Historical Encyclopedia
The period from the 18th to the 19th centuries became a significant stage in the history of Ukraine, marked by changes in the social, economic, and political life of the region. These centuries witnessed the aspirations of the Ukrainian people for autonomy, as well as integration into various empires, which influenced the further development of the country.
From the late 18th century, the Hetmanate, which had existed since the Pereyaslav Council of 1654, began to lose its autonomy. In 1764, the Hetmanate was abolished, and Ukraine came under the control of the Russian Empire. By this time, the partitions of Poland were also taking place, which significantly altered the political map of Eastern Europe.
As a result of the first two partitions of Poland in 1772 and 1793, a significant part of Ukrainian lands was ceded to the Russian Empire, while other territories, such as Western Ukraine, came under the control of the Austrian Empire. These events led to the loss of Ukrainian autonomy and forced integration into larger state formations.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Ukrainian lands underwent significant socio-economic changes. The Russian Empire continued the policy of serfdom, which negatively affected the lives of peasants. Many people were bound by obligations to landowners, which limited their rights and opportunities. Peasants often fell victim to harsh tax systems and the arbitrariness of local authorities.
At the same time, in Galicia and other regions under the rule of the Austrian Empire, peasants achieved improvements in their conditions. From 1848, during the revolutionary events in Europe, the abolition of serfdom began, which allowed peasants to gain more rights and freedoms. However, these changes occurred slowly, and many peasant problems remained unresolved.
In the 19th century, a cultural revival began in Ukraine, which laid the foundation for the formation of Ukrainian national self-awareness. Scientific and cultural organizations began to develop actively, contributing to the dissemination of the Ukrainian language and culture. One of the significant factors in this process was the formation of literary societies and circles, where writers, poets, and scholars gathered to discuss ideas and create works in the Ukrainian language.
Famous Ukrainian writers, such as Taras Shevchenko and Ivan Franko, played a key role in the establishment of Ukrainian literature and culture. Shevchenko, in particular, became a symbol of the struggle for the rights of the Ukrainian people; his works reflected social issues and the yearning for freedom. His poetry and paintings inspired many to fight for independence and autonomy.
Since the early 19th century, various political movements aimed at improving the situation of the Ukrainian people and combating oppression began to emerge in Ukraine. These movements often faced repression from the authorities, especially in the Russian Empire, where any manifestation of Ukrainian national consciousness was harshly suppressed.
One of the most significant events of this period was the Decembrist uprising of 1825, which, although not directly related to Ukraine, influenced Ukrainian intellectuals. The uprising raised questions about freedom and the right of nations to self-determination, which later reflected in national movements in Ukraine.
An important factor influencing the history of Ukraine in the 18th and 19th centuries was international relations and wars. The Napoleonic Wars, the War of 1812, and other conflicts in Europe significantly altered the political situation on the continent and affected Ukrainian lands. During these wars, various forces tried to use the Ukrainian question to achieve their goals, which further complicated the situation in the country.
The history of Ukraine in the 18th-19th centuries was complex and controversial. This period was marked by the struggle of the Ukrainian people for their identity, rights, and freedoms. Although Ukraine fell under the control of foreign powers, the desire for self-governance and national identity continued to be important aspects of the life of the people. The cultural revival and formation of national self-awareness laid the foundation for future generations, who continued the struggle for independence and recognition of their rights.