Polish projects of overseas colonisation during the Second World War
- DOI
- 10.5922/vestnikhum-2025-1-6
- Pages
- 52—62
Abstract
The article analyzes colonial settlement projects proposed by Polish émigrés during the Second World War. Interest in overseas colonization emerged in interwar Poland in connection with the activities of the Maritime and Colonial League. During the war years, similar projects were developed by contributors to the émigré journal Polska na Morzach. These initiatives were primarily aimed at improving Poland’s socio-economic position through access to colonial resources and emigration to countries in South America and Africa. In occupied Poland, overseas colonization projects were formulated by members of the underground movement “Sword and Plough.” A distinguishing feature of these projects was their greater emphasis on enhancing Poland’s international standing and their inclusion of racist practices toward the indigenous populations of the colonies. Overall, Polish overseas colonization projects during the Second World War continued the legacy of the Maritime and Colonial League.