6533b82bfe1ef96bd128d9b5

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Geneza ruchu ziomkowskiego w Niemczech Zachodnich (1947–1949) a źródła rewizjonizmu zachodnioniemieckiego

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The homeland association movement in Germany is an important element of the social and political landscape of that country. The importance of this movement and its influence upon the political system of Germany underwent evolution. The greatest importance – in social aspect, but also in political aspect – characterised the initial twenty-year period of the existence of the Federal Republic of Germany, i.e. the years 1949–1969. Numerous connections that the movement leaders had with political parties, along with the participation in holding power (the representatives of the movement sat in federal governments as well), stood as evidence that the expelled and their organisations had tangible impact upon the shape of the German politics and the dynamics of the public debate of that country at that time. The movement of the expelled had built its position in the socio-political system of the FRG yet before the occupation was lifted. The article elucidates the process of the forming of the homeland associations on the background of the changes taking place on the territory of the western occupation zones of Germany in the period 1947–1949. During that time, West Germany embarked on a course of social development and of the integration of the West German post-war society. The homeland associations, numerous and well organised, played a major role in this process