Beginning Of War Research Articles

Microfinance Providers and Rural Lending in the Province of Carniola Before 1914: a Case Study of the District Credit Cooperative Litija

The study provides new insights and compares two different types of microfinance intermediaries and their role and impact on the economic and financial situation of the rural population before the beginning of World War I. The abolition of serfdom in the Habsburg monarchy in 1848 had a significant impact on traditional life in the second half of the 19th century. Peasants became landowners, and their participation in the market and monetary economy became crucial. The development of microfinance intermediaries, such as savings banks and credit cooperatives, was essential for the financial inclusion of the rural population. The article shows the development of credit operations in a rural environment using the example of the District Credit Cooperative Litija.

Victims of the NKVD Katyn Operation from among Lithuanians and Residents of the Former Wilna Province of the Second Polish Republic

The German Treaty of Non-Aggression of 23 August 1939, signed in Moscow by Joachim von Ribbentrop and Vyacheslav Molotov, defined the spheres of influence of the contracting parties and effectively signalled the beginning of World War II. At the same time, the Pact initiated the tragedy of millions of Central and Eastern Europeans, including the people of Lithuania and Poland. The Soviet government wanted to eradicate those who did not fit the Soviet model, so they were deported en masse and exterminated in Soviet-occupied Poland and Lithuania. One of the greatest symbols of such crimes is Katyn massacre. The fate of these people was determined by the Soviet military imperialist doctrine.

"A Different Kind of Hardship": Landscapes of Japanese American Resettlement During World War II

abstract: At the beginning of World War II, the United States illegally imprisoned 120,000 Japanese Americans and placed them in concentration camps for the duration of the war. What is less known about the incarceration is that more than one-quarter of the camp population, or approximately thirty-five thousand individuals, was encouraged to leave the camps and relocate to rural communities, small towns, and cities largely in the Mountain West, Midwest, and East Coast. This article focuses on the living conditions and experiences of Japanese Americans during this wartime resettlement period as they adjusted to life outside the camps and encountered a wide range of housing types, including tent camps, rooming houses, college dormitories, hostels, and, often, crowded and substandard apartments located in urban areas. Many Japanese Americans faced numerous challenges in these new environments, notably a discriminatory real estate industry and limited job opportunities. This discussion of the physical landscapes encountered during the resettlement period helps provide a more complete and richer understanding of the imprisonment of Japanese Americans during the war.

The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and the Beginning of World War II as Perceived by Soviet Citizens: New Sources and Interpretations

Abstract After the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was signed, a new historical phase began for the whole of Europe, marked by a sharp escalation of international conflict and the imminent outbreak of World War II. For Soviet citizens, these events were particularly traumatic because they also meant a sudden turn toward peace with Germany. The news of the signing of the Soviet-German Non-Aggression pact was received by Soviet citizens with mixed feelings. Many of them did not understand why yesterday’s Enemy No. 1 was suddenly turned into Ally No. 1, and what to expect from this partnership. In searching for the rationale for this agreement, the Soviet people were inclined to take a positive view of the pact, and then a negative one. A detailed analysis of the transformation of the public mood makes it possible to identify the internal problems of Soviet society, which manifested themselves expressively in the first weeks of World War II. This study also draws attention to the problem of Soviet people’s trust in official sources of information; to the impact of war scares of the interwar period on Soviet society; and to the influence of the ideas of the world proletarian revolution on the perception of the events of late August and early September 1939. The study is based on the accounts of the predominantly Russian population of the Soviet Union and presents the perspective of this ethnic group.

Vacillating between cosmopolitanism and nationalism: German elite intellectuals in German-American academic diplomacy (1901–1916)

ABSTRACT The success of the Alliance Française in the United States inspired Germany to enhance its relations with the USA from a cultural perspective. Germany’s own cultural policy traditions and its foreign cultural policy practices provided the theoretical basis for the development of a cultural policy towards the USA. Germany, which firmly believed in its position as a pioneer of world culture, hoped to distinguish itself from the cultural competition with France by generously transferring knowledge to the Americans and to gain a political and economic ally. In German-American academic diplomacy at the beginning of the twentieth century, German intellectual elites had already attempted to move away from the power-state and militaristic foreign-policy thinking that had prevailed in the Empire, and they harboured internationalist dreams of culture as a means of overcoming national antagonisms. Nevertheless, unfortunately, these intellectual elites were still unable to shake off nationalist values, even as Karl Lamprecht, who had joined the Society for International Understanding, embraced Pan-Germanism again after the beginning of World War I.

