teutonic Knights soon retreated. King ] regained parts of northwestern Greater Poland, including ] in 1365 and ], ] and ] in 1368. Poland still attempted to recover the remainder of Brandenburg-annexed northwestern Greater Poland, which in 1373 became part of the ], ruled by the ]. In 1402, Poland and the Luxembourgs reached an agreement, according to which Poland was to buy and re-incorporate the afforementioned territory,<ref>{{cite book|last=Rogalski|first=Leon|year=1846|title=Dzieje Krzyżaków oraz ich stosunki z Polską, Litwą i Prussami, poprzedzone rysem dziejów wojen krzyżowych. Tom II|language=pl|location=Warszawa|pages=59–60}}</ref> but eventually the Luxembourgs sold it to the Teutonic Order. Allied Poles and Czech ] captured several towns of Teutonic-held northwestern Greater Poland, including ] and ], during the ].
⚫ ], ca. 1617]]


In the reunited kingdom, and later in the ], the country came to be divided into administrative units called ]s. In the case of the Greater Poland region these were ] and ]. The Commonwealth also had larger subdivisions known as {{lang|pl|]}}, one of which was named ]. However, this {{lang|pl|prowincja}} covered a larger area than the Greater Poland region itself, also taking in ] and ]. (This division of ] into two entities called Greater and ] had its roots in the ] of 1346–1362, where the laws of "Greater Poland" – the northern part of the country – were codified in the ] statute, with those of "Lesser Poland" in the separate ] statute.) In the reunited kingdom, and later in the ], the country came to be divided into administrative units called ]s. In the case of the Greater Poland region these were ] and ]. The Commonwealth also had larger subdivisions known as {{lang|pl|]}}, one of which was named ]. However, this {{lang|pl|prowincja}} covered a larger area than the Greater Poland region itself, also taking in ] and ]. (This division of ] into two entities called Greater and ] had its roots in the ] of 1346–1362, where the laws of "Greater Poland" – the northern part of the country – were codified in the ] statute, with those of "Lesser Poland" in the separate ] statute.)
⚫ ] within the borders of the ], 1664]]


In 1655, Greater Poland was ], and several battles were fought in the region, including at ], ] and ]. In 1655, Greater Poland was ], and several battles were fought in the region, including at ], ] and ].
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] who participated in the ] against Germanisation policies]] ] who participated in the ] against Germanisation policies]]
Within the Prussian Partition, western Greater Poland became the ] (Poznań), which theoretically held some autonomy. Following an unrealized ], and the more substantial but still unsuccessful ] (during the ]), the Grand Duchy was replaced by the ]. The authorities made efforts to ] the region, particularly after the founding of ] in 1871, and from 1886 onwards the ] was active in increasing German land ownership in formerly Polish areas. The Germans imposed ] and '']'' policies, and the Poles organized ]. In the early 20th century, the ] against Germanisation started, which quickly spread to other places in Greater Poland and beyond, whereas ] with the ] became a regional ]. Within the Prussian Partition, western Greater Poland became the ] (Poznań), which theoretically held some autonomy. Following an unrealised ], and the more substantial but still unsuccessful ] (during the ]), the Grand Duchy was replaced by the ]. The authorities made efforts to ] the region, particularly after the founding of ] in 1871, and from 1886 onwards the ] was active in increasing German land ownership in formerly Polish areas. The Germans imposed ] and '']'' policies, and the Poles organized ]. In the early 20th century, the ] against Germanisation started, which quickly spread to other places in Greater Poland and beyond, whereas ] with the ] became a regional ].


In the Russian Partition, ] policies were enacted, and Polish resistance was also active. The largest uprisings in Russian-controlled eastern Greater Poland were the ] of 1830–31 and ] of 1863–64. In the Russian Partition, ] policies were enacted, and Polish resistance was also active. The largest uprisings in Russian-controlled eastern Greater Poland were the ] of 1830–31 and ] of 1863–64.
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===World War II=== ===World War II===

In September 1939, Germany ] starting ]. During the attack the German army, '']'' and '']'' perpetrated various ] in the occupied areas,{{sfn|Wardzyńska|2009|pp=56–57, 60}} whereas the persecution of Poles of northern and western Greater Poland reached its climax with mass arrests of Polish activists, who were detained in temporary camps in Piła and ], and then deported to ], expulsions and closure of Polish schools and enterprises.{{sfn|Cygański|1984|pp=48–50}} The invading troops committed multiple massacres of Polish civilians and ], including at ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].{{sfn|Wardzyńska|2009|pp=90–92, 94–95}} In September 1939, Germany ] starting ]. During the attack the German army, '']'' and '']'' perpetrated various ] in the occupied areas,{{sfn|Wardzyńska|2009|pp=56–57, 60}} whereas the persecution of Poles of northern and western Greater Poland reached its climax with mass arrests of Polish activists, who were detained in temporary camps in Piła and ], and then deported to ], expulsions and closure of Polish schools and enterprises.{{sfn|Cygański|1984|pp=48–50}} The invading troops committed multiple massacres of Polish civilians and ], including at ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].{{sfn|Wardzyńska|2009|pp=90–92, 94–95}}


