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Posen (Province in eastern Europe)

a province in eastern Europe which prior to the World War belonged to the German Empire, but which by the treaty of Versailles in 1919 Germany ceded to the new Polish state. Its area is 11,184 square miles and its estimated population is over two millions. Even before its cession to Poland the majority of its inhabitants were Poles and spoke the Polish language, in spite of the vigorous repressive measures adopted by the German Government. Almost seventy-five per cent. of the population belong to the Roman Catholic Church. Posen until 1793 formed a part of Poland; the treaty of Versailles merely restored it to its rightful owner. The population is engaged chiefly in agriculture, less than twenty-five per cent. being employed in the factories. The chief products are the grains, rye, wheat, oats, and barley. The principal industry is the manufacture of spirituous liquors.