Historical Encyclopedia
The establishment of the Ukrainian People's Republic (UPR) and the West Ukrainian People's Republic (WUPR) marked an important stage in Ukraine's history, occurring in the context of events triggered by the collapse of the Russian and Austro-Hungarian empires in the early 20th century. These two states, that emerged on the territory of Ukraine, became a symbol of the Ukrainian people's aspiration for independence and self-determination after long years of foreign domination.
Since the early 20th century, national liberation movements in Ukraine had been growing, striving for independence from Russian and Austrian authorities. Significant events during World War I played a major role in this process, as social and economic issues caused by the war contributed to the rise of national identity.
After the February Revolution of 1917 in Russia, which overthrew the tsarist regime, Ukrainians began to actively demand autonomy. During this period, the Central Rada was established, which became the main body of the Ukrainian national movement. In June 1917, the Central Rada adopted the First Universal, proclaiming the autonomy of Ukraine within the Russian Republic.
The persistent movement towards independence culminated in the Third Universal of the Central Rada, adopted on November 20, 1917, which proclaimed the creation of the Ukrainian People's Republic as a sovereign state. The UPR included a significant part of the modern territory of Ukraine, with the exception of the western regions, which were under Austro-Hungarian control.
However, the path to independence was not easy. Ukraine faced opposition from both the Bolsheviks, who sought to establish their power in Ukraine, and from the White Guards and other military groups operating in the country. The conflict between various political forces exacerbated the situation, leading to internal turmoil.
Simultaneously with the formation of the UPR, a movement for independence emerged in western Ukraine, in Galicia, leading to the establishment of the West Ukrainian People's Republic (WUPR). On November 1, 1918, the WUPR was proclaimed in Lviv, in response to the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the desire of Ukrainians in this region for autonomy.
Like the UPR, the WUPR aimed to create an independent Ukrainian state and adopted its legislative acts, including a declaration of independence. However, the WUPR faced strong opposition from Polish troops, which also claimed the territory. The conflict between the WUPR and Poland led to a series of battles and border clashes.
Despite the different conditions under which the UPR and WUPR were established, they sought unification. On January 22, 1919, the Act of Unification of the UPR and WUPR was signed in Kyiv, marking a significant event in Ukrainian history. This act symbolized the unity of the Ukrainian people and their aspiration to build a unified Ukrainian state.
However, reality proved to be more complicated. Both republics faced serious external threats: the intervention of Soviet troops and Polish aggression. These circumstances negatively impacted the potential for the successful functioning of the unified state.
Throughout 1919, Ukraine continued to struggle for its independence, but the pressure from Soviet Russia and Poland intensified. In March 1920, Polish troops launched a large-scale offensive into the territory controlled by the WUPR, resulting in significant territorial losses. The UPR also faced internal problems such as political instability and economic crisis.
As a result of all these events, the UPR and WUPR were unable to maintain independence, and in 1921, the territories of Ukraine were divided between Poland and Soviet Russia. Nevertheless, the aspiration for independence and self-determination continued to exist in the consciousness of the Ukrainian people.
The establishment of the UPR and WUPR left a deep mark in Ukraine's history. These events laid the foundation for further attempts by the Ukrainian people to attain independence and national identity. The movements for independence that arose in the early 20th century significantly influenced subsequent generations of Ukrainians.
Today, Ukrainians continue to remember these significant moments in history that inspire the struggle for sovereignty and independence. The historical memory of the UPR and WUPR has become an important part of national consciousness, highlighting the people's aspiration for freedom and the right to self-determination.
The creation of the Ukrainian People's Republic and the West Ukrainian People's Republic in 1917-1918 was an important step towards the national self-determination of the Ukrainian people. Despite the difficult circumstances and external threats, these events became the basis for further efforts in the struggle for Ukraine's independence, which continue to this day. The lessons of the past serve as a reminder of the significance of unity and the struggle for the rights and freedoms of every nation.