Działalność Krakowskiej Kongregacji Kupieckiej w latach 1918−1939 w świetle rocznych materiałów sprawozdawczych

Abstract

The Krakow Merchant Congregation entered an intense stage of development when Poland regained independence. It acted energetically and dynamically, but first of all – it acted on many levels. The organization focused on interventional activities in the cases when merchants’ well-being was endangered, on opinion-making and representing merchants before the authorities. It cooperated with state and self-government authorities, and with economic institutions. In the largest degree, it cooperated with the Krakow Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and with the Krakow Merchants’ Association. The Guild offered its members tax counselling, accountancy assistance, and financial support in the form of loans. It especially cared for the intellectual and moral development of the youth, perceiving them as the future of strong merchantry. It paid great attention to the development of vocational schooling. Following the centuries-long tradition, it was involved in philanthropy, offering its support to the poorest. It also allocated considerable sums for national actions and the renovation of Krakow architectural monuments. The organization cared for merchants of particular specializations by establishing trade sections. It also undertook a large-scale task of establishing its branches outside Krakow.