Suggested Research Topics - Poles in Hamtramck in the 20th Century

Poles immigrated to the United States in large numbers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries following years of aggression and conquest by its neighbors and protracted political and social unrest. They came to this country in search of freedom and prospect of assured economic security. Many were drawn, especially in the first two decades of this century, to Detroit to work in the automobile industry. These workers and their families established a large Polish community in Hamtramck, a city within the city of Detroit.

What were the social, political, religious, and economic dimensions of Hamtramck in the 20th century? How were the fortunes of the Dodge Main plant and Dodge Local 3 UAW intertwined with those of the people of Hamtramck? What role did the auto industry play in city government? How did the involvement of the Catholic Church in Hamtramck affect civic affairs? How did the Church and industry compete for influence over people's lives?

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In an effort to encourage creative thinking about possible research topics for students unfamiliar with archives and their inevitable complexities, archivists and student employees of the Bentley Historical Library have authored "suggested research topics ." The purpose of these is not to define a topic but rather to stimulate thinking about a topic where the holdings of the Bentley Library are particularly strong.