Referendum in Warmia and Mazuria

Poland began efforts to incorporate Eastern Prussia because Warmia, Mazuria, and Powiśle had a large Polish population as well as to gain wide access to the sea. Announced in November 1918, the parliamentary election law provided that the election would take place also in Warmia and Masuria. During the Versailles Conference the Polish side managed to negotiate a referendum only in two constituencies: the Olsztyn one in Warmia and Masuria and the Kwidzyn one in Powiśle. The Germans were more active in the preparations for the referendum. They had the local administration, police, and the military at their disposal as well as substantial financial means. They used those assets to stage various acts of violence against Polish activists. The election date was set for 11 July 1920 but the survival of the Polish state was uncertain.

Masurians, do you want to become Germans?

Hugon Barke, quote from his address given during the referendum period
Polish caricature, referendum period. (W. Kętrzyński Research Institute in Olsztyn)
The referendum proved a disaster. Only 3 percent of the voters opted for Poland. In consequence, only 8 communes — 5 in Powiśle and 3 in Masuria — were incorporated into Poland. The fact that everybody above the age of 20 born on the referendum territory before 1905 was allowed to vote gave the Germans a great advantage. In that way additional 175,000 people were given a right to vote, most of whom had lived in west Germany for many years. They were encouraged to travel to vote with incentives such as travel expense coverage and special bonuses. (OBNiWKO)
Wjazd niemieckich oddziałów do Olsztyna. (OBNiWKO)
Nidzica inhabitants during the referendum. (OBNiWKO)