«Prosvita’s» relationship with the Polish authority in Eastern Galicia during the interwar period

Abstract

The article deals with problems between Polish authority and «Prosvita», difficult unfavorable conditions which the company has got in eastern Galicia in the interwar period. The Polish authority directed their efforts to destroy Ukraine's national as well as cultural life, turned the enthusiastic lands into an integral part of the Polish state. «Prosvita» managed not only to resume its work, but also to establish educational work in the region. «Procvita» has got a prominent place and a leading role in the cultural and educational life of Eastern Galicia, was an influential force that spanned virtually all counties. In the interwar period «Prosvita» was in opposition to government. Inside the organization there were representatives of different parties. «Prosvita» adhered to the position that it is necessary to preserve and multiply the achievements achieved by Ukrainians during the Austro-Hungarian period, avoiding any political influences. To some extent, the focus on the achievements of the past has not contributed to the advancement of the dissemination of cultural and educational knowledge promoted by «Prosvita». There were no necessary conditions for the restoration of the functioning of the society, especially since the Polish authorities did not consider it necessary to promote the activities of the «Prosvita». It was important to resume the activities of affiliates and readers at least at prewar period, to organize self-education circles for the purpose of eliminating illiteracy, especially among young people, create libraries based on local readers, attract new members to the institutions. Keywords «Prosvita», Eastern Galicina, relationship, Polish authority, interwar period.