]'', ], 20 October 1939]] ]'', ], 20 October 1939]]
Afterwards, the occupiers launched the '']'' genocidal campaign against the Polish population, and annexed the entire region into ]. Administratively, most of Greater Poland was included within the '']'', later renamed ''Reichsgau Wartheland'' ({{lang|de|Warthe}} being the German name for the ] river), whereas northern and western parts were located in the provinces of ], ] and ]. On 20–23 October 1939, the German police and ''Einsatzgruppe'' VI carried out mass public executions of some 300 Poles in various towns in the region, i.e. ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ], to terrorize and pacify the Poles.{{sfn|Wardzyńska|2009|pp=193–198, 191–192, 199, 205–206, 211}}<ref>{{cite book|last=Grochowina|first=Sylwia|year=2017|title=Cultural policy of the Nazi occupying forces in the Reich district Gdańsk–West Prussia, the Reich district Wartheland, and the Reich district of Katowice in the years 1939–1945|location=Toruń|page=87|isbn=978-83-88693-73-1}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Encyklopedia konspiracji Wielkopolskiej 1939–1945|year=1998|location=Poznań|language=pl|publisher=Instytut Zachodni|page=146|isbn=83-85003-97-5}}</ref> The Polish and Jewish population was classified by Nazis as subhuman and subjected to organized genocide,<ref>Od socjaldemokracji do "Solidarności": organizacje robotnicze w Wielkopolsce w XIX i XX wieku, do roku 1990 Edmund Makowski, Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu im. Adama Mickiewicza, page 155,1991</ref> involving mass murder and ethnic cleansing, with many former officials and others considered potential enemies by the Nazis being imprisoned or executed, including at the notorious ] concentration camp in Poznań.<ref>''"Kraj Warty" 1934-1945: studium historyczno-gospodarcze okupacji hitlerowskiej'', Czesław Łuczak, Wydawnictwo Poznańskie, 1972</ref> Major sites of massacres of Poles in the region included ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].{{sfn|Wardzyńska|2009|pp=163–164, 191–192, 199, 205–206, 211}} During '']'', the '']'' gassed over 2,700 mentally ill people from the psychiatric hospitals in ], ] and ].{{sfn|Wardzyńska|2009|pp=216–217}} Afterwards, the occupiers launched the '']'' genocidal campaign against the Polish population, and annexed the entire region into ]. Administratively, most of Greater Poland was included within the '']'', later renamed ''Reichsgau Wartheland'' ({{lang|de|Warthe}} being the German name for the ] river), whereas northern and western parts were located in the provinces of ], ] and ]. On 20–23 October 1939, the German police and ''Einsatzgruppe'' VI carried out mass public executions of some 300 Poles in various towns in the region, i.e. ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ], to terrorize and pacify the Poles.{{sfn|Wardzyńska|2009|pp=193–198, 191–192, 199, 205–206, 211}}<ref>{{cite book|last=Grochowina|first=Sylwia|year=2017|title=Cultural policy of the Nazi occupying forces in the Reich district Gdańsk–West Prussia, the Reich district Wartheland, and the Reich district of Katowice in the years 1939–1945|location=Toruń|page=87|isbn=978-83-88693-73-1}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Encyklopedia konspiracji Wielkopolskiej 1939–1945|year=1998|location=Poznań|language=pl|publisher=Instytut Zachodni|page=146|isbn=83-85003-97-5}}</ref> The Polish and Jewish population was classified by Nazis as subhuman and subjected to organized genocide,<ref>Od socjaldemokracji do "Solidarności": organizacje robotnicze w Wielkopolsce w XIX i XX wieku, do roku 1990 Edmund Makowski, Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu im. Adama Mickiewicza, p. 155 (1991)</ref> involving mass murder and ethnic cleansing, with many former officials and others considered potential enemies by the Nazis being imprisoned or executed, including at the notorious ] concentration camp in Poznań.<ref>''"Kraj Warty" 1934–1945: studium historyczno-gospodarcze okupacji hitlerowskiej'', Czesław Łuczak, Wydawnictwo Poznańskie, 1972</ref> Major sites of massacres of Poles in the region included ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].{{sfn|Wardzyńska|2009|pp=163–164, 191–192, 199, 205–206, 211}} During '']'', the '']'' gassed over 2,700 mentally ill people from the psychiatric hospitals in ], ] and ].{{sfn|Wardzyńska|2009|pp=216–217}}


] in Poznań, used by the German occupiers as an improvised ]]] ] in Poznań, used by the German occupiers as an improvised ]]]
The Germans continued the ], now also in pre-war Polish territory, with the Special Staff for the Resettlement of Poles and Jews (''Sonderstab für die Aussiedlung von Polen und Juden'') established in Poznań in November 1939, soon renamed to Office for the Resettlement of Poles and Jews (''Amt für Umsiedlung der Polen und Juden''), and eventually to Central Bureau for Resettlement (UWZ, ''Umwandererzentralstelle'').<ref>{{cite book|last=Wardzyńska|first=Maria|year=2017|title=Wysiedlenia ludności polskiej z okupowanych ziem polskich włączonych do III Rzeszy w latach 1939-1945|language=pl|location=Warszawa|publisher=IPN|page=35|isbn=978-83-8098-174-4}}</ref> The place of the Poles was taken by German colonists in accordance with the '']'' policy. Many Poles were also enslaved as ] and either sent to forced labour camps or German colonists in the region or deported to Germany and other German-occupied countries.<ref name=ekw394>{{cite book|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Encyklopedia konspiracji Wielkopolskiej 1939–1945|year=1998|location=Poznań|language=pl|publisher=Instytut Zachodni|pages=394-395|isbn=83-85003-97-5}}</ref> Over 270,000 Polish children aged 10-18 were subjected to forced labour in Greater Poland, which, in addition to German profits of 500 million ], was aimed at the children's biological destruction.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kołakowski|first=Andrzej|editor-last=Kostkiewicz|editor-first=Janina|year=2020|title=Zbrodnia bez kary... Eksterminacja i cierpienie polskich dzieci pod okupacją niemiecką (1939–1945)|language=pl|location=Kraków|publisher=], ]|page=74|chapter=Zbrodnia bez kary: eksterminacja dzieci polskich w okresie okupacji niemieckiej w latach 1939-1945}}</ref> The Germans also operated ] camps for ] in Kalisz, Poznań, ] and ].<ref name=dom>{{cite web|url=http://www.kalisz.info/dom-wychowawczy.html|title="Dom wychowawczy" dla polskich dzieci w Kaliszu|website=Kalisz.info|author1=Krystyna Dobak-Splitt|author2=Jerzy Aleksander Splitt|access-date=4 November 2023|language=pl}}</ref> The children were given new German names and surnames, and were punished for any use of the Polish language, even with death.<ref name=dom/> After their stay in the camp, the children were deported to Germany; only some returned to Poland after the war, while the fate of many remains unknown to this day.<ref name=dom/> The Germans continued the ], now also in pre-war Polish territory, with the Special Staff for the Resettlement of Poles and Jews (''Sonderstab für die Aussiedlung von Polen und Juden'') established in Poznań in November 1939, soon renamed to Office for the Resettlement of Poles and Jews (''Amt für Umsiedlung der Polen und Juden''), and eventually to Central Bureau for Resettlement (UWZ, ''Umwandererzentralstelle'').<ref>{{cite book|last=Wardzyńska|first=Maria|year=2017|title=Wysiedlenia ludności polskiej z okupowanych ziem polskich włączonych do III Rzeszy w latach 1939–1945|language=pl|location=Warszawa|publisher=IPN|page=35|isbn=978-83-8098-174-4}}</ref> The place of the Poles was taken by German colonists in accordance with the '']'' policy. Many Poles were also enslaved as ] and either sent to forced labour camps or German colonists in the region or deported to Germany and other German-occupied countries.<ref name=ekw394>{{cite book|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Encyklopedia konspiracji Wielkopolskiej 1939–1945|year=1998|location=Poznań|language=pl|publisher=Instytut Zachodni|pages=394–395|isbn=83-85003-97-5}}</ref> Over 270,000 Polish children aged 10–18 were subjected to forced labour in Greater Poland, which, in addition to German profits of 500 million ], was aimed at the children's biological destruction.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kołakowski|first=Andrzej|editor-last=Kostkiewicz|editor-first=Janina|year=2020|title=Zbrodnia bez kary... Eksterminacja i cierpienie polskich dzieci pod okupacją niemiecką (1939–1945)|language=pl|location=Kraków|publisher=], ]|page=74|chapter=Zbrodnia bez kary: eksterminacja dzieci polskich w okresie okupacji niemieckiej w latach 1939–1945}}</ref> The Germans also operated ] camps for ] in Kalisz, Poznań, ] and ].<ref name=dom>{{cite web|url=http://www.kalisz.info/dom-wychowawczy.html|title="Dom wychowawczy" dla polskich dzieci w Kaliszu|website=Kalisz.info|author1=Krystyna Dobak-Splitt|author2=Jerzy Aleksander Splitt|access-date=4 November 2023|language=pl}}</ref> The children were given new German names and surnames, and were punished for any use of the Polish language, even with death.<ref name=dom/> After their stay in the camp, the children were deported to Germany; only some returned to Poland after the war, while the fate of many remains unknown to this day.<ref name=dom/>


