Year: 2014
Type: article
Abstract: The article discusses the ways how the Polish campaign of 1939 is presented in Polish and foreign (European) textbooks. In case of the foreign textbooks it is stressed that the German attack on Poland on 1st of September, 1939 is always mentioned as the beginning of WWII. Other events of the campaign are enumerated and comments presented in textbooks are cited, with special attention paid to the British and French declaration of war, the Soviet attack on Poland on Sept. 17th, 1939 and the end of the military campaign. Elements common for different textbooks from different countries are identified as well as textbooks that are significantly different (e.g. some Russian interpretations). In case of the Polish textbooks, new approaches (as compared to the old editions) are noticed, balance about the presentation of facts and interpretations is discussed, personalities of individual commanders presented. Non-textual elements, e.g. maps, photographs, diagrams are analyzed, alongside with primary sources included into the chapters, tasks set for pupils and other materials. The issues of multiperspectivity and emotions in teaching history are addressed.
Author: Joanna Wojdon
Institution: University of Wrocław
Language: Polish
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2069065989