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	''The neutrality of this article is ].''		''The neutrality of this article is ].''

			'''Silesia''' (]: ''Ślonsk'', ''Ślunsk'', ]: ''Śląsk'', ]: ''Schlesien'', ]: ''Slezsko'') is a province in southwestern ] and the northern ], located along the upper and middle ] river. Because of its rich history the region has produced a unique cultural mix based on the local Silesian elements with heavy Polish, Czech and German influences. Today the region is inhabited by the Poles, Silesians, Germans, Czechs and Moravians. In history, Silesia used to be part of different Polish states (about 360 years until now), Bohemia (about 250 years) and different German states (about 400 years, not counting Bohemia rule - although some count Bohemia overlordship over Silesia also as time of German rule).
	'''Silesia''' (] ''Schlesien'', ] ''Śląsk'', ] ''Slezsko'') is an ancient part of Europe located between the ] and ] rivers.

			The territory is now divided into the ]s of ] (capital: ]), ] (capital: ]), and ] (capital: ]). The latter two are sometimes called ].
	Since the end of World War II Silesia is almost entirely within the borders of Poland, with the exception of Tě&scaron;ín (also known historically by its German name Teschen) Silesia, which is part of the ], and ] Silesia, which is part of ]. Silesia is directly adjacent to ], ], ], and ], and very near to ] and ]. The territory is now divided into the ] (capital: ]), ] (capital: ]), and ] (capital: ]) voivoidships.

			Silesia lies directly adjacent to ], ], ], and ] – and very near to ] and ].
⚫	Silesia is a resource rich and populous region. ] and ] can both be found there, and a substantial munfacturing industry has grown up, but in post-communist times the outdated nature of many of the facilites have lead to problems. It is also a good agricultural area producing ]s, ]s, and ]s

		⚫	Silesia is a resource rich and populous region. ] and ] can both be found there, and a substantial munfacturing industry has grown up, but in post-communist times the outdated nature of many of the facilites have lead to problems. It is also a good agricultural area producing ]s, ]es, and ]s.
⚫	~~The~~ ], most likely a ] people, lived south of the ] in the ], Odra, and Vistula river area of later Germany and Poland. ~~Most of the province belonged to the Czechs for most of its history.~~

			== Name of the region ==

	There are many theories as to how Silesia derived its name. These theories tend to fall along the lines of national interest. The "Silesia is part of Germany" argument claims that the name is derived from the Silingii, most likely a ] (some say Celto-Germanic) people, who supposedly lived south of the ] in the Elbe, Oder, and Vistula river in 2nd Century. The "Silesia is Poland" argument is based on etymology and the fact that the place-names in the area were always Polish, or germanized Polish names. Also archeological finds from 7th and 8th uncovered largely populated areas protected by a dense system of fortifications from West and South. Lack of such systems from North or East signifies Silesia being a part of larger State populated by early Polish tribes.		There are many theories as to how Silesia derived its name. These theories tend to fall along the lines of national interest. The "Silesia is part of Germany" argument claims that the name is derived from the Silingii, most likely a ] (some say Celto-Germanic) people, who supposedly lived south of the ] in the Elbe, Oder, and Vistula river in 2nd Century. The "Silesia is Poland" argument is based on etymology and the fact that the place-names in the area were always Polish, or germanized Polish names. Also archeological finds from 7th and 8th uncovered largely populated areas protected by a dense system of fortifications from West and South. Lack of such systems from North or East signifies Silesia being a part of larger State populated by early Polish tribes.

	A third theory claims that the area was indeed "originally" (as far as they are the first people purported to have lived in the area) inhabited by the Silingii. When the Silingii moved from the area during the Migration Period, or Völkerwanderung, they left remnants of their society behind. The most evident remnants were in the place-names, which were adopted (in Slavic form) by the new inhabitants, who were in fact Slavic (Pol. Śląsk, OldPol. Śl&#261žsk , OldSlav. Sьlьąžьskъ from ~~OldGerm.~~ Siling-isk ). These people became associated with the place, and were known as Silesians (using a Latinized form of the name, Pol. &#346lêžanie), even though they had nothing to do with the Silingii.		A third theory claims that the area was indeed "originally" (as far as they are the first people purported to have lived in the area) inhabited by the Silingii. When the Silingii moved from the area during the Migration Period, or Völkerwanderung, they left remnants of their society behind. The most evident remnants were in the place-names, which were adopted (in Slavic form) by the new inhabitants, who were in fact Slavic (Pol. Śląsk, OldPol. Śl&#261žsk , OldSlav. Sьlьąžьskъ from Old German Siling-isk ). These people became associated with the place, and were known as Silesians (using a Latinized form of the name, Pol. &#346lêžanie), even though they had nothing to do with the Silingii.

