Commemorating Polish history in the public spaces of county towns in autonomous Galicia (1861–1918)

Public spaces in autonomous Galicia (1861–1918) were transformed through commemorative monuments, plaques, and historical naming of streets, squares, and parks, reinforcing Polish national identity. Unlike previous studies focused on Lviv and Kraków, this research expands the scope to all county towns, revealing how these less prominent but significant urban spaces shaped collective memory. Monuments and celebrations, often placed near churches or town halls, imposed a Polish narrative on history, fostering community cohesion while marginalizing other ethnic-religious groups. The study highlights the intangible impact of material commemorations in public space.

Kargol, T. (2024). Commemorating Polish history in the public spaces of county towns in autonomous Galicia (1861–1918). Urban Communities and Memories in East-Central Europe in the Modern Age, 99–120. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032703206-8