AboutMichael FitzGerald Expertise I am an expert in German history between 1918 and 1945, particularly with regard to the Nazi era. I am also very knowledgeable about most areas of philosophy (I have an honours degree in the subject) and am able to answer questions on that subject too. In addition, I am very knowledgeable about poetry. One of my hobbies is also politics, mainly British and European though I follow the US political scene as well. Another one is the history of crime and punishment and British social history (the two often overlap!) I am willing to answer questions on all the above issues.
Experience Author of two published works, 'Storm Troopers of Satan,' an account of the lunatic fringes of Nazi ideology, and 'Adolf Hitler: A Portrait,' a biography of the German dictator. 'Adolf Hitler' was published in July 2006 by the top history publisher Spellmount and was named historical biography of the month by the Good Book Guide. I correspond with Ian Kershaw, Peter Stachura, Jeremy Noakes, Roger Moorhouse and Stan Lauryssens. I have undertaken research for radio, television, newspapers and magazines
Organizations Society of Authors
Education/Credentials I have an Honours degree in philosophy.
Awards and Honors LT prize for poetry
Historical Biography of the month, Good Book Guide
Question QUESTION: Leaving aside East Prussia, why did Germany lose land to Poland in 1945 (e.g. by the Oder river)? The Allies were far more punitive to Germany in 1919, yet more land was given to Poland in 1945. Was this the Soviets' doing? Was the confiscated territory genuinely Polish or was this a punitive/compensatory measure? Thanks.
ANSWER: Hi Paul
Thanks for your fascinating question.
Basically most of the 'territorial adjustments' on the Polish border were the result of Soviet insistence and the 'force majeur' they were able to deploy to back up their demands.
Danzig and the Polish corridor was overwhelmingly German in its population (around 95%) and these Germans were forcibly expelled after the victory of the Soviets.
Other parts of the territory seized were much less German.
On the whole it was a punitive measure rather than one based on a genuinely overwhelming ethnically Polish presence.
Hope this helps.
Please feel free to ask me further questions if you wish.
I apologise for not replying sooner but I have been away for a few days on business and only picked up my messages tonight.
Kind regards
Michael
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks Michael, is the Polish-German border an issue for the Germans today, either officially or unofficially?
Answer Hi Paul
I don't think it is for the majority of Germans any longer. During the Cold War SOME Germans tried to put their own spin on Ostpolitik by demanding the return of the lost territory, but they got very little support.
Post-unification I'd say only the neo-Nazi elements still thought of it as a live issue in any way.
