Danzig¶
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Freie Stadt Danzig -- Free City of Danzig -- today is the city of Gdansk, Poland's sixth largest city and most important port on the Baltic Sea. The city is at the mouth of the Mot?awa river, part of a waterway that connects 60% of Poland's land. Its history is long and colourful and worth reading (link below). Here are some key points: The original city first gained autonomy in the early 13th century when it was granted by Swantopolk II of Pomerania. It thrived, but was the site of a massacre in 1308, when the Teutonic Knights reduced most of the city to rubble. The 16th and 17th century were the golden age for Gadansk, with thriving trade and development of a rich culture. Wars in the 18th century messed things up significantly. The city became part of Prussia in 1793 and remained Prussian until 1919, except for a few short years (1807-1815) when it became autonomous for the second time as the Free City of Danzig. Following World War I the League of Nations made Gdansk the Free City of Danzig once again. Unfortunately, the city became a flash-point for World War II, offering the pretext for German invasion. It is estimated that 90% of the city was destroyed and 40% of the pre-war population killed due to the war. Toward the end, the Red Army occupied the city. With Soviet backing, Poland proceeded to kick out all the Germans once the war had ended. The old city was rebuilt in the 1960s and 70s. In 1970, anti-government demonstrations in Gdansk lead to the fall of Poland's communist leader. A decade later, it was the birthplace of the Solidarity movement that saw the fall of communist party rule. Solidarity's leader, Lech Wa??sa went on to become the president of Poland. Gdansk is still working on building back some of its rich cultural heritage.