Jews from the region were also expelled and deported to other locations, including to ], concentration camps and forced labour camps. From 1940, the occupiers also operated several forced labour camps for Jews in the region.<ref name=ekw394/> Due to poor feeding and sanitary conditions, epidemics spread in those camps, which, combined with frequent executions, led to a high mortality rate.<ref name=ekw394/> On the order of ], most of the camps were dissolved in 1943, and its surviving prisoners were sent to ghettos and death camps.<ref name=ekw394/> Jews from the region were also expelled and deported to other locations, including to ], concentration camps and forced labour camps. From 1940, the occupiers also operated several forced labour camps for Jews in the region.<ref name=ekw394/> Due to poor feeding and sanitary conditions, epidemics spread in those camps, which, combined with frequent executions, led to a high mortality rate.<ref name=ekw394/> On the order of ], most of the camps were dissolved in 1943, and its surviving prisoners were sent to ghettos and death camps.<ref name=ekw394/>


] and ] ] in ]]] ] and ] ] in ]]]
Germany operated several ], including Stalag XXI-B, ], ], Stalag XXI-E, Stalag 302, ], Oflag XXI-A, ], Oflag XXI-C and ], for Polish, ], British, Canadian, Australian, New Zealander, Belgian, Dutch, Serbian, American, ], South African and other ] POWs in the region. There were also multiple forced labour subcamps of the ], ] and ] POW camps in the region,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stalag2b.free.fr/leskommandos.htm|title=Les Kommandos|website=Stalag IIB Hammerstein, Czarne en Pologne|access-date=4 November 2023|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Aniszewska|first=Jolanta|year=2011|title=W obowiązku pamięci... Stalag II D i formy upamiętnienia jeńców wojennych w Stargardzie Szczecińskim|journal=Łambinowicki rocznik muzealny|location=Opole|language=pl|volume=34|page=21|issn=0137-5199}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Bukowska|first=Hanna|year=2013|title=Obóz jeniecki Stalag XXA w Toruniu 1939-1945|magazine=Rocznik Toruński|publisher=Towarzystwo Miłośników Torunia, ]|language=pl|volume=40|page=108|issn=0557-2177}}</ref> a ] of the ] in Owińska,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.gross-rosen.eu/historia-kl-gross-rosen/filie-obozu-gross-rosen/|title=Subcamps of KL Gross-Rosen|website=Gross-Rosen Museum in Rogoźnica|access-date=4 November 2023}}</ref> a subcamp of the ] in ], a subcamp of the ] in ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bundesrecht.juris.de/begdv_6/anlage_6.html|title=Anlage zu § 1. Verzeichnis der Konzentrationslager und ihrer Außenkommandos gemäß § 42 Abs. 2 BEG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423004151/http://bundesrecht.juris.de/begdv_6/anlage_6.html|language=de|access-date=4 November 2023|archive-date=23 April 2009}}</ref> and a camp for ] and ] in Piła.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bundesarchiv.de/zwangsarbeit/haftstaetten/index.php?action=2.2&tab=7&id=100000795|title=Lager für Sinti und Roma Schneidemühl|website=Bundesarchiv.de|access-date=4 November 2023|language=de}}</ref> A particularly notorious prison camp was operated in ], where mostly Poles were imprisoned, but also Luxembourgers, Dutch, Hungarians, Slovaks, Americans, Russians and deserters from the ''Wehrmacht'', and many were tortured and executed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://poznan.naszemiasto.pl/68-lat-temu-zlikwidowano-oboz-hitlerowski-w-zabikowie/ar/c1-1700137|title=68 lat temu zlikwidowano obóz hitlerowski w Żabikowie|website=Poznań Nasze Miasto|access-date=4 November 2023|language=pl}}</ref> Germany operated several ], including Stalag XXI-B, ], ], Stalag XXI-E, Stalag 302, ], Oflag XXI-A, ], Oflag XXI-C and ], for Polish, ], British, Canadian, Australian, New Zealander, Belgian, Dutch, Serbian, American, ], South African and other ] POWs in the region. There were also multiple forced labour subcamps of the ], ] and ] POW camps in the region,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stalag2b.free.fr/leskommandos.htm|title=Les Kommandos|website=Stalag IIB Hammerstein, Czarne en Pologne|access-date=4 November 2023|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Aniszewska|first=Jolanta|year=2011|title=W obowiązku pamięci... Stalag II D i formy upamiętnienia jeńców wojennych w Stargardzie Szczecińskim|journal=Łambinowicki rocznik muzealny|location=Opole|language=pl|volume=34|page=21|issn=0137-5199}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Bukowska|first=Hanna|year=2013|title=Obóz jeniecki Stalag XXA w Toruniu 1939–1945|magazine=Rocznik Toruński|publisher=Towarzystwo Miłośników Torunia, ]|language=pl|volume=40|page=108|issn=0557-2177}}</ref> a ] of the ] in Owińska,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.gross-rosen.eu/historia-kl-gross-rosen/filie-obozu-gross-rosen/|title=Subcamps of KL Gross-Rosen|website=Gross-Rosen Museum in Rogoźnica|access-date=4 November 2023}}</ref> a subcamp of the ] in ], a subcamp of the ] in ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bundesrecht.juris.de/begdv_6/anlage_6.html|title=Anlage zu § 1. Verzeichnis der Konzentrationslager und ihrer Außenkommandos gemäß § 42 Abs. 2 BEG|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423004151/http://bundesrecht.juris.de/begdv_6/anlage_6.html|language=de|access-date=4 November 2023|archive-date=23 April 2009}}</ref> and a camp for ] and ] in Piła.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bundesarchiv.de/zwangsarbeit/haftstaetten/index.php?action=2.2&tab=7&id=100000795|title=Lager für Sinti und Roma Schneidemühl|website=Bundesarchiv.de|access-date=4 November 2023|language=de}}</ref> A particularly notorious prison camp was operated in ], where mostly Poles were imprisoned, but also Luxembourgers, Dutch, Hungarians, Slovaks, Americans, Russians and deserters from the ''Wehrmacht'', and many were tortured and executed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://poznan.naszemiasto.pl/68-lat-temu-zlikwidowano-oboz-hitlerowski-w-zabikowie/ar/c1-1700137|title=68 lat temu zlikwidowano obóz hitlerowski w Żabikowie|website=Poznań Nasze Miasto|date=21 January 2013 |access-date=4 November 2023|language=pl}}</ref>


