THE MAIN BASIS OF HIS ACTIVITY IS UKRAINIANISM (To the political beliefs of Stepan Smal-Stotsky)

Abstract

The foundations of the formation of Stepan Smal-Stotskyi's national beliefs are considered, in particular, his fascination with national ideas, his involvement in active work in the field of Ukrainianism in his student years, his participation in political and educational activities, as well as his serious pursuit of scientific and teaching work. Emphasis is placed on his expertise in the pedagogical field, energetic cooperation in the social, political and cultural and educational life of Bukovyna. His great contribution to the development of schooling in the region, in significant economic support to the Bukovyna peasantry, was noted. The ambassador's Diet and parliamentary activity in defending the national and political interests of Ukrainians of Bukovyna, in particular in supporting and strengthening the national forces, unity, independence of the Ukrainian people, expanding democratic freedoms and the network of Ukrainian schools, free education in all educational institutions, was emphasized. Emphasis is placed on the participation of S. Smal-Stotskyi in the creation of a political party, his journalistic and editorial work, his understanding of the Ukrainophiles movement, the outline of the tasks and theoretical foundations of the Ukrainophiles, and answers to the most pressing questions of the Ukrainian national movement.It has been asserted about his irreconcilable position towards Moscophiles, their harmfulness to the Ukrainian movement, his rejection of any possibility of class struggle for Ukrainians, opposing it to national liberation. The scientific achievements of the professor are highlighted, in particular, regarding the introduction of phonetic spelling in Ukrainian educational institutions of Galicia and Bukovyna, regarding the study of the history of the native region, the publication of a number of socio-political works. Emphasis is placed on close ties with Ukrainian and foreign scientists, cultural and educational figures. Particular attention is paid to the great national awareness and cultural and educational work of S. Smal-Stotsky among the Ukrainian prisoners of war of the Russian army in the camps of Austria-Hungary and Germany during the First World War. His work during the ZUNR period, at the Ukrainian Free University, in the creation of the Museum of the Liberation Struggle of Ukraine, and his participation in the work of various Ukrainian public and cultural organizations in the 1930s are revealed. Keywords: Stepan Smal-Stotskyi, Bukovyna, Ukrainian language, scientific work,cultural and educational activity, SVU (The Union for the Liberation of Ukraine).