End of World War I: The political reorganization of Europe and the departure in Lusatia

With the end of the First World War, a phase began in Lusatia, which was characterized by political restlessness and a spirit of optimism. The upheavals of the old monarchies, the establishment of new nation states and the principles of self-determination, which the victorious powers promised, raised hopes in many regions of Europe. also in Lusatia, the traditionalSettlement area of the Sorbs, this mood was taken up, as the new political order opened up leeway for minorities that had hardly influenced state decisions up to now. The Sorbs, a Slavic minority with their own language and culture, saw the opportunity to step out of the shadow of history and actively shape their future.

The formation of Sorbian interest groups

Under these framework conditions, a movement emerged that, for the first time, was not only focused on cultural self-assertion, but on concrete political demands. The Wendian National Committee, led by Arnošt Bart, became a symbol of the desire for self-determination. Bart and his comrades-in-arms began publicly promoting the rights of the Sorbs bypolitical autonomy and recognition as an independent people within the European order. At the same time, the Lausitz People’s Party was founded, which, as a party-like organization, was to bundle the political will of the Sorbs and represent them to the outside world. This development showed that the Sorbian movement changed from pure preservation of cultural traditions to amodern minority policy, in which political representation, language and schools were defined as central elements.

Political designs and international negotiations

The discussions within the Sorbian movement were characterized by different ideas. Some activists strove for a wide range of autonomy within Germany to ensure the cultural independence of Lusatia. Others, in a connection with the newly founded Czechoslovakia, saw an opportunity to better their rights as part of a Slavic state structureto be able to enforce. There were even voices that demanded a completely independent Sorbian state in order to be able to represent the interests of the community independently of external powers. The Wendian National Committee sent representatives to the Paris Peace Conference to present the concerns of the Sorbs. But hopes for international support quickly shattered,since the political decision-makers, especially from England, showed no interest in changing the existing borders. The ideas of a sovereign Sorbian state thus remained unfulfilled.

Consequences of failure and the establishment of cultural institutions

Despite the failure of political plans, the movement had a lasting impact on the Sorbs’ self-image. The experiences of that time led to a strengthening of the Sorbian club landscape, the establishment of cultural institutions and the development of an organized minority policy. Language, school and culture were defined as key areas in which thecommunity could claim its independence. The establishment of newspapers, associations and educational institutions created a foundation that made it possible to bring Sorbian issues to the public and to ensure the continued existence of identity. The Sorbian movement developed a new self-confidence that allowed it to continue on its own path despite political setbacks.

Dealing with history and the importance of the present

The episode about the attempt to found a Sorbian state is rarely discussed in Germany’s official historiography. The participation of a Sorbian delegation to the Paris Peace Conference is hardly known to the public, nor is the fact that Arnošt Bart-Brězynčanski was later imprisoned for high treason. This silence reflects theDifficulty integrating minority interests into the national narrative. However, the attempt to achieve political self-determination still has a permanent place in the collective memory of the Lusatian Sorbs. It serves as a reminder of how difficult it is to gain rights and recognition, but also as a source of inspiration because it shows that cultural identity and politicalclaims are inextricably linked.

Reminder, inspiration and perspectives for the future

In public debates and in cultural memory Lusatia, reference is made to that time of political mobilization again and again. The historical moment remains a reference point for current issues of rights, representation and cultural continuity. It makes it clear how important institutional break-ins and legal recognition are for the survival and development of aminority are. The experiences of that time motivate people to continue to stand up for self-determination, participation and cultural diversity and make it clear that the search for a safe place in the middle of Europe is a constant process that requires commitment, courage and cohesion.