Підготова оборони Галичини у другій половині ХІХ – на початку ХХ ст.: фортеця Миколаїв

Abstract

The article covers the problems of preparation of defense in Galicia in the second half of 19th – at the beginning 20th century by the example of the fortress of Mykolaiv near the Dnister river. The ideas of defensive construction, fundamental changes of fortifications in the specified period (shooting from closed positions and use of high-explosive fires) and location, types and features of strengthening the fortress of Mykolaiv at different stages of construction are revealed in the article. It shows the discussions concerning the principles of defense, the creation of new infrastructure with a network of railways, paved roads, railways and highways, the changes in political conditions (especially in Austro-Russian relations), and Russian intelligence activity. Particular attention is paid to the events around the fortress during the Battle of Galicia in 1914 and the Polish-Ukrainian War of 1918-1919, in particular to the activities of generals Konrad von Getzendorf, Bema-Ermoli, Brusilov, Kornilov, Denikin, Kurmanovich and Grekov. Episodes of the capture of the fortress by Russian army and the battles around it are covered by author. Mykolaiv Fortress is one of the best preserved fortifications monuments of the First World War and the territory of Ukraine. But nowadays, there are attempts to destroy the remains of the fortress and deploy quarries on its territory to extract sand.