Post-War Transformation: Socio-Economic Development and Urban Evolution in Gryfino, Western Pomerania

Purpose: This article aims to examine and elucidate the trajectory of socio-economic development and the evolution of urban functions in the cities of Western Pomerania after World War II. Given the publication’s constrained scope, findings from a broader research project are illustrated through the specific case of Gryfino. Design/Methodology/Approach: The primary research methods utilized in this study include critical analysis of archival sources and contemporary literature. Fundamental research techniques applied to the analysis comprise methods of induction, deduction, synthesis, and observational methods, which support arguments for generalized conclusions. Findings: The study identifies key factors shaping the development and post-war reorientation of urban functions in Western Pomerania’s cities, highlighting the predominance of political influences over socio-economic considerations. Practical Implications: The insights presented in this analysis provide a foundational basis and an impetus for further in-depth studies on the determinants of Western Pomerania’s development. Originality/Value: This article presents original research findings based on primary investigations conducted at the Archive of Modern Records (AAN), the State Archive in Szczecin (APS), and the State Archive in Koszalin (APK). The issue discussed here has not yet been addressed in international academic discourse.