Introduction
East Europe
My Speciality
Russia
Poland
East European Film
Pictures of Travels Through Poland
Form
Links
Ever since I was young, I have loved the culture and history of Eastern Europe. I have read books and watched movies from Poland and Russia, travled through Poland, and fought in military re-enactments. I am a Histroy major at UNH and have decided to focus my studies on this region. I created this page to share with you my love of East Europe, an underestimated, understudied, and misunderstood part of the world.
The UN defines East Europe as more or less all of the countries east of Germany. While not always regarded as geogrphically correct, the UN based this grouping off of the former Soviet satillites in Europe that were part of the Warsaw Pact.
In the vast array of possibilites for studying history, one is required to choose an area specification. I have chosen to focus my studies on Medieval to 17th century East Europe, with a special emphasis on Poland. This is a particularly difficult area because, during and after World War II, the occupying Nazi and Soviet powers destroied an incredible amount of Polish history. Scholars are trying to piece it all back together, and I want to join that effort.
As it stands, I cannot jump straight into the studies I want to pursue. UNH does not offer many classes in Polish history and culture, so I have decided to take another root in, through Russia. I take courses in Russian language, culture, and, of course, history. By studying Russia in the time periods I want to study Poland, I can easily transition from one to the other. This website will showcase them both.
From the Riurikid Dynasty on through to the reign of Catherine the Great, into the Soviet Regime, and the New Russia, this intrigueing country has grown from disorganized villages to a major superpower. The intricacies of the Russian culture and inherit contradictions make Russia a difficult, yet field of study.
Poland is the end goal of my studies here at UNH. I have learned to speak some basic Polish, and have traveled throughout the country, but my true Polish education lies in re-enactment.
I have fought in several battles, I have lived in the style of 15th and 17th century noblemen, and can handle myself with a sabre, matchlock musket, Najack, and cannon. Re-enacting is what encouraged me to become a historian. I want people to feel the way I do about history when I stand on an ancient battlefield and watch the horsemen rush by. There really is nothing like it.
I have found that an excellent way to gain insight into East Europe, and other countries for that matter, is through their cinema. I have watched many Polish and Russian films. Some I have enjoyed immensely, others I could not stand, but all of them helped me better understand the culture and opinions of the people of Poland and Russia.
I spent two weeks in Poland for a tour and battle re-enactment. Our adventure began in the northern port city of Gdansk and ended in Krakow, the former capital of Poland. Along the way, we stopped at massive castles, tiny villages, and beautiful churches. Here are some photos of our trip.
Do you have questions or comments? Head on over to this page to provide some feedback.
This page contains links to other pages concerning Re-enacting.