The Ukrainian National Revival

 The Ukrainian National Revival

The Ukrainian National Revival was a crucial cultural, linguistic, and political movement that spanned from the late 18th century to the early 20th century. It played a fundamental role in the awakening of Ukrainian national consciousness, fostering a distinct identity separate from Russian, Polish, and Austro-Hungarian influences. This revival laid the groundwork for Ukraine's eventual independence in the 20th century.

Background and Historical Context

The Ukrainian lands, historically divided among powerful neighbors such as the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Russian Empire, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, struggled to maintain their cultural and linguistic identity. The Treaty of Pereyaslav in 1654 had placed Ukraine under Russian influence, and subsequent policies sought to assimilate Ukrainians into Russian culture. By the late 18th century, the partitions of Poland led to Ukraine being divided primarily between the Russian Empire (which controlled Left-bank and Right-bank Ukraine) and the Austro-Hungarian Empire (which controlled Galicia, Bukovina, and Transcarpathia).

Despite these external controls, Ukrainian culture survived among the peasantry and Cossack traditions. However, the educated elite largely assimilated into Russian or Polish culture. The Ukrainian National Revival emerged as a response to this decline, spearheaded by intellectuals who sought to preserve and promote Ukrainian language, literature, history, and political identity.

Phases of the Ukrainian National Revival

The Ukrainian National Revival can be divided into several distinct phases, each characterized by different priorities and achievements:

First Phase (Late 18th - Early 19th Century): The Literary and Cultural Awakening

The initial phase of the Ukrainian National Revival was primarily cultural, with a strong focus on language, folklore, and literature. The works of Ivan Kotliarevsky, particularly Eneida (1798), played a pivotal role in demonstrating the richness of the Ukrainian vernacular. This period also saw the collection and publication of Ukrainian folk songs and traditions, which helped solidify a sense of national identity.

The role of Mykhailo Maksymovych, a historian and ethnographer, was instrumental in gathering and systematizing Ukrainian folklore. He published collections of Ukrainian songs, emphasizing the uniqueness of the Ukrainian cultural heritage. During this period, Ukrainian identity was largely seen as cultural rather than political, and it was tolerated to some extent within the Russian Empire.

Second Phase (Mid-19th Century): The Political Awakening

By the mid-19th century, the Ukrainian movement took on a more political character. Influenced by the broader European nationalist movements, Ukrainian intellectuals began advocating for greater autonomy and political rights. The Brotherhood of Saints Cyril and Methodius (1845–1847) was a secret society in Kyiv that promoted the idea of a Ukrainian nation as part of a federation of Slavic peoples. Among its key members were Taras Shevchenko, Panteleimon Kulish, and Mykola Kostomarov.

Taras Shevchenko, in particular, became a symbol of the Ukrainian national revival. His poetry, especially collections like Kobzar, expressed deep patriotism and criticized Russian imperial rule. His works were banned in the Russian Empire, and he himself was arrested and exiled. Despite such repression, the idea of a distinct Ukrainian national identity continued to grow.

During this period, Ukrainian language and literature faced increasing restrictions under Russian rule. The Valuev Circular (1863) and the Ems Ukaz (1876) prohibited the use of the Ukrainian language in publications, education, and public life, attempting to suppress the movement. However, the Ukrainian revival persisted, particularly in Western Ukraine, which was under Austro-Hungarian rule and where cultural activities were less restricted.

Third Phase (Late 19th - Early 20th Century): Institutional Development and Political Mobilization

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Ukrainian national movement became more organized and institutionalized. Ukrainian-language newspapers, cultural societies, and political parties emerged, especially in Galicia, which was more tolerant under Austro-Hungarian rule. The Prosvita society, founded in 1868 in Lviv, played a crucial role in promoting Ukrainian language education, literacy, and national consciousness among peasants.

Political activism also intensified, leading to the formation of Ukrainian political parties advocating for autonomy and self-governance. The Ukrainian Radical Party (1890), Ukrainian National Democratic Party (1899), and other organizations worked towards greater political rights. The movement also gained support from the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, which was influential in preserving Ukrainian identity in Galicia.

The Role of the Ukrainian National Revival in the Early 20th Century

As the 20th century progressed, the Ukrainian national movement faced new challenges and opportunities. The turmoil of World War I, the fall of the Russian and Austro-Hungarian empires, and the subsequent revolutions provided an opening for Ukrainian independence efforts. In 1917, the Ukrainian Central Rada, led by Mykhailo Hrushevsky, declared Ukraine’s autonomy and later full independence as the Ukrainian People's Republic (UPR) in 1918. However, the fledgling Ukrainian state faced internal divisions, war with Bolshevik Russia, and Polish territorial ambitions, leading to its eventual collapse by 1921.

Despite the failure of immediate statehood, the Ukrainian National Revival had successfully created a strong sense of national identity. This identity persisted through the Soviet period, influencing later independence movements and culminating in Ukraine's eventual declaration of independence in 1991.

Conclusion

The Ukrainian National Revival was a complex and multifaceted process that transformed Ukraine from a culturally suppressed region into a politically conscious nation striving for self-determination. Although initially a cultural movement, it gradually evolved into a political struggle for autonomy and independence. Figures like Taras Shevchenko, Mykhailo Hrushevsky, and numerous cultural organizations played crucial roles in preserving and promoting Ukrainian identity against imperial suppression.

The long-term impact of the Ukrainian National Revival is evident today in Ukraine’s strong national consciousness and efforts to preserve its language, history, and sovereignty. The movement's legacy continues to inspire modern Ukrainians in their ongoing struggle for political and cultural independence, particularly in the face of external challenges. Ultimately, the revival not only shaped Ukraine’s historical trajectory but also reinforced the resilience and unity of the Ukrainian people in their quest for self-determination.