Ukrainian historiography of the processes of national and cultural revival during the Ukrainian revolution of 1917–1921

Abstract

The Ukrainian Revolution of 1917–1921 was an epochal event, marked by the restoration of Ukrainian statehood, despite internal contradictions. The national and cultural revival, which encompassed education, science, art, the press, and publishing, played a key role in state-building.

This article is dedicated to a comprehensive analysis of the historiography of the national and cultural revival in Ukraine during the period of the Ukrainian Revolution of 1917–1921. Scholarly works that illuminate the development of education, science, the press, art, and culture in the context of national state-building are examined.

The scientific novelty lies in a holistic review and analysis of works on the national and cultural revival of the era of the Ukrainian Revolution, particularly concerning education, science, the press, and art.

The article analyzes the historiography of the national and cultural revival, identifying three main directions: ukrainian diaspora, soviet, and modern ukrainian historiography. Studies by the Ukrainian diaspora, represented by the works of V. Vynnychenko, P. Khrystiuk, and others, reflect the national and cultural policies of the governments but bear signs of subjectivism. However, these works carried a certain imprint of the authors’ political beliefs and therefore suffered from subjectivism.

Soviet historiography viewed the national and cultural revival through the prism of class struggle, downplaying national aspects. In the 1920s and early 1930s, literary and artistic processes were studied, but later the study of the role of the intelligentsia was suspended.

Modern ukrainian historiography strives to objectively study these processes. Particular attention is paid to the activities of «Prosvita», the reform of education, the creation of universities, and the development of the press and publishing. The works of D. Rozovyk, O. Khomiakova, V. Kupriichuk, and others reveal various aspects of cultural construction.

In conclusion, the significance of the revolution for national self-determination and cultural development, and the contribution of the revival to the formation of identity and the consolidation of society, are emphasized. The historiographical review confirms the coverage of separate aspects, such as the development of civil society, the activities of organizations, the revival of the press, and the establishment of education. The role of «Prosvita» in the formation of national consciousness is particularly highlighted. It is proposed to study the regional peculiarities of national and cultural development.