Mediating effect of depression and acute stress between exposure to Israel-Gaza war media coverage and insomnia: a multinational study from five arab countries

BackgroundIn the context of persistent wars and conflicts worldwide, the impact of acute, excessive and constant exposure to media coverage of such events on mental health outcomes becomes a serious problem for public health, and requires therefore urgent investigation to inform an effective prevention and management response. The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that war-related media exposure is directly and indirectly associated with insomnia through depression and perceived stress among adults from the general population of different Arab countries.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried-out two weeks after the beginning of Israel-Gaza war on the 7th of October 2023. An anonymous online survey and a snowball sampling method were adopted to collect data. A sample of 2635 general population adults (mean age of 23.98 ± 7.55 years, 73.1% females) took part of this study.ResultsThe results of the mediation analysis showed that, after adjusting over potential confounders, depression and perceived stress fully mediated the association between war media exposure and insomnia; higher war media exposure was significantly associated with higher depression (Beta = 0.13; p < .001) and perceived stress (Beta = 0.07; p < .001), whereas higher depression (Beta = 0.43; p < .001) and perceived stress (Beta = 0.31; p < .001) were significantly associated with higher insomnia. It is of note that war media exposure was not significantly and directly associated with insomnia (Beta = − 0.01; p = .178 and Beta = 0.02; p = .098 respectively).ConclusionThe present study is the first to provide evidence that more time spent viewing the horrors of war is significantly associated with insomnia. In addition, symptoms of stress and depression were present as early as two weeks following the beginning of the war, and played a significant role in mediating the association between war media coverage and insomnia. These findings suggest that timely screening for, and management of depression and stress symptoms in clinical and preventive programs might be beneficial for community adults who have been heavily and indirectly exposed to war through media, and present with insomnia.

„Neo-Nazism” in V. Putin's Public Rhetoric: Dynamics of Meaningful Changes (2004 – early 2022)

The article highlights the chronology of the use and dynamics of changes in the meaning of the narrative „neo-Nazism” in the rhetoric, speeches and articles of V. Putin from the time he assumed the position of President of the Russian Federation until the beginning of Russia's Total War against Ukraine (the so-called Special Military Operation). The combination of the definitions „Nazism” and „neo-Nazism” in the artificially created pseudo-historical and pseudo-political ideologeme of the revival of neo-Nazism in Ukraine as a legacy of Nazi collaborators during the Second World War in the modern Ukrainian socio-political environment and state authorities is singled out. Changes in the dynamics of V. Putin's use of the „neo-Nazism” narrative in relation to events in Ukraine were traced and analyzed, depending on the schedule of internal political levers in Kyiv (in particular, the influence of pro-Russian forces on state policy) or in accordance with the geopolitical tactics of the Russian Federation in implementing its strategy of mastering Ukraine and expansion on international arena. The transformation of the negative direction of the narrative „neo-Nazism” in V. Putin's personal rhetoric from accusations of the so-called nazification of certain segments of Ukrainian society to the state authorities of Ukraine has been revealed. It has been singled out that V. Putin purposefully tries to give the narrative of „neo-Nazism” a wider global political scope, redirecting it into discrediting and accusing not only Ukraine or the Baltic countries (in the context of the reproduction of the neo-empire of the USSR in the post-Soviet space), but also the countries of the West (members of the EU and NATO), which allegedly encourage the revival of Nazism and contribute to the strengthening of neo-Nazism in Ukraine at the state level. It is summarized that the propaganda ideology and narrative of „neo-Nazism” started by V. Putin in order to divert attention from the basic neo-fascist principles of his own dictatorial system in Russia, gradually became the core of his concept of a distorted image not only of Ukraine, but also of Western democracies in a visionary strategy of changing the levers of geopolitical influence on the Eurasian space and the destruction of the established world security system.

Disability Discourses in Romania before 1916

This paper examines discourses about disability in Romania between the late nineteenth century and the beginning of World War I, with a focus on the military, philanthropic institutions, and medical institutions. Teasing out contradictions and divergencies among different historical actors with decision making power over disabled persons, the paper shows how the vocabulary for disability and thus public understanding of various forms of disability engendered a confusing set of assumptions about the relationship between these individuals and the able-bodied in society.