The ] was active in the region, including the ], ], ] and ].{{sfn|Pietrowicz|2011|pp=28–33}} The ] was organized, and in July 1940, even an underground Polish parliament was established in Poznań.{{sfn|Pietrowicz|2011|pp=34, 36}} Activities included ], secret Catholic services, printing and distribution of ], sabotage actions, espionage of German activity, military trainings, production of false documents, preparations for a planned uprising, and even secret ] games.{{sfn|Pietrowicz|2011|pp=23–26, 31–32}} The Polish resistance provided aid to people in need, including prisoners, escapees from camps and ghettos and deserters from the German army, rescued Polish children kidnapped by the Germans,<ref name=dom/> and facilitated escapes of Allied prisoners of war from German POW camps.{{sfn|Pietrowicz|2011|p=23}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://przystanekhistoria.pl/pa2/teksty/69438,Dorsze-z-Poznania.html|title="Dorsze" z Poznania|website=Przystanek Historia|author=Aleksandra Pietrowicz|access-date=4 November 2023|language=pl}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Chrzanowski|first=Bogdan|title=Organizacja sieci przerzutów drogą morską z Polski do Szwecji w latach okupacji hitlerowskiej (1939–1945)|journal=Stutthof. Zeszyty Muzeum|language=pl|volume=5|page=29|issn=0137-5377}}</ref> The Germans cracked down on the resistance several times,{{sfn|Pietrowicz|2011|p=26}} and even ] of the resistance members and sent them to a camp for Polish children in ], nicknamed "little ]" due to its conditions, where many died.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Ledniowski|first1=Krzysztof|last2=Gola|first2=Beata|editor-last=Kostkiewicz|editor-first=Janina|year=2020|title=Zbrodnia bez kary... Eksterminacja i cierpienie polskich dzieci pod okupacją niemiecką (1939–1945)|language=pl|location=Kraków|publisher=Uniwersytet Jagielloński, Biblioteka Jagiellońska|pages=147, 158–159|chapter=Niemiecki obóz dla małoletnich Polaków w Łodzi przy ul. Przemysłowej}}</ref> The ] was active in the region, including the ], ], ] and ].{{sfn|Pietrowicz|2011|pp=28–33}} The ] was organized, and in July 1940, even an underground Polish parliament was established in Poznań.{{sfn|Pietrowicz|2011|pp=34, 36}} Activities included ], secret Catholic services, printing and distribution of ], sabotage actions, espionage of German activity, military trainings, production of false documents, preparations for a planned uprising, and even secret ] games.{{sfn|Pietrowicz|2011|pp=23–26, 31–32}} The Polish resistance provided aid to people in need, including prisoners, escapees from camps and ghettos and deserters from the German army, rescued Polish children kidnapped by the Germans,<ref name=dom/> and facilitated escapes of Allied prisoners of war from German POW camps.{{sfn|Pietrowicz|2011|p=23}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://przystanekhistoria.pl/pa2/teksty/69438,Dorsze-z-Poznania.html|title="Dorsze" z Poznania|website=Przystanek Historia|author=Aleksandra Pietrowicz|access-date=4 November 2023|language=pl}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Chrzanowski|first=Bogdan|title=Organizacja sieci przerzutów drogą morską z Polski do Szwecji w latach okupacji hitlerowskiej (1939–1945)|journal=Stutthof. Zeszyty Muzeum|language=pl|volume=5|page=29|issn=0137-5377}}</ref> The Germans cracked down on the resistance several times,{{sfn|Pietrowicz|2011|p=26}} and even ] of the resistance members and sent them to a camp for Polish children in ], nicknamed "little ]" due to its conditions, where many died.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Ledniowski|first1=Krzysztof|last2=Gola|first2=Beata|editor-last=Kostkiewicz|editor-first=Janina|year=2020|title=Zbrodnia bez kary... Eksterminacja i cierpienie polskich dzieci pod okupacją niemiecką (1939–1945)|language=pl|location=Kraków|publisher=Uniwersytet Jagielloński, Biblioteka Jagiellońska|pages=147, 158–159|chapter=Niemiecki obóz dla małoletnich Polaków w Łodzi przy ul. Przemysłowej}}</ref>
Line 105: Line 119:
The region is rich in historical architecture of various styles from ] and ] through ] and ] to ] and ]. The region is rich in historical architecture of various styles from ] and ] through ] and ] to ] and ].


Greater Poland boasts 13 ]: Greater Poland boasts 15 ]:
* ] archaeological site * ] archaeological site
* Gorzeński Palace and park complex in ] * Gorzeński Palace and park complex in ]
* ] ] * ] ]
* ]<ref>{{Cite Polish law|title=Zarządzenie Prezydenta Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej z dnia 8 września 1994 r. w sprawie uznania za pomnik historii.|gazette=Monitor|year=1994|volume=50|number=416}}</ref>
* ]
* Former Cistercian abbey in ] * Former Cistercian abbey in ]
* Manor and park complex in ] * Manor and park complex in ]
* ] and park complex with the ] in ] * ] and park complex with the ] in ]<ref>{{Cite Polish law|title=Rozporządzenie Prezydenta Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej z dnia 15 czerwca 2011 r. w sprawie uznania za pomnik historii "Kórnik - zespół zamkowo-parkowy wraz z kościołem parafialnym - nekropolią właścicieli"|year=2011|volume=143|number=836}}</ref>
* ] * ]
* Benedictine Monastery with the ]-Gothic-Baroque Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in ] * Benedictine Monastery with the ]-Gothic-Baroque Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in ]
* ] in ]<ref>{{Cite Polish law|title=Rozporządzenie Prezydenta Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej z dnia 13 listopada 2024 r. w sprawie uznania za pomnik historii "Międzyrzecz - zamek piastowski z zespołem dworsko-parkowym"|year=2024|number=1677}}</ref>
* ] * ]
* ] with the ], and the adjacent ] and ] * ] with the ], and the adjacent ] and ]<ref>{{Cite Polish law|title=Rozporządzenie Prezydenta Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej z dnia 28 listopada 2008 r. w sprawie uznania za pomnik historii "Poznań - historyczny zespół miasta"|year=2008|volume=219|number=1401}}</ref>
* Baroque Raczyński Palace and park complex in ] * Baroque Raczyński Palace and park complex in ]
* Baroque Sanctuary of Our Lady of Rokitno in ]<ref>{{Cite Polish law|title=Rozporządzenie Prezydenta Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej z dnia 20 listopada 2024 r. w sprawie uznania za pomnik historii "Rokitno - Sanktuarium Matki Bożej Rokitniańskiej"|year=2024|number=1734}}</ref>
* ] Old Town with the Baroque ] * ] Old Town with the Baroque ]


Major museums include the Museum of Polish State Origins in Gniezno, and the ] and ] in Poznań. Several castles and palaces house museums, such as those in Dobrzyca, ], ], ], ], Kórnik, ], Rogalin and ]. Major museums include the Museum of Polish State Origins in Gniezno, and the ] and ] in Poznań. Several castles and palaces house museums, such as those in Dobrzyca, ], ], ], ], Kórnik, ], ], Rogalin and ].


