Wielki kryzys gospodarczy w opinii „Lewiatana” i Górnośląskich Sfer Wielkoprzemysłowych

Abstract

Purpose – The article aims to present the attitude of representatives and spokespersons of large-scale industrial spheres of the Second Polish Republic towards the great economic crisis. The large capital concentrated in the Central Union of the Polish Industry, Mining, Trade and Finance, called “Lewiatan”, as well as the Upper Silesian industrialists, whose interests were represented by the Upper Silesian Association of Mining and Metallurgical Industrialists both defended themselves against the negative effects of the crisis. They sent petitions to the government in which they demanded tax breaks, exemption from customs duties, subsidies, reduction of social burdens, etc., otherwise threatening with mass dismissals of employees. At the same time, they were looking for the easier survival of the recession in the accelerated process of monopolizing of the industry. Research method – The source analysis method, comparative method and simple description method were used. Originality /value – The article cites statements and publications of entrepreneurs and their spokespersons, as well as reports on industrialists’ demands for the government. The text uses both pre-war and post-war economic historians studies as well as archival sources, especially regarding the industrial spheres of Upper Silesia.