KYRYLO STUDYNSKYI'S MEMORIES OF THE STRUGGLE FOR THE UKRAINIAN UNIVERSITY IN LVIV AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 20th CENTURY

Abstract

The source study highlights one of the aspects of the Ukrainians' struggle for the opening of a national higher school in Halychyna at the beginning of the 20th century, in particular the events of January 23, 1907, as a result of which more than a hundred students were arrested. The published memoirs of Lviv University professor Kyrylo Studynskyi are an invaluable source for understanding the public attitude to the problem of the Ukrainian university in Lviv. The positions of the teaching staff, the administration of the educational institution, and some representatives of the regional organization are analyzed. Indicated differences in the views of Ukrainian professors – from non-acceptance and ignoring to a clear awareness of the need to continue the struggle. Special attention is focused on the clear position of K. Studynskyi and O. Kolessa, who, despite personal misunderstandings, came to the defense of the students. Based on the analysis of the general meetings of the Lviv University teaching staff, discussions and verbal altercations, it is revealed the negative influence of the chauvinist-tinged rhetoric of the contemporary press on the formation of prejudiced views of the majority of Polish teachers towards Ukrainian youth. The reluctance of those who influenced the formation of students' identity and worldview to understand the nature and motivation of their protest actions and deeds is also indicated. At the same time highlighted the wait-and-see position of the regional administration on this issue. The publication reveals the author’s position, particularly his emotional states, experiences during speeches and conversations with teachers, court officials, representatives of authorities, concern for the fate of youth, and active participation in supporting arrested students. Reproduced a detailed chronology of events in which K. Studynskyi participated: the general professors meeting of the Lviv University, the arrests of Ukrainian youth, their detention in a pre-trial prison, the discussion of the consequences of student riots at a meeting of the Regional School Council, a personal audience with the Governor, etc. The formation of the reputation of K. Studynskyi as a sincere supporter of Ukrainian students in the youth environment is shown. Keywords Kyrylo Studynskyi, Ukrainian university, Halychyna, youth, arrests.