	Parenthetically, it should be noted that there is considerable debate among archaeologists and historians as to whether there is such a thing as a Celtic-Germanic people. Exhibits such as the one in Rosenheim (Bayern) certainly demonstrate that the Celts had an influence on the area; however, the movement of the Celts westward through Europe was such that there is little if any overlap between them and the Germanic tribes.		Parenthetically, it should be noted that there is considerable debate among archaeologists and historians as to whether there is such a thing as a Celtic-Germanic people. Exhibits such as the one in Rosenheim (Bayern) certainly demonstrate that the Celts had an influence on the area; however, the movement of the Celts westward through Europe was such that there is little if any overlap between them and the Germanic tribes.
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	Moreover, the question of Germanic tribes and their relationship to place names is entirely chicken/egg. Traditional German historiography, most notably the works of ], tend to argue a thing's inherent "Germanness" on the grounds that clearly work in a 19th century ] context, but hardly work for today's historians.		Moreover, the question of Germanic tribes and their relationship to place names is entirely chicken/egg. Traditional German historiography, most notably the works of ], tend to argue a thing's inherent "Germanness" on the grounds that clearly work in a 19th century ] context, but hardly work for today's historians.

	==History==		== History ==

			=== Early peoples ===

			Silesia was inhabited by various peoples belonging to changing archealogical cultures in the ], ] and ].

		⚫	As recorded by ] in the 1st century AD Silesia was inhabited by a multi-ethnic leage dominated by the ] ]. Belonging to this federation the ], most likely a ] people, lived south of the ] in the ], Odra, and Vistula river area of later Germany and Poland.

	=== Middle Ages ===		=== Middle Ages ===

			Early documents mention a couple of tribes most probably living in Silesia: ] (ca. 845): Sleenzane, Dadodesani, Opolini, Lupiglaa, Golensizi. And a document of Prague bishopric (1086): Zlasane, Trebouane, Poborane, Dedosize.
⚫	In the 9th and 10th centuries the territory later called Silesia was subject to the ] and then ] rulers of the neighbouring area covered by today's ] to the south, who pledged allegiance to ] and his successors as emperors in the west. Under Charlemagne the territory was sectioned into four ~~<i>~~pagi~~</i>~~. ] founded Vratislavia, the later city of Breslau, now ].

		⚫	In the 9th and 10th centuries the territory later called Silesia was subject to the ] and then ] rulers of the neighbouring area covered by today's ] to the south, who pledged allegiance to ] and his successors as emperors in the west. Under Charlemagne the territory was sectioned into four ''pagi.'' ] founded Vratislavia, the later city of Breslau, now ].
⚫	In ] Silesia was incorporated into ~~territory ruled~~ by ], duke of the ~~Polianie~~ (Polans; from "pole" - "a field") and later king of ]. (See ] for the previous boundaries of Poland.) During Poland's Fragmentation (1138-1320) into ] ruled by different branches of the ] royal family, Silesia was ruled by descendants of the royal house.

		⚫	In ] Silesia was incorporated into ] by ] (although some historians are moving the date to ] and rule of ], duke of the Polanie (Polans; from "pole" - "a field") and later king of ]). (See ] for the previous boundaries of Poland.) During Poland's Fragmentation (1138-1320) into ] ruled by different branches of the ] royal family, Silesia was ruled by descendants of the royal house.

	In 1146, duke Wladislaw II acknowledged the overlordship of the ], but was driven into exile. After 17 years in Germany, his two sons took possession of Silesia in 1163 with Imperial backing, dividing the land between them as dukes of Lower and Upper Silesia. The policy of subdivision continued under their successors, with Silesia being divided into 18 territories by the 1390s.		In 1146, duke Wladislaw II acknowledged the overlordship of the ], but was driven into exile. After 17 years in Germany, his two sons took possession of Silesia in 1163 with Imperial backing, dividing the land between them as dukes of Lower and Upper Silesia. The policy of subdivision continued under their successors, with Silesia being divided into 18 territories by the 1390s.