Poland's largest church, the ], is located in the region. Poland's largest church, the ], is located in the region.

One of the two principal and five total cemeteries of the ] in Poland is located in Poznań, with more than 400 burials from both world wars.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/34718/poznan-old-garrison-cemetery/|title=Poznan Old Garrison Cemetery|website=Commonwealth War Graves Commission|access-date=6 December 2024}}</ref>


The oldest preserved European signpost beyond the boundaries of the former ] is located in ]. The oldest preserved European signpost beyond the boundaries of the former ] is located in ].
Line 260: Line 278:
<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px"> <gallery widths="200px" heights="200px">
File:Ayuntamiento, Poznan, Polonia, 2014-09-18, DD 67-72 HDR.jpg|] File:Ayuntamiento, Poznan, Polonia, 2014-09-18, DD 67-72 HDR.jpg|]
⚫ File:Kalisz ratusz 2018.jpg|] Town Hall
File:20160127 1250 leszno st nicolaus church 083-pah-3e-mk-a-pp-cr.jpg|Baroque St. Nicholas' Church in ] File:20160127 1250 leszno st nicolaus church 083-pah-3e-mk-a-pp-cr.jpg|Baroque St. Nicholas' Church in ]
File:SM Ostrów Wielkopolski Ratusz 2022 (3754).jpg|Market Square and Town Hall in ]
⚫ File:Pałac w Rogalinie (3).jpg|Palace of the ] family in ], within the ]
File:Catedral de Gniezno, Gniezno, Polonia, 2014-09-20, DD 45-47 HDR.jpg|] cathedral
⚫ File:Kalisz ratusz 2018.jpg|] Town Hall
File:Ratusz w Lesznie (2).jpg|] ]
File:Renesansowy zamek w Gołuchowie ed.jpg|Renaissance ] File:Renesansowy zamek w Gołuchowie ed.jpg|Renaissance ]
File:Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Licheń, Stary Licheń, Polonia, 2016-12-21, DD 33-35 HDR.jpg|Marian sanctuary in ] near ] File:Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Licheń, Stary Licheń, Polonia, 2016-12-21, DD 33-35 HDR.jpg|Marian sanctuary in ] near ]
File:Town hall tower in Znin (2).jpg|Main square and medieval town hall tower in ]
File:Pałac Szołdrskich w Czempiniu - Elewacja ogrodowa.jpg|Szołdrski Palace in ]
</gallery> </gallery>


==See also== ==See also==
* ] * ]
⚫ * ]


==References== ==References==
Line 276: Line 295:


==Bibliography== ==Bibliography==
* {{cite journal|last=Cygański|first=Mirosław|year=1984|title=Hitlerowskie prześladowania przywódców i aktywu Związków Polaków w Niemczech w latach 1939-1945|journal=Przegląd Zachodni|language=pl|issue=4}} * {{cite journal|last=Cygański|first=Mirosław|year=1984|title=Hitlerowskie prześladowania przywódców i aktywu Związków Polaków w Niemczech w latach 1939–1945|journal=Przegląd Zachodni|language=pl|issue=4}}
* {{cite book|last=Wardzyńska|first=Maria|year=2009|title=Był rok 1939. Operacja niemieckiej policji bezpieczeństwa w Polsce. Intelligenzaktion|language=pl|location=Warszawa|publisher=]}} * {{cite book|last=Wardzyńska|first=Maria|year=2009|title=Był rok 1939. Operacja niemieckiej policji bezpieczeństwa w Polsce. Intelligenzaktion|language=pl|location=Warszawa|publisher=]}}
* {{cite magazine|last=Pietrowicz|first=Aleksandra|year=2011|title=Konspiracja wielkopolska 1939–1945|magazine=Biuletyn Instytutu Pamięci Narodowej|language=pl|publisher=]|issue=5–6 (126–127)|issn=1641-9561}} * {{cite magazine|last=Pietrowicz|first=Aleksandra|year=2011|title=Konspiracja wielkopolska 1939–1945|magazine=Biuletyn Instytutu Pamięci Narodowej|language=pl|publisher=]|issue=5–6 (126–127)|issn=1641-9561}}

==Further reading==
⚫ {{Main|Bibliography of the history of Poland}}


==External links== ==External links==

Latest revision as of 17:18, 27 December 2024

Historical region of west-central Poland

"Wielkopolska" redirects here. For the voivodeship in Poland, see Greater Poland Voivodeship. For other uses, see Greater Poland (disambiguation).
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Historical region in Poland
Greater Poland Wielkopolska
Historical region
Coat of arms of Greater PolandCoat of arms
The proper Greater PolandThe proper Greater Poland
Country Poland
SeatGniezno, Poznań, Kalisz
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Primary airportPoznań–Ławica Airport
Highways

Greater Poland, often known by its Polish name Wielkopolska (pronounced [vjɛlkɔˈpɔlska] ; Latin: Polonia Maior), is a Polish historical region of west-central Poland. Its chief and largest city is Poznań followed by Kalisz, the oldest city in Poland.

The boundaries of Greater Poland have varied somewhat throughout history. Since the Late Middle Ages, Wielkopolska proper has been split into the Poznań and Kalisz voivodeships. In the wider sense, it also encompassed Sieradz, Łęczyca, Brześć Kujawski and Inowrocław voivodeships, which were situated further east, and the Santok Land, located to the northwest. The region in the proper sense roughly coincides with the present-day Greater Poland Voivodeship (Polish: województwo wielkopolskie).

Like all the historical regions of Poland, i.e Pomerania, Warmia, Silesia, Mazovia or Lesser Poland and others, the Greater Poland region possesses its own folk costumes, architecture, cuisine, that make the region touristically and culturally interesting.

Name

Due to the fact that Greater Poland was the settlement area of the Polans and the core of the early Polish state, the region was at times simply called "Poland" (Latin Polonia). The more specific name is first recorded in the Latin form Polonia Maior in 1257 and in Polish w Wielkej Polszcze in 1449. Its original meaning was the Older Poland to contrast with Lesser Poland (Polish Małopolska, Latin Polonia Minor), a region in south-eastern Poland with its capital at Kraków that later became the main centre of the state.

Geography

Berzyńskie Lake near Wolsztyn
Greater Poland (Wielkopolska) and other historical lands of Poland on the map of Poland (names in Polish)

Greater Poland comprises much of the area drained by the Warta River and its tributaries, including the Noteć River. The region is distinguished from Lesser Poland with the lowland landscape, and from both Lesser Poland and Mazovia with its numerous lakes. In the strict meaning, it covers an area of about 33,000 square kilometres (13,000 sq mi), and has a population of 3.5 million. In the wider sense, it has almost 60,000 square kilometres (23,000 sq mi), and 7 million inhabitants.

