http://hdl.handle.net/11089/887 2026-04-04T14:36:22Z http://hdl.handle.net/11089/57947 Dwór rycerski jako element struktury osadniczej w dawnym księstwie bytomskim. Studium interdyscyplinarne Zdaniewicz, Radosław The subject of this study is the knightly court as an element of the settlement structure in the former Duchy of Bytom. This is undoubtedly a challenging subject, requiring a comprehensive approach based on the analysis and juxtaposition of numerous sources, primarily historical and archaeological. Contemporary humanities research often requires an interdisciplinary approach, open to the possibilities offered by other fields, including those in the field of technical sciences. Therefore, the work draws on both the current state of knowledge in the field of historical sciences and the achievements of modern technology, including specialized results obtained during the study of archaeological sites and monuments. The author intends the "multidisciplinarity" emphasized in the title to be a tool for developing a more plausible picture of the past. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11089/57456 The Media Image of Prince Albert Based on Selected British Press Titles and Journalism (1840-1861) Lilly, Iwona While Queen Victoria is often regarded as Britain’s first media monarch, this study argues that Albert was the first royal consort to be shaped by the press. Using a wide range of sources, including major London newspapers, regional publications, satirical magazines, parliamentary debates, letters, pamphlets, and visual materials, the research traces how Albert was represented over time—and how those representations, often contradictory, influenced public opinion. The dissertation’s timeframe (1840-1861) encompasses the period from Albert’s arrival in England until his death, with particular attention to pivotal moments that generated intensive press scrutiny. Each event illustrates the precarious negotiation between Albert’s genuine achievements and the persistent suspicion with which he was met. The research adopts a holistic approach, examining not merely the prominence of Albert within newspaper coverage, but the dimensions of representation — the rhetoric, imagery, and narrative framing through which diverse publications constructed their versions of the Prince Consort. Particular attention is devoted to the positioning of individual newspapers, recognising that the press constituted a heterogeneous field wherein titles such as The Times frequently defended Albert, whilst conservative and radical publications expressed markedly different attitudes. This research thus offers a more nuanced portrait of Prince Albert—neither the saintly figure of Victorian memorial culture nor the foreign manipulator imagined by his detractors, but rather an exceptionally able, deeply conscientious individual who navigated impossible contradictions with considerable success yet never entirely transcended the limitations imposed by his birth and position. In reconstructing the volatile media image that attended his every action, this study illuminates broader transformations in British political culture, royal ceremonial, press freedom, and national identity during a pivotal period of modernization and imperial expansion. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11089/56555 Dyplomacja i wywiad Wielkiej Brytanii wobec Japonii 1939-1941 Mordzak, Adam Between the signing of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact and the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor and Malaya, British Empire remained focused on the conflict with Germany and Italy. The aim of London's actions in East Asia at that time was to prevent war with Tokyo. The subject of my research is the examination of the role of diplomacy and intelligence in shaping Britain's policy towards Japan between August 23, 1939 and December 7, 1941. After the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact British made efforts to stabilize relations with Japan. After the French surrender the Great Britain’s position deteriorated significantly. Tokyo's attitude towards London then worsened, and the British government – contrary to the advice of the Foreign Office – decided to adopt a policy of limited concessions. Following the Tripartite Pact London adopted more uncompromising approach towards Tokyo, in line with the recommendations of British diplomacy. However, London remained fearful of a potential agreement between the Tripartite Pact signatories and Moscow. According to the Foreign Office, the key factor in improving the position of the British Empire was to expand cooperation with Washington. After the Operation Barbarossa Moscow became an ally of the British, which significantly improved the latter’s situation. At the same time, London completely handed over the initiative to Washington on the issue of policy in East Asia. In the autumn of 1941, the British noticed some signs of an impending crisis, but the scale of the aggression that eventually took place was not foreseen. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/11089/55454 From the mission to the protectorate. Vietnam towards the French colonial expan-sion in the second half of the 19th century Hoang, Phuong Thao This dissertation provides an in-depth analysis of the interactions between French colonial forces and Vietnam from 1858 to 1897, focusing on the roles of Catholic missionaries, colonial strategies, and the responses of the Nguyen Dynasty and the Vietnamese populace. The study aims to systematically address the French invasion's chronological progression, the Nguyen Dynasty's political and military reactions, and the resilient resistance of the Vietnamese people during this tumultuous period. The primary objectives are to elucidate the Nguyen Dynasty court's responses and the Vietnamese people's reactions to French colonial invasions and expansionist policies. The dissertation hypothesizes that the French strategically employed Catholicism to create favorable conditions for their invasion, and that the varied responses from the Nguyen court and the Vietnamese populace significantly influenced the trajectory and nature of French colonial rule. To test these hypotheses, a multi-method approach was utilized, including archival research, analysis of diplomatic treaties and peace agreements, and a thorough review of contemporary historical documents from both French and Vietnamese perspectives. Key findings reveal that the Nguyen Dynasty's conciliatory and often ineffective responses ultimately facilitated the French colonial conquest, as evidenced by a series of treaties that progressively eroded Vietnamese sovereignty. Conversely, the Vietnamese people's persistent resistance, exemplified by movements such as the Can Vuong, underscored a deep-seated patriotic fervor and a relentless struggle for national independence. This resistance played a critical role in shaping both the strategies of French colonial administration and the broader narrative of Vietnamese resistance. The dissertation also examines the profound impact of French colonial policies on Vietnamese society, including significant transformations in social structures, economic practices, and cultural dynamics. The research highlights how the French colonial exploitation policies and administrative changes under figures like Paul Doumer marked a definitive shift in Vietnam's colonial experience. Ultimately, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex and often contentious history of Franco-Vietnamese relations in the 19th century, shedding light on the broader implications of colonial encounters and resistance movements in shaping national identities and historical trajectories. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z