	From around ] ], duke of Lower Silesia, and his wife ] invited the ] and other religious, many of them from Germany, to settle the land. The ruling classes increasingly adopted German language and culture. Germans moved in from other parts of the Holy Roman Empire in the wake of the dislocation caused by the ] ] invasion of Silesia. 160 cities and 1500 towns were founded with German charters and laws.		From around ] ], duke of Lower Silesia, and his wife ] invited the ] and other religious, many of them from Germany, to settle the land. The ruling classes increasingly adopted German language and culture, causing great ethnic tensions in Silesia. Germans moved in from other parts of the Holy Roman Empire in the wake of the dislocation caused by the ] ] invasion of Silesia. 160 cities and 1500 towns were founded or relocated with German charters and laws (German law was however quickly separated from ethnicity of the founders and usually new Polish settlements were also located or relocated with German laws, which were considered more modern and superior to older, customary Polish laws).

	~~The Silesian duchies had accepted the suzerainty of the predominantly German-speaking but loosely governed Holy Roman Empire in ].~~ In ], Duke Henry VI of Breslau and the Upper Silesian dukes recognized the ~~suzerainty~~ of the king of ] (]). Bohemia was itself an autonomous part of the ~~Holy Roman Empire~~. Silesia remained part of the lands of the Bohemian crown until ].		In ], Duke Henry VI of Breslau and the Upper Silesian dukes recognized the overlordship of the king of ] (]). Last independent Piast duchies in Silesia ceased to exist in ]. Since then Silesia became indirectly part of ], since Bohemia was itself an autonomous part of the entity. Silesia remained part of the lands of the Bohemian crown until ], under kings of Czech, Polish and German dynasties.

	Under the emperor and king of Bohemia ], Silesia and especially Wroclaw gained greatly in importance, and many great buildings and large Gothic churches were built.		Under the emperor and king of Bohemia ], Silesia and especially Wroclaw gained greatly in importance, and many great buildings and large Gothic churches were built.

	Between ] and ], devastation was caused by ] rebellion in Bohemia proper - Silesia remained largely ~~Catholicm~~ however.		Between ] and ], devastation was caused by ] rebellion in Bohemia proper - Silesia remained largely Catholic however.

	===Early Modern Period===		===Early Modern Period===

	The ] took an early hold, and most of Silesia became ].		The ] took an early hold, and most of Silesia became ].
		⚫	* In ] the rulers of ] and Silesia concluded an inheritance treaty, but it was vetoed by the emperor Ferdinand.

		⚫	* ] Habsburgs elected/inherited the Bohemian crown (it is disputed by what right they ruled)
⚫	- In ] the rulers of ] and Silesia concluded an inheritance treaty, but it was vetoed by the emperor Ferdinand.

⚫	- ] Habsburgs elected/inherited the Bohemian crown (it is disputed by what right they ruled)

	The second "]", in ], sparked the ], caused by attempts of the Catholic Habsburg ruler to restore Catholicism and stamp out Protestantism.		The second "]", in ], sparked the ], caused by attempts of the Catholic Habsburg ruler to restore Catholicism and stamp out Protestantism.
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	===Silesia in the Modern World===		===Silesia in the Modern World===

	Silesia, then part of the Kingdom of Prussia, became part of the German Empire when Prussia lead the unification of Germany (]-]). There was considerable industrialization in Upper Silesia, and many people moved there.		Silesia, then part of the Kingdom of Prussia, became part of the German Empire when Prussia lead the unification of Germany (]-]). There was considerable industrialization in Upper Silesia, and many people moved there.
			A majority of the population was Polish-speaking and Roman Catholic, and in whole Silesia Polish-speakers were estimated to more than 30%, concentrated in regions of Upper Silesia and Opole. As the below mentioned referendum showed, Polish-speakers not always had to be identified with Poles.

			After Germany's defeat in ], a ] referendum was held by the ] in Upper Silesia, to determine the future of the province.

			In the referendum Poland and Germany got almost the same number of votes from the people living in Upper Silesia. However, 200 000 of people born in Upper Silesia, but living in Germany, had also right to vote.

			After the referendum, there were three Silesian Insurrections, as a result of
			them, ] decided, that the province should be split and areas that voted for Poland should become autonomous ] (Wojewodztwo Śląskie), as part of Poland.