The region's main metropolis is Poznań, near the centre of the region, on the Warta. Other cities are Kalisz to the south-east, Konin to the east, Piła to the north, Ostrów Wielkopolski to the south-east, Gniezno (the earliest capital of Poland) to the north-east, and Leszno to the south-west.

An area of 75.84 square kilometres (29.28 sq mi) of forest and lakeland south of Poznań is designated the Wielkopolska National Park (Wielkopolski Park Narodowy), established in 1957. The region also contains part of Drawa National Park, and several designated Landscape Parks. For example, the Rogalin Landscape Park is famous for about 2000 monumental oak trees growing on the flood plain of the river Warta, among numerous ox-bow lakes.

History

It has been suggested that this section be split out into another article titled History of Greater Poland. (Discuss) (November 2023)
Further information: History of Poland and History of Poznań

Medieval and early modern period

Polan strongholds during the reign of Mieszko I, mid-10th cencury

Greater Poland formed the heart of the 10th-century early Polish state, sometimes being called the "cradle of Poland". Poznań and Gniezno were early centres of royal power and the seats of Poland's first Catholic diocese, est. in Poznań in 968, and the first archdiocese, est. in Gniezno in 1000, but following devastation of the region by pagan rebellion in the 1030s, and the invasion of Bretislaus I of Bohemia in 1038, the capital was moved by Casimir I the Restorer from Gniezno to Kraków.

In the Testament of Bolesław III Wrymouth, which initiated the period of fragmentation of Poland (1138–1320), the western part of Greater Poland (including Poznań) was granted to Mieszko III the Old. The eastern part, with Gniezno and Kalisz, was part of the Seniorate Province centered in Kraków, granted to Władysław II. However, for most of the period the two parts were under a single ruler, and were known as the Duchy of Greater Poland (although at times there were separately ruled duchies of Poznań, Gniezno, Kalisz and Ujście). It was one of the leading and fastest developing regions of Poland, with municipal rights modeled after Poznań and Kalisz becoming the basis of municipal form of government for several towns in the region, as two of five local Polish variants of medieval town rights. The region came under the control of Władysław I the Elbow-high in 1314, and thus became part of the reunited Poland of which Władyslaw was crowned king in 1320.

Ruins of Koło Castle on the banks of the Warta River

In 1264, Duke Bolesław the Pious issued the Statute of Kalisz in the region. It was a unique protective privilege for Jews during their persecution in Western Europe, which in the following centuries made Poland the destination of Jewish migration from other countries.

From the late 13th century, the region experienced first German invasions and occupations. In the late 13th century, the northwestern part of Greater Poland was occupied by the Margraviate of Brandenburg. In 1331, during the Polish–Teutonic War of 1326–1332, the Teutonic Knights invaded central and eastern Greater Poland, however, the Poles defeated the invaders at Kalisz and an indecisive battle was fought at Konin. The Teutonic Knights soon retreated. King Casimir III the Great regained parts of northwestern Greater Poland, including Drezdenko in 1365 and Wałcz, Czaplinek and Człopa in 1368. Poland still attempted to recover the remainder of Brandenburg-annexed northwestern Greater Poland, which in 1373 became part of the Bohemian (Czech) Crown, ruled by the House of Luxembourg. In 1402, Poland and the Luxembourgs reached an agreement, according to which Poland was to buy and re-incorporate the afforementioned territory, but eventually the Luxembourgs sold it to the Teutonic Order. Allied Poles and Czech Hussites captured several towns of Teutonic-held northwestern Greater Poland, including Dobiegniew and Strzelce Krajeńskie, during the Polish–Teutonic War of 1431–1435.

View of Poznań, ca. 1617

In the reunited kingdom, and later in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, the country came to be divided into administrative units called voivodeships. In the case of the Greater Poland region these were Poznań Voivodeship and Kalisz Voivodeship. The Commonwealth also had larger subdivisions known as prowincja, one of which was named Greater Poland. However, this prowincja covered a larger area than the Greater Poland region itself, also taking in Masovia and Royal Prussia. (This division of Crown Poland into two entities called Greater and Lesser Poland had its roots in the Statutes of Casimir the Great of 1346–1362, where the laws of "Greater Poland" – the northern part of the country – were codified in the Piotrków statute, with those of "Lesser Poland" in the separate Wiślica statute.)

Poznań Voivodeship within the borders of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, 1664

In 1655, Greater Poland was invaded by Sweden, and several battles were fought in the region, including at Ujście, Kłecko and Kcynia.

In the 18th century kings Augustus II the Strong and Augustus III of Poland often resided in Wschowa, and sessions of the Senate of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth were held there, thus the town being dubbed the "unofficial capital of Poland". In 1768 a new Gniezno Voivodeship was formed out of the northern part of Kalisz Voivodeship. However more far-reaching changes would come with the Partitions of Poland. In the first partition (1772), northern parts of Greater Poland along the Noteć (German Netze) were taken over by Prussia, becoming the Netze District. In the second partition (1793) the whole of Greater Poland was absorbed by Prussia, becoming part of the province of South Prussia. It remained so in spite of the first Greater Poland uprising (1794), part of the unsuccessful Kościuszko Uprising directed chiefly against Russia.

Partitions of Poland

More successful was the Greater Poland Uprising of 1806, which led to the bulk of Greater Poland becoming part of the Napoleonic Duchy of Warsaw (forming the Poznań Department and parts of the Kalisz and Bydgoszcz Departments), whereas the northwestern and northern outskirts remained part of Prussia. However, following the Congress of Vienna in 1815, Greater Poland was again partitioned, with the western part (including Poznań) going to Prussia. The eastern part (including Kalisz) joined the Russian-controlled Kingdom of Poland, where it formed the Kalisz Voivodeship until 1837, then the Kalisz Governorate (merged into the Warsaw Governorate between 1844 and 1867).

Children from Września who participated in the strike against Germanisation policies

Within the Prussian Partition, western Greater Poland became the Grand Duchy of Posen (Poznań), which theoretically held some autonomy. Following an unrealised uprising in 1846, and the more substantial but still unsuccessful uprising of 1848 (during the Spring of Nations), the Grand Duchy was replaced by the Province of Posen. The authorities made efforts to Germanize the region, particularly after the founding of Germany in 1871, and from 1886 onwards the Prussian Settlement Commission was active in increasing German land ownership in formerly Polish areas. The Germans imposed Germanisation and Kulturkampf policies, and the Poles organized resistance. In the early 20th century, the Września children strike against Germanisation started, which quickly spread to other places in Greater Poland and beyond, whereas Michał Drzymała with the Drzymała's wagon became a regional folk hero.