Капитальное строительство на речном транспорте СССР к началу Великой Отечественной войны (на примере волжских пароходств)

Introduction. The article is about capital construction in the Volga River transport industry at the beginning of the Great Patriotic War. In the mid-1930s, the Upper, Middle, and Lower Volga autonomous steamship lines were organized. At that time and up until the beginning of World War II, infrastructure facilities were intensively erected in the Volga river transport industry. Methods and materials. The study is based on objective principles and applies general scientific as well as specific historical methods. Research is done using archival materials. Analysis. In the second half of the 1930s, the material base of the Volga steamship lines was reconstructed. Capital construction in river transport included new shipbuilding, major fleet repairs, the building of pier facilities, and the acquisition of equipment. The goal of the study is to establish the capital investments in the Volga Steamship Lines and the general situation of capital construction in the river transport industry. The planned and actual data before the Great Patriotic War are considered in detail. Results. Capital construction in the Soviet river transport industry (the Volga included) in the second half of the 1930s suffered from interruptions, underfinancing, shortages of building materials, and bad planning. For those reasons, many construction projects got delayed. Besides, the outdated equipment of river transport needed a larger investment to be renovated, as it was much inferior to that of railway transport. All of that affected the work of the Volga Steamship Lines at the beginning of the Great Patriotic War.

Historical aspects of the origin and formation of military and political relations between Mongolia (Mongolian people’s republic) and Russia (the USSR) (1860–1939)

Historical milestones of the birth and formation of military and political relations between Mongolia and Russia over a long period of time, from the 1860s up to the beginning of World War II are analysed in the article on the basis of normative legal documents. It was the policies pursued by Russia and the USSR, along with a variety of external and internal factors, that were decisive in Mongolia’s gaining independence and sovereignty. The nature of the influence of Russia (USSR) on the formation and strengthening of the Mongolian army is considered in the article; as well as the participation of military instructors of the Russian Imperial Army and military representatives of the Russian Communist Red Army in the formation and training of Mongolian military troops and military units in the 1910-1920s; the main aspects of military and political co-operation between the USSR and Mongolia in the 1930s and on the eve of World War II are studied, in particular the specifics and issues of supplying weapons to the military units of the Mongolian army, as well as the role of the Soviet Union in the development of the Mongolian army. On the basis of previously published archival sources and materials, a detailed analysis of the organisation and construction of the Mongolian People’s Republic’s armed forces, their combat training and manning is carried out. Conclusion about the determining influence of military-political relations between Russia and Mongolia in the studied period on the formation of the Mongolian state and its armed forces, as well as on strengthening of Mongolia’s position in the international arena is made in the article.

Inequality in history: A long‐run view

AbstractThis article provides an overview of long‐term trends in income and wealth inequality, from ca. 1300 until today. It discusses recent acquisitions in terms of inequality measurement, building upon earlier research and systematically connecting preindustrial, industrial, and post‐industrial tendencies. It shows that in the last seven centuries or so, inequality of both income and wealth has tended to grow continuously, with two exceptions: the century or so following the Black Death pandemic of 1347–52, and the period from the beginning of World War I until the mid‐1970s. It discusses recent encompassing hypotheses about the factors leading to long‐run inequality change, highlighting their relative merits and faults, and arguing for the need to pay close attention to the historical context.

ЗМІНИ АГРАРНОЇ ТОРГІВЛІ УКРАЇНИ З ЄВРОСОЮЗОМ В УМОВАХ ВІЙНИ

The article examines current situation about foreign trade in agri-food products between Ukraine and the European Union. Special emphasis is placed on its key indicators after the beginning of free trade zone and full-scale war. Differences between the pre-war period and achievements during the war are highlighted. The unchanged product structure of food supplies from our country to the EU market is showed, with a noticeable increase in its total volumes and diversification of the geography of sales in favor for the states with which transport connections were optimal. As an addition, a general description of agricultural imports to Ukraine from the European Union, its main statistical and analytical characteristics is given. The chronology of the introduction protectionist measures by European countries to various food products of Ukrainian agriculture is given. The conditions and restrictions under which our agricultural exports in 2023 work, especially those introduced by Poland, Hungary and Slovakia, are considered. A comparison of the dynamics of its statistical indicators in different periods of 2023 is made to identify the direct consequences of the restrictions, additionally taking into account the termination of the use of the «grain corridor». At the same time, attention is drawn to the unrestricted flow of food imports from the European Union. Possible challenges and threats that will affect mutual sectoral trade between the parties in the short term is characterized, as well as options for the further development of cooperation. An assessment of the final value of Ukraine's food exports to the EU for 2023 is made, taking into account trends of the 4th quarter in the current year. Proposals and recommendations of a scientific nature are given to optimize bilateral sectoral relations at the current stage of cooperation.

