THE INFLUENCE OF THE POLISH-SOVIET BORDER ON THE ECONOMY OF VOLYN’ VOIVODESHIP IN 1921-1939

Abstract

The article attempts to outline the impact of the Polish-Soviet border on the economy of Volyn’ Voivodeship in the interwar twentieth century. The settlement of political and economic relations between Poland and the USSR had a negative impact on the possibility of economic development in the Volyn’ region while focusing on the markets of the USSR. It is established that in the period of 1921-1924 the economy of the region benefited from trade with Soviet Ukraine. During this period, illegal trade flourished in the territories adjacent to the border, which had a positive impact on the economy of the province. However, in the following period of 1925-1939, trade contacts between the Volyn’ Voivodeship and the USSR were reduced to a minimum. The geographical location of the Volyn’ Voivodeship on the border with the USSR and the economic potential of the region remained virtually untapped in favor of economic development. The strengthening of the border by the Border Guard Corps effectively isolated Volhynia from any contact with the Soviet side, thus making it impossible to use the existence of the border for the economic development of Volyn’ Voivodeship. Instead, the second period of 1925-1939 was characterized by the de facto complete elimination of border trade and the closure of the Polish-Soviet border.