Jewish Industry in Kalisz Government Policy in the Years 1918–1939

Abstract

On account of the great Jewish clusters, Kalisz deserves particular attention in the years 1918–1939. The industrial development of the center has continued until the outbreak of the I World War. The textile branch – the industry manufacturing broderie and lace – has played a major role.
Apart from these industries, the food, building and agro-industries have also developed. Despite the difficulties bound up with the outbreak of the II World War, many Jews have started their enterprises already in 1919. The successive difficulties occurred due to the Great Depression. The material status quo of the unemployed Jewish labourers and handicraftsman has become very hard. At the end of 1935, we can observe an animation in the abovementioned trades. Still, despite this, the production potential was seriously limited in comparison with the one from the 1920s. In conclusion, it needs to be underlined that the Jewish industrialists have played a major role in the economic development of Kalisz in the first decade of the twentieth century.