Reconstruction of communications in Warmia and Mazury in the years 1945-1950
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Biblioteka Uniwersytecka UWM
Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski w Olsztynie
Online publication date: 2016-08-02
Publication date: 2016-08-02
KMW 2016;292(2):261-287
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ABSTRACT
The aim of this article is to present the most significant problems connected with the process of rebuilding the post-war transportation system in Warmia and Mazury. The system was one of the most important fields
of the economy because it provided a basis for further reconstruction. It was essential for carrying out post-war
territorial decisions connected with the relocation of the population, for example displacing Germans, relocating
the people from the East or the process of settlement. The reconstruction of the transportation system was also
necessary for the development of former East Prussia, a part of which was given to Poland by the new administrative authorities. For this reason, teams of railmen were the first to arrive to the territory of Warmia and Mazury.
This article presents the destruction of the rolling stock and the participation of the Soviet soldiers in its
further devastation. Moreover, the focus is placed on the stages of the reconstruction of the railways and rail connections. Apart from that, substantial attention is devoted to the reconstruction of the road system. The article describes the difficulties in obtaining cars and motorcycles, caused by the fact that most of such vehicles were
only to be used by the local authorities. Furthermore, the article presents the development of the passenger road
transport network.
Attempts have been made not only to reconstruct the timetables and describe the changes in ticket prices,
but also to present the difficulties such as the lack of punctuality or limited driving comfort. The article is supplemented with data regarding the number of passengers of the aforementioned forms of transport. Additionally, the information about the alternative methods of travelling during the first five years after the Second World
War have been provided.