ВОЛОДИМИР ШЕМЕТ ТА ЙОГО ДІЯЛЬНІСТЬ В УКРАЇНСЬКІЙ ДУМСЬКІЙ ГРОМАДІ ПЕРШОЇ ДЕРЖАВНОЇ ДУМИ РОСІЙСЬКОЇ ІМПЕРІЇ У 1906 р.

Abstract

Based on various sources, the article analyzes the activity of Volodymyr Mykhailovych Shemet as a member of the First State Duma of the Russian Empire and member of Ukrainian community in it. The research is based on the principle of historicism, scientific approach and author’s objectivity. Contribution of V. Shemet in the process of establishment of the Ukrainian Duma community in the Russian State Duma was analyzed. Volodymyr Mykhailovych understood that successful work of Ukrainian duma community is impossible without clear organization, and based on his insistence 44 members of the Duma from Ukraine that were members of different political parties established community that became the real legal representative of the Ukrainian society at that time. Despite of his extensive work in the Duma, V. Shemet always found time for «Ukrainian bulletin» magazine. During his work in the Duma he was published in the magazine twice. He was a supporter of the independence of Ukraine, however he also understood that the issue of independence is out of line, he positioned himself as an autonomist, supported the right for all nations of tsarist Russia to become equal and have a right to talk and get an education using their native tongue, manage their own national culture. Shemet also demonstrated his autonomist views in the resolution of a land issue. He envisaged that it shall be resolved not by a state legislative body, but by local bodies. He also supported wide range of rights and freedoms of the population.