Published: 2020-12-011

The campaign and the plebiscite of 11 July 1920 in Warmia and Mazury in the articles and iconographic materials published in local German-language press

Anna Derda
Echa Przeszłości
Section: ARTICLES
https://doi.org/10.31648/ep.6146

Abstract

            This article attempts to characterize the political and social climate during the plebiscite of 11 July 1920 in Warmia and Mazury. It explores the legal basis of the plebiscite, the establishment and composition of the Inter-Allied Administrative and Plebiscite Commission in voting areas, as well as the process and the results of the popular vote. The paper focuses on the circumstances and the development of the plebiscite campaign based on German propaganda in East Prussian press. The author analyzes articles and iconographic materials published in Allensteiner Zeitung, Allensteiner Volksblatt, Ermländische Zeitung, Königsberger Allgemeine Zeitung, Grenzland, and Wartenburger Zeitung. The author examines press articles reflecting propaganda trends in the period leading up to the plebiscite and in the following months. The analyzed material testifies to German self-confidence, unfaltering conviction in German victory, and growing hostility between the nations. The article discusses examples of social manipulation techniques which preyed on the local population’s emotions and sense of patriotism.

Keywords:

plebiscite, Warmia, Mazury, Olsztyn, German-language press

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Citation rules

Derda, A. (2020). The campaign and the plebiscite of 11 July 1920 in Warmia and Mazury in the articles and iconographic materials published in local German-language press. Echa Przeszłości, (XXI/1). https://doi.org/10.31648/ep.6146

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