SZYMON ASKENAZY AND GERMANY

Abstract

Simon Askenazy (1865-1935) was one of the most prominent Polish historians of the beginning of the 20th Century. Poland was then divided between Russia, Germany (Prussia) and Austria-Hungary. Askenazy strongly contributed to the popularity of Polish irredenta movement at the outbreak of WW I. His approach toward the Germans should be perceived as an outcome of several factors, namely the changing international situation, the German/Prussian policy towards Polish subjects and the national interest of Poland. Thus the outbreak of the Great War as well as the restoration of Poland as its aftermath proved to have a great impact on Askenazy and his historical writing.