In the Russian Partition, Russification policies were enacted, and Polish resistance was also active. The largest uprisings in Russian-controlled eastern Greater Poland were the November Uprising of 1830–31 and January Uprising of 1863–64.

During World War I, Germany also occupied eastern Greater Poland, and in August 1914, the German Army carried out the destruction of Kalisz. Germany planned the annexation of eastern Greater Poland as part of the so-called "Polish Border Strip" and expulsion of its Polish inhabitants to make room for German colonization in accordance with the Lebensraum policy.

Interbellum

Polish insurgents place the coat of arms of Poland on the town hall in liberated Pleszew, January 1919

Following the end of World War I, the Greater Poland uprising (1918–19) ensured that most of the region became part of the newly independent Polish state, forming most of Poznań Voivodeship (1921–1939). Northern and some western parts of Greater Poland remained in Germany, where they formed much of the province of Posen-West Prussia (1922–1938), whose capital was Schneidemühl (Piła). To maintain contact with the Poles of German-controlled northern and western Greater Poland, Poland opened a consulate in Piła in 1922. From 1933, the Polish Głos Pogranicza i Kaszub newspaper was issued in Złotów. Under the Nazi government, repressions of Poles intensified. In January 1939, Germany resumed expulsions of Poles and many were also forced to flee. The Sturmabteilung, Schutzstaffel, Hitler Youth and Bund Deutscher Osten launched attacks on Polish institutions, schools and activists. In mid-1939 the Gestapo carried out arrests of Polish activists, teachers and entrepreneurs, closed various Polish organizations and enterprises and seized their funds. The Poles tried to resist German persecution, but some were forced to escape German arrest and thus fled to Poland.

World War II

In September 1939, Germany invaded Poland starting World War II. During the attack the German army, Einsatzgruppen and Selbstschutz perpetrated various crimes against the Polish people in the occupied areas, whereas the persecution of Poles of northern and western Greater Poland reached its climax with mass arrests of Polish activists, who were detained in temporary camps in Piła and Lipka, and then deported to concentration camps, expulsions and closure of Polish schools and enterprises. The invading troops committed multiple massacres of Polish civilians and prisoners of war, including at Kłecko, Zdziechowa, Mogilno, Trzemeszno, Niewolno, Winiary, Wągrowiec, Mielno, Jankowo Dolne, Podlesie Kościelne and Obora.

Public execution of Polish civilians by the Einsatzgruppe VI, Kórnik, 20 October 1939

Afterwards, the occupiers launched the Intelligenzaktion genocidal campaign against the Polish population, and annexed the entire region into Nazi Germany. Administratively, most of Greater Poland was included within the Reichsgau Posen, later renamed Reichsgau Wartheland (Warthe being the German name for the Warta river), whereas northern and western parts were located in the provinces of Reichsgau Danzig-West Prussia, Pomerania and Brandenburg. On 20–23 October 1939, the German police and Einsatzgruppe VI carried out mass public executions of some 300 Poles in various towns in the region, i.e. Gostyń, Kostrzyn, Kościan, Kórnik, Krobia, Książ Wielkopolski, Leszno, Mosina, Osieczna, Poniec, Śmigiel, Śrem, Środa and Włoszakowice, to terrorize and pacify the Poles. The Polish and Jewish population was classified by Nazis as subhuman and subjected to organized genocide, involving mass murder and ethnic cleansing, with many former officials and others considered potential enemies by the Nazis being imprisoned or executed, including at the notorious Fort VII concentration camp in Poznań. Major sites of massacres of Poles in the region included Dopiewiec, Dębienko, Winiary, Mędzisko, Paterek, Łobżenica, Górka Klasztorna, Kobylniki and Bukowiec. During Aktion T4, the SS-Sonderkommandos gassed over 2,700 mentally ill people from the psychiatric hospitals in Owińska, Dziekanka and Kościan.

Bunker no. 16 in Fort VII in Poznań, used by the German occupiers as an improvised gas chamber

The Germans continued the expulsion of Poles, now also in pre-war Polish territory, with the Special Staff for the Resettlement of Poles and Jews (Sonderstab für die Aussiedlung von Polen und Juden) established in Poznań in November 1939, soon renamed to Office for the Resettlement of Poles and Jews (Amt für Umsiedlung der Polen und Juden), and eventually to Central Bureau for Resettlement (UWZ, Umwandererzentralstelle). The place of the Poles was taken by German colonists in accordance with the Lebensraum policy. Many Poles were also enslaved as forced labour and either sent to forced labour camps or German colonists in the region or deported to Germany and other German-occupied countries. Over 270,000 Polish children aged 10–18 were subjected to forced labour in Greater Poland, which, in addition to German profits of 500 million marks, was aimed at the children's biological destruction. The Germans also operated Germanisation camps for Polish children taken away from their parents in Kalisz, Poznań, Puszczykowo and Zaniemyśl. The children were given new German names and surnames, and were punished for any use of the Polish language, even with death. After their stay in the camp, the children were deported to Germany; only some returned to Poland after the war, while the fate of many remains unknown to this day.

Jews from the region were also expelled and deported to other locations, including to Nazi ghettos, concentration camps and forced labour camps. From 1940, the occupiers also operated several forced labour camps for Jews in the region. Due to poor feeding and sanitary conditions, epidemics spread in those camps, which, combined with frequent executions, led to a high mortality rate. On the order of Heinrich Himmler, most of the camps were dissolved in 1943, and its surviving prisoners were sent to ghettos and death camps.

Memorial at the site of the Stalag XXI-B, Oflag XXI-B and Oflag 64 POW camps in Szubin

Germany operated several prisoner-of-war camps, including Stalag XXI-B, Stalag XXI-C, Stalag XXI-D, Stalag XXI-E, Stalag 302, Oflag II-C, Oflag XXI-A, Oflag XXI-B, Oflag XXI-C and Oflag 64, for Polish, French, British, Canadian, Australian, New Zealander, Belgian, Dutch, Serbian, American, Italian, South African and other Allied POWs in the region. There were also multiple forced labour subcamps of the Stalag II-B, Stalag II-D and Stalag XX-A POW camps in the region, a subcamp of the Gross-Rosen concentration camp in Owińska, a subcamp of the Stutthof concentration camp in Obrzycko, a subcamp of the Ravensbrück concentration camp in Kalisz Pomorski, and a camp for Sinti and Romani people in Piła. A particularly notorious prison camp was operated in Żabikowo, where mostly Poles were imprisoned, but also Luxembourgers, Dutch, Hungarians, Slovaks, Americans, Russians and deserters from the Wehrmacht, and many were tortured and executed.