Impact of different geopolitical factors on the energy transition: The role of geopolitical threats, geopolitical acts, and geopolitical risks

In order to better understand the impact of different geopolitical factors on energy transition, the impact of geopolitical threats (war threats, peace threats, military buildups, nuclear threats and terror threats), geopolitical acts (beginning of war, escalation of war and terror acts), and geopolitical risks on energy transition were systematically investigated. Green technologies, natural resource rents and trade openness were incorporated into the analytical framework, and a dynamic panel threshold model was utilized to explore the impact of geopolitical risks on energy transition across different income levels. To this end, data on geopolitical threats, geopolitical acts, geopolitical risks, energy transitions and other key social economic factors for 38 countries from 2000 to 2022 were collected. The heterogeneity simulation results show that there is a negative correlation between geopolitical threats, geopolitical acts, geopolitical risks and energy transition. Moreover, geopolitical threats have more significant hindrance to the energy transition than geopolitical acts. The results of the nonlinear panel simulation show that there is a double threshold effect of geopolitical risks on energy transition. When geopolitical risk crosses the threshold (0.5197), the coefficient decreases to −0.29, which means that the rising geopolitical risk increases the inhibition on energy transition, and the inhibitory effect is slightly weakened after a certain level. Finally, policy implications are offered.

Fashion issues in the columns of the magazine «Selianka Ukrainy» / «Kolhospnytsia Ukrainy» (1924–1941)

Introduction. The invasion of Ukraine by an aggressor country has emphasized the importance of Ukrainian identity and prompted a reassessment of Soviet Ukrainian fashion journalism, highlighting its distinctiveness and value globally. Relevance of the study. This article examines Soviet women’s press, focusing on fashion, through Ukrainocentric and anti-Bolshevik perspectives. It aims to showcase Ukrainian fashion journalism during the early years of totalitarianism using «Selianka Ukrainy» / «Kolhospnytsia Ukrainy» [«Peasant woman of Ukraine» / «Collective farmer of Ukraine»] as an example and identify unique features in fashion media. Methodology. The study analyzes «Selianka Ukrainy» / «Kolhospnytsia Ukrainy» from 1924 to 1941 using historicism, systematicity, socio-cultural analysis, and historical-anthropological approaches. Results. It has been investigated that materials on fashion in «Selianka Ukrainy» / «Kolhospnytsia Ukrainy» from 1924 to 1941 (52 issues out of 407) were categorized into genres including photo reports, articles, reviews, and practical guides. Topics covered: (1) standards of female beauty in the Ukrainian SSR; (2) handicraft production of clothing/fabrics; (3) clothing models and their manufacturing technology; (4) advice on dressing and caring for clothing; (5) cutting and sewing guides; (6) industrial clothing / fabric production; (7) propaganda of totalitarian fashion; (8) advertising of sewing equipment; (9) schemes for manual embellishment of clothing; (10) schools / courses of cutting and sewing. Conclusions. The peculiarities of fashion coverage in «Selianka Ukrainy» / «Kolhospnytsia Ukrainy» during the period of indigenization, collectivization, and at the beginning of World War II have been clarified. It has been revealed that despite «Selianka Ukrainy» / «Kolhospnytsia Ukrainy» primarily being a party tribune and the most ideologically engaged magazine among other press publications for women in Soviet Ukraine, the fashion issue aimed at the readership of rural areas was covered in small concentrations and filtered through the Bolshevik censorship in the columns of the magazine.

HISTORY OF KOREA UNTIL 1939, AN ANALYTICAL STUDY

This research focuses on studying the conditions of Korea in general from the beginning of the nineteenth century until the beginning of World War II, as well as studying the importance of Korea's strategic location for China and Japan, and then the study focused on the Sino-Japanese War 1894- 1895, and the study of the movement of the first of March 1919 and the government Temporary in Korea, until World War II 1939.

