Socio-economic processes in Galicia during the First World War (on the example of Boykivshchyna and Nadsyannia)

Abstract

The study is devoted to the analysis of socio-economic processes in Galicia, in particular in Boykivshchyna and Nadsyany, during the First World War. Military operations, occupation regimes and mobilization significantly affected the traditional way of life of the local population, led to the destruction of economic ties, a decrease in production and the decline of the agricultural sector. The aim of the work is to identify key changes in the social structure of the population, economic activity, survival mechanisms of communities and the transformation of social relations in the context of military trials. Particular attention is paid to changes in the sphere of agriculture, trade, crafts, as well as social aspects, in particular the position of women, clergy and other vulnerable groups of the population. Strategies for adapting local communities to new challenges are analyzed, including active migration processes, the search for alternative means of earning money, the development of the shadow economy, interaction with the occupation authorities and self-organization of the population. Many families were forced to change their place of residence in search of safer regions or go abroad for better conditions. Some communities found a way out in cooperation, created joint farms, practiced barter forms of exchange of goods and services. Galicia underwent serious political changes: the struggle between different ethnic groups intensified, which subsequently significantly affected the regional situation. The analysis conducted allows us to state deep transformations of the socio-economic life of the region, the long-term consequences of the war economy, the change of social roles and the formation of new models of survival. The transformations that occurred in the conditions of war were not only of a short-term crisis nature, but also influenced further social and economic processes in the post-war period. The results obtained indicate the need for further research into the impact of military conflicts on local societies, their resilience and adaptability during periods of crisis, as well as possible historical parallels with modern challenges associated with wars and socio-economic upheavals.