The Polish resistance movement was active in the region, including the Union of Armed Struggle, Bataliony Chłopskie, Gray Ranks and Home Army. The Polish Underground State was organized, and in July 1940, even an underground Polish parliament was established in Poznań. Activities included secret Polish schooling, secret Catholic services, printing and distribution of Polish underground press, sabotage actions, espionage of German activity, military trainings, production of false documents, preparations for a planned uprising, and even secret football games. The Polish resistance provided aid to people in need, including prisoners, escapees from camps and ghettos and deserters from the German army, rescued Polish children kidnapped by the Germans, and facilitated escapes of Allied prisoners of war from German POW camps. The Germans cracked down on the resistance several times, and even kidnapped children of the resistance members and sent them to a camp for Polish children in Łódź, nicknamed "little Auschwitz" due to its conditions, where many died.

From August 1944 to January 1945, the Germans used hundreds of thousands of Poles as forced labour to build fortifications in the region ahead of the advancing Eastern Front. In January 1945, before and during their retreat, the Germans committed several further massacres of Polish civilians, prisoners and Polish and other Allied POWs, including at Pleszew, Marchwacz, Żabikowo, Łomnica and Kuźnica Żelichowska and perpetrated several death marches. Poznań was declared a fortress in the closing stages of the war, being taken by the Red Army in the Battle of Poznań, which ended on 22 February 1945.

Post-war period

After the war, Greater Poland was fully reintegrated with Poland, although with a Soviet-installed communist regime, which stayed in power until the 1980s. The region experienced several waves of anti-communist protests and strikes, including the 1956 Poznań protests and the 1980 strikes in various cities and towns, which led to the foundation of the Solidarity organization, which played a central role in the end of communist rule in Poland.

With the reforms of 1975 it was divided into seven provinces, partially or wholly located in Greater Poland (the voivodeships of Bydgoszcz, Gorzów, Kalisz, Konin, Leszno, Piła and Poznań). The present-day Greater Poland Voivodeship, again with Poznań as its capital, was created in 1999, however, parts of Greater Poland are located in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian, Lubusz, Łódź and West Pomeranian voivodeships.

Sights

The Poznań Old Town with its elaborate tenements, splendid churches and the Renaissance Town Hall is among the most recognizable landmarks of Greater Poland and the entire country

The region is rich in historical architecture of various styles from Romanesque and Gothic through Renaissance and Baroque to Neoclassical and Art Nouveau.

Greater Poland boasts 15 Historic Monuments of Poland:

Major museums include the Museum of Polish State Origins in Gniezno, and the National Museum and Wielkopolska Museum of Independence in Poznań. Several castles and palaces house museums, such as those in Dobrzyca, Gołuchów, Jarocin, Kołaczkowo, Koźmin Wielkopolski, Kórnik, Międzyrzecz, Poznań, Rogalin and Śmiełów.

Poland's largest church, the Basilica of Our Lady of Licheń, is located in the region.

One of the two principal and five total cemeteries of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in Poland is located in Poznań, with more than 400 burials from both world wars.

The oldest preserved European signpost beyond the boundaries of the former Roman Empire is located in Konin.

Cuisine

St. Martin's croissants

In addition to traditional nationwide Polish cuisine, Greater Poland is known for its variety of regional and local traditional foods and drinks, which include especially various meat products (incl. various types of kiełbasa), cheeses, honeys, beverages and various dishes and meals, officially protected by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Poland. Among the most known local snacks are the St. Martin's croissant from Poznań and Kalisz andruts.

Notable centers of traditional meat production include Grodzisk Wielkopolski, Krotoszyn, Kruszewnia, Nowy Tomyśl, Rawicz, Trzcianka and Złotniki, whereas centers of traditional cheese and quark production include Wągrowiec, Gniezno, Oborniki, Witkowo, Witoldzin and Września.

A plethora of traditional Polish honey is produced in various places, especially in the Noteć and Warta river valleys in the north and west. Notable centers of honey production include Pszczew, Wałcz, Tuczno, Lubiszyn and Stare Drawsko in northern and western Greater Poland and Kopaszewo and Witosław in southern Greater Poland. The Saint Michael's Honey Fair is held annually in Gorzów Wielkopolski.

Grodzisk Wielkopolski is the place of origin of the Grodziskie beer style. Other traditional Polish beers, officially protected by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Poland, are produced in Bojanowo, Czarnków, Miłosław, Nakło nad Notecią and Wschowa.

Sports

Football and speedway enjoy the largest following in Greater Poland. The most accomplished football teams are Lech Poznań and Warta Poznań. 18-times Team Polish Champions (as of 2023), Unia Leszno, is the most accomplished speedway team in Poland, and other accomplished teams in the region are Stal Gorzów Wielkopolski and Polonia Piła.

Main handball clubs are MKS Kalisz, KPR Ostrovia Ostrów Wielkopolski, Nielba Wągrowiec, Stal Gorzów Wielkopolski, Grunwald Poznań and KPR Wolsztyniak Wolsztyn.

Field hockey enjoys less popularity, however, the region is dominant in the sport in Poland, with 80 of the 86 men's Polish Championships won by local teams (as of October 2023).

Main cities

The following table lists the cities in proper Greater Poland with a population greater than 25,000 (2015):

City Population (2015) Voivodeship in 1750 Voivodeship in 2016 Additional information
1. Poznań 548,028 Poznań Greater Poland Former capital of Poland,
medieval provincial ducal capital in Poland,
former voivodeship and province capital,
historical capital of Greater Poland,
former royal city of Poland.
2. Kalisz 103,997 Kalisz Greater Poland Medieval provincial ducal capital in Poland,
former voivodeship capital,
historical capital of Greater Poland,
former royal city of Poland.
3. Konin 77,224 Kalisz Greater Poland Former royal city of Poland.
4. Piła 74,609 Poznań Greater Poland Former royal city of Poland.
5. Ostrów Wielkopolski 72,890 Kalisz Greater Poland Former private town of the Przebendowski family.
6. Gniezno 69,883 Kalisz Greater Poland Former capital of Poland,
medieval provincial ducal capital in Poland,
former voivodeship capital,
former royal city of Poland,
ecclesiastical capital of Poland.
7. Leszno 64,589 Poznań Greater Poland Former private town of the Leszczyński family.
8. Swarzędz 31,084 Poznań Greater Poland Former private town of the Grudziński family, part of the Poznań metropolitan area.
9. Luboń 30,676 Poznań Greater Poland Part of the Poznań metropolitan area.
10. Śrem 30,152 Poznań Greater Poland Former royal city of Poland.
11. Września 29,552 Kalisz Greater Poland Former private town.
12. Krotoszyn 29,397 Kalisz Greater Poland Former private town.
13. Jarocin 26,311 Kalisz Greater Poland Former private town.
14. Wałcz 26,231 Poznań West Pomeranian Former royal city of Poland.
15. Wągrowiec 25,178 Kalisz Greater Poland

See also

References

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External links

Historical administrative divisions of Greater Poland
12–13th century
until 1768
until 1793
until 1806
until 1815
  • until 1837
  • 1848
until 1918
until 1939
until 1945
until 1975
until 1998
since 1999
Uprisings in Greater Poland
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