Folgen der Rumänisierung des Bildungswesens für die Bukowiner deutschsprachige Bevölkerung 1920–1940
The Consequences of the Romanianization of the Educational System for the German Speaking Population in Bukovina 1920–1940

Summary/Abstract: In 1910, 21.2% of the population in the Austrian Bukovina described themselves as German language speakers. Of these, 12.8% stated their religion as Mosaic. Until November 1918 German was the official language in Bukovina and the language of instruction at the University of Chernivtsi. The new political regime supervised all institutions through the ministries in Bucharest. By giving special support to Romanians they hoped to quickly bring an end to the dominance of the Germans and the Jews in the Bukovinian cities. In particular, the National Liberal government introduced in the 1920s a number of measures to support the Romanianization. By 1919, 31 of 35 Professors had left the University of Chernivtsi because they could not teach in Romanian. Schoolteachers who could not pass the mandatory Romanian language test were also let go. By 1927, of the 73 German speaking elementary school teachers, only one remained. From 1929 the National Peasants’ Party opened several German schools. But after 1931, due to the World economic crisis, most of them could no longer be financed. Between 1934 and 1937 the National Liberals closed the last remaining German elementary schools. In order to counter these measures, beginning with 1934, and under the umbrella of the Catholic Church, the Germans established small private schools and organized vacation courses.

• Details
• Contents