The Picture of German-Polish Relations in 1938–1939 in German Historiography. Status and Prospects for Research

The article is devoted to the German historiography concerning German-Polish relations in 1938–1939. It is written from the perspective of a Polish historian who wonders why the events of the last year of peace are not only perceived differently in Polish and German historiographies, but also why historical issues so important in one society are of minor importance the the neighboring one. The text presents the development of German literature on this subject from the times of the Third Reich, through the years of division of Germany into two hostile states and the period of German unification until the recent decades. Mutual relations between the two neighboring societies during the interwar period and World War II are one of the most emotive topics in Polish historiography, and the legacy of National Socialism – in German historiography. This makes the issue discussed even more interesting.