Діяльність благодійних організацій на волині під час першої світової війни

Abstract

In the article on the basis of archival documents the main directions of charity work in Volyn province during the First World War are analyzed. It has been found that they have played a leading role in organizing and assisting wounded and sick soldiers. To this end, hospitals were opened and maintained at the expense of local governments, educational institutions of various types and philanthropists. It is determined that the imperial authorities have strongly encouraged the population of the region to do this activity, including students and teachers of educational institutions. Particular attention is given to the organization of shelters for homeless children, whose numbers began to increase rapidly after the evacuation and forced eviction of civilians as a result of the Russian army's retreat in the summer of 1915, and the role of the Orthodox clergy in this was analyzed. Using the documents of the study period, it was proved that the imperial authorities encouraged the people of Volyn to do charity for the benefit of the military, as evidenced by a number of circulars. However, as a result of hostilities in the province and the policies of the Russian military command, the majority of the population became impoverished and unable to do charity work. This situation indicates serious miscalculations by the imperial authorities and the military. But despite the shortcomings and shortcomings, charitable activities have played an important role in helping the various sections of the population most affected by hostilities in the country.