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Nasza Przeszłość

Vol. 67 (1987): Our Past

Articles

Krakow at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries

  • Jan Małecki
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52204/np.1987.67.5-26  [Google Scholar]
Published: 1987-06-30

Abstract

In the mid-19th century, Kraków was a small and neglected city. It had less than 50,000 inhabitants and covered an area of only 5.7 km2. During the period of Galicia's autonomy (1867-1914), the city experienced significant development: municipal facilities were modernized, several representative buildings were erected and new residential areas were created. At the beginning of the 20th century, after the incorporation of some of Krakow's suburban communes, its area increased to 47 km2. The city - an important center of scientific (Jagiellonian University, Academy of Sciences) and artistic (Academy of Fine Arts, Słowacki Municipal Theater) - thanks to cultural freedoms, has become the spiritual capital of Poland: national monuments are cared for here and anniversaries of important historical events are solemnly celebrated. After the renovation of the Krakow diocese and the increase in the number of monasteries, religious life also experienced a new flourishing. The slow but steady development of industry in Krakow and its suburbs resulted in changes in the social structure of the population. Thirty percent of the population were Jews. The health condition of the inhabitants of Krakow at that time was poor (many cases of pulmonary tuberculosis and infectious diseases), and living conditions were generally very difficult. There were significant differences between the individual districts of the city: the most exclusive district was Piasek, the poorest was Kazimierz, where mainly Jews lived and where the living situation was the most difficult. Philanthropy has been developing in Krakow since ancient times. In addition to very distinguished older institutions, such as the Brotherhood of Mercy and the Charitable Society, there were several smaller associations, institutions and foundations that provided care for abandoned children, young people at risk of demoralization, the sick and former insurgents. However, depending on the development of the modern city, new needs emerged that philanthropy in its traditional forms and dispersed activities was unable to cover.

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