		⚫	In ] all of Silesia was occupied by Soviet troops, by then a large proportion of German population had fled Silesia. The treaty between the ], ], ], and the ] assigned the major part of Silesia east of the rivers ] and ] to ], forcing the German population to relocate behind the ]. A little part of Silesia west of Nysa remained German (now part of the ] of ]).

			== Demographics ==

			<i> to be written yet </i>

			Modern Silesia is inhabited mostly by the Poles and Silesians, but also by the Germans, Czechs and Moravians.

			The last Polish census of 2002 showed that the Silesians are the largest ethnic minority in Poland, Germans being the second - both groups are located mostly in the Silesian region.

			The Czech Silesia is inhabited by the Czechs, Moravians and Poles.

			== Economy ==

			<i> to be written yet </i>

			== Culture ==

			<i> to be written yet </i>

			== Further reading ==

			=== Publications in German ===

			*
			* (ed.) H. Aubin, <i>Geschichte Schlesiens</i>, vol. 1, Breslau 1938
			* (ed.) L. Petry, J.J. Menzel, <i>Geschichte Schlesiens</i>, vol. 2, Darmstadt 1973
			* W. Kuhn, <i>Beiträge zur schlesischen Siedlungsgeschichte</i>, München 1971
			* (ed.) Rainer Riemenschneider, <i>Die Rolle Schlesiens und Pommern in der Geschichte der deutschen-polnischen Beziehungen in Mittelalter</i>, Georg-Eckert-Institut für Internationale Schulbuchforschung, Braunschweig 1980

			=== Publications in Polish ===

			* (ed.) K.Maleczyński, W.Długoborski, S.Michalkiewicz, <i>Historia Śląska</i>, vol. 1-2, Wrocław 1960-70
			* Zygmunt Boras, <i>Książęta Piastowscy Śląska</i>, Wydawnictwo Śląsk, Katowice 1978.
			* Zygmunt Boras, <i>Związki Śląska i Pomorza Zachodniego z Polską w XVI wieku</i>, Poznań 1981
			* (ed.) Marian Biskup, <i>Śląsk i Pomorze w historii stosunków polsko-niemieckich w średniowieczu, XII Konferencja Wspólnej Komisji Podręcznikowej PRL-RFN Historyków 5-10 VI 1979 Olsztyn</i>, Ossolineum, Wroclaw 1983, second edition: Instytut Zachodni, Poznań 1987.
			* (ed.) Antoni Czubiński, Zbigniew Kulak, <i>Śląsk i Pomorze w stosunkach polsko-niemieckich od XVI do XVII w. XIV Konferencja Wspólnej Komisji Podręcznikowej PRL-RFN Historyków, 9-14 VI 1981 r. Zamość</i>, Instytut Zachodni, Poznań 1987

			== External links ==

			=== Silesian Organizations ===

			*
			*
			*
			*

			=== History of Silesia ===

			*

			=== Internet directories ===
			*
			*
			*

			=== Maps of Silesia ===
	After Germany's defeat in ], a ] referendum was held by the ] in Upper Silesia, to determine which parts should became part of Poland and which part should remain in Germany. A majority of the population was German. After the referendum, there were three Silesian Insurrections, as a result of which, parts of Silesia became part of Poland. (By the ] over three-quarters of Silesians spoke Polish and German.)

			*
⚫	In ] all of Silesia was occupied by Soviet troops. The treaty between the ], ], ], and the ] assigned the major part of Silesia east of the rivers ] and ] to ], forcing the German population to ~~flee~~. A little part of Silesia west of Nysa remained German (now part of the ] of ]).
			*
			*

Revision as of 14:34, 28 October 2003

]

The neutrality of this article is disputed.

Silesia (Silesian: Ślonsk, Ślunsk, Polish: Śląsk, German: Schlesien, Czech: Slezsko) is a province in southwestern Poland and the northern Czech Republic, located along the upper and middle Odra/Oder river. Because of its rich history the region has produced a unique cultural mix based on the local Silesian elements with heavy Polish, Czech and German influences. Today the region is inhabited by the Poles, Silesians, Germans, Czechs and Moravians. In history, Silesia used to be part of different Polish states (about 360 years until now), Bohemia (about 250 years) and different German states (about 400 years, not counting Bohemia rule - although some count Bohemia overlordship over Silesia also as time of German rule).

