
In this article Silesia, Prussia, and the classical grammar school in Bytom at the turn of the 20th century, form the background for the presentation of a typical intellectual formation of young men from the region, many of whom viewed the school’s exit exam as a gateway to higher education at the University of Wrocław. Those who pursued Catholic theology underwent seminary training in Wrocław and were ordained priests. The first section of the article outlines the structure of the educational system in 19th-century Prussia. It then narrows its focus to the grammar school in Bytom in Upper Silesia. The author provides insights into the typical profile of the school’s student, including their social background, nationality, and religion. The section also explores the school’s operational methods and the financial support available to students through scholarship funds. The article goes on to spotlight graduates of the Bytom grammar school who chose theology. It details the lives of those who were ordained and served as priests in the Diocese of Wrocław. Particular attention is given to the challenges faced by these clergymen during the turbulent political and ecclesiastical transformations of the early 20th century (the First World War, the Upper Silesian plebiscite, and the creation of the Diocese of Katowice). The article highlights the dilemmas faced by clergy affiliated with Polish and German communities, which significantly shaped their lives, especially during and after the Second World War. The timeframe of the study (1867–1914) is deliberately chosen – it encompasses the period from the establishment of the grammar school to the outbreak of the First World War. The article draws extensively on archival research, particularly the school’s annually published reports (known as Jahresbericht). The text offers a novel perspective, as no comparable studies exist on Silesian grammar schools of this era.
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