Łukasz Jewuła, Tomasz Kargol, Krzysztof Ślusarek

The Polish Village in the Face of Political, Social and Economic Changes From 1772-1815: A Study of Western Lesser Poland (Małopolska)

Introduction

The polish village in the face of political, social and economic changes from 1772-1815: a study of western lesser poland (małopolska). Explore the impact of political, social, and economic changes on rural society in Western Lesser Poland (Małopolska) from 1772-1815, examining peasants, nobles, and clergy.

Abstract

The article examines the impact of social, economic and political changes of the second half of 18th century and the beginning of 19th century on the functioning of rural society of Lesser Poland province. The study considers the situation of peasants, nobles and the clergy. The first part of the article presents the state of research on the problem and the available sources. The second part is devoted to the presentation of selected examples of social relations observed in contemporary Lesser Poland rural society. Conflicts between landowners and lease owners over abused peasant labour, debates over tithes, abuses of state officials and peasant resistance (i.e. peasant desertions, court cases) are discussed.

Review

This article promises a valuable examination of the profound transformations experienced by the Polish village, specifically in Western Lesser Poland, during the turbulent period of 1772-1815. By focusing on the interplay of political, social, and economic changes, the study situates the rural experience within a crucial historical context marked by the partitions and the Napoleonic era. The broad scope, encompassing the distinct perspectives and challenges faced by peasants, nobles, and the clergy, suggests a comprehensive analysis that will illuminate the societal structures and power dynamics of the time. This multi-layered approach is essential for understanding the complexities of rural life during such a formative period in Polish history. The methodology outlined, beginning with a critical assessment of existing research and sources, lays a solid foundation for the subsequent empirical investigation. The second part, which delves into selected examples of social relations, is particularly compelling. The abstract highlights key areas of conflict and tension, such as disputes between landowners and leaseholders over peasant labor, the contentious issue of tithes, abuses perpetrated by state officials, and various forms of peasant resistance, including desertion and legal challenges. These specific instances of friction and struggle offer a rich tapestry of social interactions and promise to provide concrete evidence of how the broader changes manifested at the local level. Overall, this study appears poised to make a significant contribution to the historiography of Polish rural society. By offering a nuanced exploration of the impact of major historical shifts on the daily lives and relationships within villages, it has the potential to deepen our understanding of a critical era. The focus on specific examples of conflict and resistance suggests a vivid and grounded analysis that will undoubtedly be of interest to scholars of Central European history, social history, and rural studies. This article is a timely and important exploration of a complex subject.

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