Życie codzienne polskich robotników rolnych na Łotwie w latach 1928-1939

Interwar Poland was the main exporter of seasonal workers for the Latvian economy. In the years 1928-1939 over 100,000 Poles found employment in Latvian agriculture. Most of the workers were recruited from small farmers and landless peasants who came to Latvia to buy bread. Polish agricultural emigrants were a specific showcase of Poland for Latvians. Their everyday behavior shaped Latvians’ perceptions of Poland and Poles. The emigrants were judged on how they performed their duties and spent their free time. In terms of morality and ethics, Polish workers were diverse. There were those who could not accept the local customs of living and working, and as a result had to return quickly to the country. Nevertheless, most of them diligently performed their duties and presented their country with dignity, thanks to which they won the favor of Latvian employers.