Repressing Memory and Rewriting Histories: Post-War Camps for Germans in Poland in Polish and German Politics of Memory

This paper examines the politics of memory in Poland and Germany concerning the camps for Germans in post-war Poland (1945-1949), recognising that the politics of memory is a narrower aspect of a broader historical politics. In both countries, the memory of these camps has been largely marginalised or silenced, albeit for different political reasons. The memory of the camps plays an important role in both generating political capital and shaping the identities of members of the contemporary German minority and borderland groups e.g. Upper Silesians, many of whom are descendants of internees. Through qualitative research conducted between 2022 and 2023 in Poland and Germany alike, this study investigates how these camps have been remembered, forgotten and instrumentalised in different contexts. Drawing on interviews with so-called guardians of memory ( i.a. politicians and members of the aforementioned groups), the research reveals the complex intersections between the politics of memory, political agendas and minority identities. The findings reveal not only the contestation of memory narratives, but also the significant emotional and psychological impact of repression on communities.