Mennonici [Mennonites]

The settlement of newcomers from Friesland and the Netherlands that began in the sixteenth century was caused by complex social, religious and economic factors. Due to religious tolerance and significant economic opportunities prevailing on the Polish territory, these people could take advantage of the possibility of living according to their religious principles. Therefore, the Dutch were able to enjoy both tolerance and material benefits. The immigrants mainly settled in Prussia as well as in Kujawy, Mazowsze and Wielkopolska. These areas enabled the settlers to use their skills in terms of drying soil, deforestation and other activities involving their highly developed agricultural abilities. These activities permanently affected the economic history of the areas inhabited by the settlers. It also influenced the ethno-cultural landscape of Poland. What should also be considered as a lasting contribution to the development of the First Republic of Poland was the establishment of specific legal regulations under which the Dutch settled on the Polish lands. It is symptomatic that in the Republic of Poland, the Dutch settlers could freely practice religious worship in accordance with their beliefs, as well as maintain their linguistic and cultural individuality.