In defense of Ukrainian interests: Ivan Krypiakevych’s publicistic work during the years of World War I

Abstract

Abstract. The purpose of the study is to clarify the leading topics of I. Krypiakevych’s national-conscious journalism during the First World War. The methodological basis of the work is an interdisciplinary approach. Particular emphasis is placed on the structural and functional system analysis of historiographical facts and the method of critical analysis of documentary material. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the attempt to comprehensively reconstruct the leading themes of I. Krypiakevych’s public posts during the Great War. Conclusions. Summing up I. Krypiakevych’s diverse publicistic work during the First World War, the first thing to be emphasized is his respectful understanding of the duty of Ukrainian intellectuals in difficult times for the nation. Thanks to his historiographical experience and understanding of the uniqueness of the historical moment for the cause of national liberation, he put aside his beloved academic work and actively joined the process of cultural awareness of the broad masses of the public. The focus of his work was on the most important issues for the cause of unity: the intensive Ukrainization of the consciousness of the population of Kholm and Volyn, liberated from Russian occupation. The scientist approached the solution of this complex problem in a comprehensive manner: he organized schooling, initiated humanitarian aid campaigns, and prepared essays on the history of the liberated regions for various reading audiences, written through the prism of Ukrainian historical interest. In this way, the Galician scientist prepared his compatriots for the challenge of national unity, which actualized the collapse of European empires. I. Krypiakevych also consistently informed the Zazbruch reader about the successes and difficulties of the Dnipro state formation, using many historical examples to prove the priority of all-Ukrainian interests. It should be noted that despite the popular nature of I. Krypiakevych’s historical journalism, it was always dominated by clarity of argumentation and balanced interpretations. This explains the considerable popularity of the scholar's texts among wide readership circles. As a result, Galician Ukrainians, educated on his public journalism, met the end of the Great War as a community conscious of their tasks.