W Galicji i za kordonem. Aktywność polityczna Jana Hupki w czasach Wielkiej Wojny (1914 – 1918). Część I

Abstract

The article presents the political activity of Jan Hupka – a Galician conservative, a member of the Conservative Club, then of the National Right Party, an advocate of the orientation towards Austria-Hungary, one of the closest associates of Władysław Leopold Jaworski. Jan Hupka’s area of activity included – first of all – activity within the framework of the Supreme National Committee, bringing humanitarian aid to the population of Galicia and the Kingdom of Poland, coordinating relief efforts for war invalids, legion veterans, widows and orphans of legionaries, as well as creating a network of employment offices, hospitals, health care centers, setting up vocational courses, funding relief for the needy. Jan Hupka’s political contacts with representatives of various political options and participation in the Legions’ recruitment campaign were also analyzed. Also shown is Hupka’s attitude towards the hierarchy of the Church, leaders of leading parties and political camps, as well as the events and processes taking place (e.g., the formation of the Legions, the formation and evolution of the orientation towards Austria-Hungary, the November 5 Act, the “oath crisis”, the rule of the Regency Council, etc.). In addition to discussing Hupka’s political activities, an attempt was made to determine the role he played both in Galician politics and in the milieu of Polish activists seeking opportunities for the rebirth of the Polish state based on an orientation toward the central states. The analysis was based on internally diverse source material (e.g., archival documents, the press, memoirs and diaries). Studies (compact works and scientific articles) played only a supporting role.