An Attempt to Characterize the Archival Materials of the Military Studies Program at the University of Wrocław

Abstract

The article outlines the history of the Military Studies Program at the University of Wrocław. The discussion of the key events from over forty years of its operation (1949–1991) provides an opportunity to demonstrate the research potential of records produced by military studies programs at civilian universities during the Polish People’s Republic period. This potential remains largely underexplored. The author also suggests that few people are aware that these materials are accessible in military archives. The records of the military studies program contain various types of information about students and the academic community. They include evidence of dissatisfaction or criticism regarding Poland’s socio-political situation at the time. As a result, the documentation features analyses of the 1968 student protests or information on activities of the democratic opposition (such as the Independent Students’ Association and the Independent Self-Governing Trade Union “Solidarity”). In addition, the files include numerous references to current events that took place within the walls of the University of Wrocław, some of which were initiated by the military studies program itself (e.g., sports competitions, community initiatives).