The Ukrainian Emigration in Interwar Czechoslovaczczyna and the issue of Personal Finance (1918 - 1939)

Abstract

The aim of the study. Analysis of legal ways of solving financial issues by Ukrainian emigrants in interwar Czechoslovaczczyna; characteristics of the main financial emigration expenses. The research methodology is based on the principles of a specifically historical, problem-chronological approach, methods of objectivity, integrity, analysis and synthesis. The scientific novelty of the study consists in highlighting the topic of private finances of Ukrainian emigrants through the prism and perspective of the functioning of the Czechoslovak crown. Conclusions. The issue of private finances was very important in the life of the Ukrainian emigration in interwar Czechoslovakia (this is approximately 20,000 people). The subsistence emigration minimum in interwar Czechoslovaczczyna was 1000‑1200 Czechoslovak crowns, i.e. an average of 29 dollars 60 cents ($30). And the «Russian Aid Action» was only one of the sources of legal income. Therefore, when the exchange rate of the Czechoslovak krone was stabilized in 1923 ˗ 1933, such as 100:2.96 or 100:3. Ukrainians had to earn money by exchanging currencies, thanks to their hobbies, working in restaurants (for musicians) and often had to be unskilled workers. A significant part of private finances was spent on paying for housing, food, clothes, shoes, transportation costs. Much less money was spent on buying books and cigarettes. Almost no money was spent on movies, theaters and excursions.