The territory is now divided into the voivodships of Lower Silesian Voivodship (capital: Wroclaw), Opole Voivodship (capital: Opole), and Silesian Voivodship (capital: Katowice). The latter two are sometimes called Upper Silesia.

Silesia lies directly adjacent to Saxony, Little Poland, Greater Poland, and Brandenburg – and very near to Berlin and Krakow.

Silesia is a resource rich and populous region. Coal and iron can both be found there, and a substantial munfacturing industry has grown up, but in post-communist times the outdated nature of many of the facilites have lead to problems. It is also a good agricultural area producing grains, potatoes, and sugar beets.

Name of the region

There are many theories as to how Silesia derived its name. These theories tend to fall along the lines of national interest. The "Silesia is part of Germany" argument claims that the name is derived from the Silingii, most likely a Vandalic (some say Celto-Germanic) people, who supposedly lived south of the Baltic Sea in the Elbe, Oder, and Vistula river in 2nd Century. The "Silesia is Poland" argument is based on etymology and the fact that the place-names in the area were always Polish, or germanized Polish names. Also archeological finds from 7th and 8th uncovered largely populated areas protected by a dense system of fortifications from West and South. Lack of such systems from North or East signifies Silesia being a part of larger State populated by early Polish tribes.

A third theory claims that the area was indeed "originally" (as far as they are the first people purported to have lived in the area) inhabited by the Silingii. When the Silingii moved from the area during the Migration Period, or Völkerwanderung, they left remnants of their society behind. The most evident remnants were in the place-names, which were adopted (in Slavic form) by the new inhabitants, who were in fact Slavic (Pol. Śląsk, OldPol. Śl&#261žsk , OldSlav. *Sьlьąžьskъ from Old German *Siling-isk ). These people became associated with the place, and were known as Silesians (using a Latinized form of the name, Pol. &#346lêžanie), even though they had nothing to do with the Silingii.

Parenthetically, it should be noted that there is considerable debate among archaeologists and historians as to whether there is such a thing as a Celtic-Germanic people. Exhibits such as the one in Rosenheim (Bayern) certainly demonstrate that the Celts had an influence on the area; however, the movement of the Celts westward through Europe was such that there is little if any overlap between them and the Germanic tribes.

Moreover, the question of Germanic tribes and their relationship to place names is entirely chicken/egg. Traditional German historiography, most notably the works of Ranke, tend to argue a thing's inherent "Germanness" on the grounds that clearly work in a 19th century nationalist context, but hardly work for today's historians.

History

Early peoples

Silesia was inhabited by various peoples belonging to changing archealogical cultures in the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age.

As recorded by Tacitus in the 1st century AD Silesia was inhabited by a multi-ethnic leage dominated by the Celtic Lugii/Lygii. Belonging to this federation the Silingii, most likely a Vandalic people, lived south of the Baltic Sea in the Elbe, Odra, and Vistula river area of later Germany and Poland.

Middle Ages

Early documents mention a couple of tribes most probably living in Silesia: Bavarian Geographer (ca. 845): Sleenzane, Dadodesani, Opolini, Lupiglaa, Golensizi. And a document of Prague bishopric (1086): Zlasane, Trebouane, Poborane, Dedosize.

In the 9th and 10th centuries the territory later called Silesia was subject to the Moravian and then Bohemian rulers of the neighbouring area covered by today's Czech Republic to the south, who pledged allegiance to Charlemagne and his successors as emperors in the west. Under Charlemagne the territory was sectioned into four pagi. Vratislav I founded Vratislavia, the later city of Breslau, now Wroclaw.

In 990 Silesia was incorporated into Poland by Mieszko I (although some historians are moving the date to 999 and rule of Boleslaus I, duke of the Polanie (Polans; from "pole" - "a field") and later king of Poland). (See ] for the previous boundaries of Poland.) During Poland's Fragmentation (1138-1320) into duchies ruled by different branches of the Piast royal family, Silesia was ruled by descendants of the royal house.

In 1146, duke Wladislaw II acknowledged the overlordship of the Holy Roman Empire, but was driven into exile. After 17 years in Germany, his two sons took possession of Silesia in 1163 with Imperial backing, dividing the land between them as dukes of Lower and Upper Silesia. The policy of subdivision continued under their successors, with Silesia being divided into 18 territories by the 1390s.

