Brandenburg: A Province Forged in History
An exploration of the historical Prussian province, its governance, and its enduring legacy.
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Overview
Historical Context
The Province of Brandenburg (Provinz Brandenburg) was a significant administrative division of Prussia from 1815 to 1947. It encompassed the core territory of the historic Margraviate of Brandenburg, augmented by the Lower Lusatia region. Initially part of the Kingdom of Prussia, it later became a province within the German Empire and subsequently the Free State of Prussia.
Timeline
Established following the Congress of Vienna in 1815, the province underwent administrative changes, notably the expansion of Berlin and its eventual separation in 1920. It served as a crucial territory during the Weimar Republic and the Nazi era before its dissolution after World War II, leading to the formation of the State of Brandenburg within East Germany.
Geographical Significance
Situated in the North German Plain, Brandenburg stretched from the Elbe to beyond the Oder rivers. It bordered several other Prussian provinces and neighboring states, playing a central role in the Prussian state's geography and strategic positioning.
Geography
Territorial Extent
The province comprised substantial portions of the North German Plain. Its western boundary was defined by the Elbe River, while its eastern extent reached beyond the Oder River, including the Neumark region. This strategic location placed it adjacent to other key Prussian territories and neighboring states.
River Basins and Cities
Brandenburg encompassed significant parts of the Spree and Havel river basins. Major urban centers included the burgeoning capital, Berlin, along with its expanding suburbs like Spandau and Charlottenburg. Other important cities were Potsdam, the former royal residence, and Frankfurt (Oder), the regional capital. Historically significant towns such as Brandenburg an der Havel and Cottbus were also key administrative and cultural hubs within the province.
History
Early Origins and Margraviate
The region was initially inhabited by Germanic Suebi tribes, succeeded by Polabian Slavs during the Migration Period. German expansion under Henry the Fowler and Otto I led to the establishment of the *marca Geronis*. The Margraviate of Brandenburg was formally established in 1157 by Albert the Bear of the House of Ascania. The margraves eventually secured electoral dignity within the Holy Roman Empire.
Hohenzollern Rule and Prussian Consolidation
In 1415, the Margraviate was acquired by Frederick of Nuremberg, marking the beginning of the House of Hohenzollern's long rule. Over centuries, Brandenburg became the core territory of the Brandenburg-Prussian state. The "Great Elector" Frederick William I consolidated power, leading to his son Frederick I assuming the title of King in Prussia in 1701.
Establishment of the Province (1815)
Following the Napoleonic Wars and the Congress of Vienna, Prussia was reorganized. The Province of Brandenburg was created in 1815, incorporating most of the historical Margraviate and the Lower Lusatia region. It also included territories annexed from Saxony. The province was administered through two governorates: Potsdam and Frankfurt (Oder).
Urbanization and Rural Life
While Berlin rapidly industrialized and grew into a metropolis, the rural areas of Brandenburg retained a more traditional structure, dominated by large landholdings of the Junker nobility. Despite the abolition of serfdom in the early 19th century, conditions in the countryside remained largely unchanged for decades, a reality captured in the literature of the time, such as Theodor Fontane's works.
World Wars and Transformation
After World War I, Brandenburg found itself on Germany's eastern edge. The Greater Berlin Act of 1920 significantly expanded the capital, incorporating surrounding Brandenburg territories. During the Nazi era, Brandenburg was a center of state power and repression, hosting concentration camps like Sachsenhausen. The province was a battleground in the final days of World War II, with major engagements near Berlin.
Post-War Dissolution and Legacy
Following World War II, the eastern territories of Brandenburg (Neumark) were ceded to Poland. The remaining territory became part of the Soviet occupation zone, eventually forming the State of Brandenburg. This state was dissolved in 1952 but re-established in 1990 as a federal state of reunified Germany, carrying forward the historical legacy of the province.
Administration
Provincial Governance
The Province of Brandenburg was overseen by an appointed Oberprรคsident (Upper President), who represented central government authority and supervised policy implementation. From 1875 onwards, provincial self-rule was strengthened, with elected representatives forming provincial diets (Landtage) that legislated within defined competencies.
Key Officials
The provincial diet elected an executive body, the provincial committee (Provinzialausschuss), and a head of province, the Landesdirektor (Land Director). The list of Upper Presidents and Land Directors reflects the changing political landscape from the Prussian monarchy through the Weimar Republic and into the Nazi era.
Subdivisions
Administrative Structure
The province was primarily organized into two governorates (Regierungsbezirke): Frankfurt (Oder) and Potsdam. These governorates were further divided into numerous urban districts (Stadtkreise) and rural districts (Landkreise). The administrative map evolved over time, especially with the incorporation and separation of Berlin.
Legacy
Modern Day
After World War II, the territories east of the Oder-Neisse line were ceded to Poland. The remaining part of the province became the State of Brandenburg within East Germany. Following German reunification in 1990, Brandenburg was re-established as a federal state of Germany, comprising significant portions of the historical province's territory.
Contemporary States
Today, the historical lands of the Province of Brandenburg are primarily part of modern-day Germany, specifically the states of Berlin, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt. Smaller portions also lie within Poland, in the Lubusz and West Pomeranian Voivodeships.
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References
References
- Statistisches Jahrbuch fรยผr das Deutsche Reich 1939/40
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Important Notice
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