Opowieść o toruńskich pomnikach patriotycznych z lat 1920–1939. Rok po roku

Abstract

The period when the Polish lands (including Toruń) were under Prussian partition was not conducive to create the Polish patriotic monuments. The return of Toruń to the motherland in 1920 changed this situation and allowed for activities commemorating outstanding people or events. In addition to the initiatives to celebrate Polish heroes and historical events, the existing monuments inherited from the Prussians were verified. The Germans withdrawing from Toruń took some monuments with them. Of those left behind, the monuments representing German militarism were destroyed. The only exception was a monument for Bavarian soldiers who defended Toruń against the Russians. Monuments from the interwar period enjoyed a variety of forms, but not many of them were outstanding in artistic terms. It should be noted that in the interwar period, most patriotic monuments were dedicated to soldiers or military units. In second place in terms of the number are religious monuments with strong references to Polishness. Not many monuments and plaques promoting Polishness were created by civilians – exceptions are, among others, plaques of the mayor of Dr. Steinborn, voivode Łaszewski, astronomer Copernicus, or the monument to the composer Moniuszko. In total, about 30 monuments and commemorative plaques were created. Two objects were added to the objects discussed in this study, which were one of the symbols of the interwar Toruń - church dedicated to Christ the King, and a new road bridge across the Vistula. Unfortunately, most patriotic monuments were destroyed within a few days after Germans entered Toruń during Nazi aggression in 1939 in Poland In the period of the Polish People’s Republic, no pre-war „sanation” monuments were rebuilt. Only after 1990 it was possible to recreate some old monuments, such as the Mother of God Queen of the Polish Crown. In place of the monuments smashed by the Germans, they are now completely new in form, in new excellent locations. For example, it happened with the monuments of General Haller and Marshal Piłsudski. Unfortunately, until today, the monument of the 63rd Infantry Regiment „Children of Toruń” has been forgotten. One must be glad, that the remains of communist propaganda which specialized in placing their numerous monuments and plaques disappear from the city landscape. The theme of Torun patriotic monuments of the interwar period is still open and needs to be more detailed.