“Socialism ex Cathedra” and its reception in Poland

Until the end of the inter-bellum period, the ideas propounded by the German historical school were welcome with interest in Poland. The works of Schmoller and others have been interpreted both by economists and politicians affiliated with the nationalist right wing, as well as by those closer to the socialist movement. What nationalist economists saw in the historical school was an appreciation of the role of the nation, a contestation of individualistic and cosmopolitan liberalism, and an attempt at combining social hierarchy with reforms. Politicians and scientists affiliated with the left wing appreciated the influence on social policy practice. In Poland, the historical school was criticized by all for its failings in the realm of economic theory and for lending support to German nationalism.