Trade Relations between the Polish Port City of Gdynia, the Free City of Danzig, and Germany (1920-1939)

• In Event: Unofficial Trade and Business Practices in the Baltic Region in the 20th Century

Abstract

After Poland regained its independence it had no proper seaport to service the rebuilding country with over 27 mio inhabitants as Polish access to the port in the Free City of Danzig was very limited. The Polish government decided to build a new port in the village of Gdynia which quickly developed into an important center for Polish trade and the contruction of the new port led to political and economic antagonism with Danzig and Germany. Despite the difficult political situation, local business relations in the Southern Baltic area were still strong as there were many companies operating in two or even all three political entities. Trade connections were not accepted by Danzig and Germany and Polish government considered doing business with Danzig or Germany unpatriotic, but for the inhabitants of this region sometimes it was the only way to support themselves and their families.

Author

• Marcin Andrzej Szerle, Leibniz Science Campus (Germany)