The idea of autonomism in the views of Ilya Shrag

Abstract

In the article examines the views of the famous Ukrainian lawyer, public and socio-political figure Ilya Shrag on the Ukrainian issue at the beginning of the 20th century. On the basis of scientific literature, the factors that influenced the formation of I. Shrag's views in the context of social and political processes in Ukrainian lands at the beginning of the 20th century are revealed. It is claimed that the formation of Ilya Shrag's state-legal guidelines took place during his active participation in social and political processes that took place on the territory of Ukrainian lands. His participation in the Ukrainian national movement contributed to the unification of conscious figures of that time in the field of solving the Ukrainian question. He tried to establish close contacts with Western Ukrainian figures, joint activities with whom made it possible to actualize Sobornytsky ideas in society, to raise the issue of Ukrainian autonomy to a new level. It is noted that the Ukrainian idea became fundamental in Ilya Shrag's parliamentary activity. While still a deputy of the First State Duma of the Russian Empire, he brought the key issues of the life of the Ukrainian people to the general public. Applying his knowledge and practical skills in the field of jurisprudence, he put these issues on a legislative basis and proposed ways of their effective solution. The participation of Ilya Shrag in the Ukrainian national liberation movement in the conditions of the decline of the autocratic regime is shown, attention is focused on his participation in the activities of the Central Rada, where he actively works in the commission for the creation of the draft charter of the autonomy of Ukraine. In this connection, his close cooperation with the chairman of the Central Rada Mykhailo Hrushevsky is reflected. It is noted that M. Hrushevsky repeatedly turned to I. Shrag for professional consultations and clarifications on organizational, personnel and general issues. Their main joint activity was based on the idea of Ukrainian autonomy.