Szkoła Szymona Askenazego

Abstract

Szymon Askenazy (1865-1935) was not only a prominent researcher of the history of Poland in the 18th and 19th centuries, but also a great university teacher. As a docent (since 1897), then university professor (since 1902), and finally full professor of the Lvov University (since 1907), he gathered around him a big group of students and researchers of the younger generation who were interested in contemporary history, and in particular post- partitioned Polish history. Many of them continued the Master’s work, living his conviction in a particular role of history and historians in the life of the nation. S. Askenazy’s school, like its Master himself, focused on political events frequently associated with the activity of outstanding individuals. Its great representatives were Włodzimierz Dzwonkowski, Natalia Gąsiorowska, Janusz Iwaszkiewicz, Władysław Konopczyński, Marian Kukieł, Emil Kipa, Henryk Mościcki, Bronisław Pawłowski and Adam M. Skałkowski. Askenazy’s disciples, following their Master, played a considerable role in reviving the drive for Polish independence in the period preceding the outbreak of World War I. Consequently, many of them took chairs at Polish universities.