From around 1210 Henry I the Bearded, duke of Lower Silesia, and his wife Hedwig of Andechs invited the Knights Templar and other religious, many of them from Germany, to settle the land. The ruling classes increasingly adopted German language and culture, causing great ethnic tensions in Silesia. Germans moved in from other parts of the Holy Roman Empire in the wake of the dislocation caused by the 1241 Mongol invasion of Silesia. 160 cities and 1500 towns were founded or relocated with German charters and laws (German law was however quickly separated from ethnicity of the founders and usually new Polish settlements were also located or relocated with German laws, which were considered more modern and superior to older, customary Polish laws).

In 1327, Duke Henry VI of Breslau and the Upper Silesian dukes recognized the overlordship of the king of Bohemia (John of Luxemburg). Last independent Piast duchies in Silesia ceased to exist in 1368. Since then Silesia became indirectly part of Holy ROman Empire, since Bohemia was itself an autonomous part of the entity. Silesia remained part of the lands of the Bohemian crown until 1742, under kings of Czech, Polish and German dynasties.

Under the emperor and king of Bohemia Charles IV, Silesia and especially Wroclaw gained greatly in importance, and many great buildings and large Gothic churches were built.

Between 1425 and 1435, devastation was caused by Hussite rebellion in Bohemia proper - Silesia remained largely Catholic however.

Early Modern Period

The Protestant reformation took an early hold, and most of Silesia became Lutheran.

In 1537 the rulers of Brandenburg and Silesia concluded an inheritance treaty, but it was vetoed by the emperor Ferdinand.
1526 Habsburgs elected/inherited the Bohemian crown (it is disputed by what right they ruled)

The second "Defenestration of Prague", in 1618, sparked the Thirty Years' War, caused by attempts of the Catholic Habsburg ruler to restore Catholicism and stamp out Protestantism.

After the end of the Thirty Years War, the Habsburgs greatly encouraged Catholicism, and succeeded in reconverting around sixty percent of the population of Silesia.

By 1675 the last Silesian Piast rulers had died out.

In 1740 the seizure of Silesia by Frederick (the Great) of Brandenburg began the War of the Austrian Succession, which ended in 1748. At the end of this war, Prussia retained almost all of Silesia. The Seven Years' War (1756-1763) confirmed this result.

Silesia in the Modern World

Silesia, then part of the Kingdom of Prussia, became part of the German Empire when Prussia lead the unification of Germany (1866-71). There was considerable industrialization in Upper Silesia, and many people moved there. A majority of the population was Polish-speaking and Roman Catholic, and in whole Silesia Polish-speakers were estimated to more than 30%, concentrated in regions of Upper Silesia and Opole. As the below mentioned referendum showed, Polish-speakers not always had to be identified with Poles.

After Germany's defeat in World War I, a 1921 referendum was held by the League of Nations in Upper Silesia, to determine the future of the province.

In the referendum Poland and Germany got almost the same number of votes from the people living in Upper Silesia. However, 200 000 of people born in Upper Silesia, but living in Germany, had also right to vote.

After the referendum, there were three Silesian Insurrections, as a result of them, League of Nations decided, that the province should be split and areas that voted for Poland should become autonomous Silesian Voivodship (Wojewodztwo Śląskie), as part of Poland.

In 1945 all of Silesia was occupied by Soviet troops, by then a large proportion of German population had fled Silesia. The treaty between the USSR, Great Britain, France, and the United States assigned the major part of Silesia east of the rivers Odra and Nysa to Poland, forcing the German population to relocate behind the Oder-Neisse Line. A little part of Silesia west of Nysa remained German (now part of the Federal State of Saxony).

Demographics

to be written yet

Modern Silesia is inhabited mostly by the Poles and Silesians, but also by the Germans, Czechs and Moravians.

The last Polish census of 2002 showed that the Silesians are the largest ethnic minority in Poland, Germans being the second - both groups are located mostly in the Silesian region.

Revision as of 14:34, 28 October 2003

Name of the region

History

Early peoples

Middle Ages

Early Modern Period

Silesia in the Modern World

Demographics

Economy

Culture

Further reading

Publications in German

Publications in Polish

External links

Silesian Organizations

History of Silesia

Internet directories

Maps of Silesia