Post-WWI Balkan revival: The ancient Greek legacy in the Sokol movement 1919-1924

Statistical analysis of relevant resources reveals the expansion of the Yugoslav and Czech Sokol Movements from 1919 to 1924, a period after World War I marked by a cultural and economic crisis. The ideological orientation of the Balkan Sokol movement towards strengthening integral Yugoslavism and realizing ideas of cosmopolitanism coincides with the two main domestic and foreign political tendencies of the newly founded Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. This paper aims at defining the ancient Greek legacy inherent in the socio-political role of Sokolski glasnik [Sokol Gazette] in the early postwar period. The Sokol national movement, a sports and political organization based on 1919 foundations, lasted almost continuously until the beginning of World War II.

The war in Ukraine and the dynamics of PTSD and depression in Poles aged 50+

Introduction and objective: Older Poles are a group particularly exposed to mental health disturbances in connection with the war in Ukraine. The aim of this research was to determine the severity and dynamics of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and somatic symptoms in the first year of the war in Ukraine, the relationship between PTSD and depression and sociodemographic factors, as well as to identify factors that increase the risk of PTSD and depression persisting a year after Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Materials and methods: People aged ≥50 years (N = 116) were included in the study. The respondents were asked to complete the questionnaires twice, i.e. taking into account 2022 (beginning of war) and 2023 (a year after the outbreak). The International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and 8 items from the Patient Health Questionnaire – Somatic Symptoms (PHQ-15) were used. Results: In 2022, nearly 40% of respondents presented with PTSD, and over 60% showed depressed mood. In 2023, the number of people meeting the criteria for PTSD and depression decreased. Women showed higher levels of PTSD and depression. Higher levels of PTSD symptoms were observed among people with higher education. A greater decrease in the severity of PTSD was found among those declaring involvement in providing help for Ukraine. Older age and a higher baseline ITQ or PHQ-9 score favoured the persistence of PTSD and depression in 2023. Conclusions: Factors contributing to poor mental health other than the war itself may include the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, current socioeconomic changes and past traumas.

Compliance as a mechanism for ensuring sustainable development of companies in crisis

Today, the world is in conditions of permanent instability due to constantly emerging crises, the beginning of wars, social changes, etc. This has a very negative effect on the activities of companies in various industries, reducing the possibilities of their sustainable development. The consequence of this is the need to use new management models, mechanisms and tools. The purpose of the article is to study the use of compliance and develop an approach to its implementation in the company’s management system. It was determined that the main factors that will determine the sustainable development of the company will be reactions to external influences, the level of efficiency of the company, its financial stability, the intensity of innovative activities and competent management. It is shown that companies in Ukraine make limited use of compliance. The main trends of compliance procedures in companies are the identification and regulation of conflicts of interest, the compliance function has the right of veto in relation to individual decisions, the minimization of compliance risks. The top 3 compliance risks that can lead to both significant financial losses and significant reputational damage include unscrupulous counterparties, conflicts of interest; corruption risks. It was determined that the compliance service should use a toolkit that will include methods of detection, identification and assessment of risks; development of anti-corruption provisions; conducting internal financial investigations and identifying fraudulent activities in the company’s activities, etc. It is proposed to implement compliance in three stages, namely: compliance audit, formalization of the compliance system and its implementation. This will prevent problems related to dissatisfaction and/or resistance of employees to changes in corporate culture and ethics of behavior in the company, increasing requirements in accordance with internal regulations, increasing the volume of work of both individual employees and structural units as a whole.

ANALYSIS OF THE PSYCHO-EMOTIONAL STATE OF UKRAINIANS AND ASPECTS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE CURRENT WAR

Purpose. This study aims to characterize the psychoemotional states of Ukrainians and aspects of providing psychological assistance at the beginning of the current war, the first two months, based on the analysis of scientific sources, statistical data, and the results of empirical research.&#x0D; Methods. To achieve this aim, we used the following research methods: generalized and comparative-systemic analysis of scientific sources, systematization and modelling of research results, comprehensive analysis of the experience of psychologists working within volunteer projects, concealed population surveys based on the Raven questionnaire (Raven, 1997), methods of mathematical statistics, statistical analysis of data from the Telegram channel «SvitloPodiya», analysis of private and publicly available posts in online event chats and social networks, the use of standardized questionnaires and narrative writing, as well as the design of a cross-sectional study. We used Statistica 12 software and the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC-2015) software for statistical analysis.&#x0D; Results. The study revealed that factors influencing the deterioration of the psychoemotional state of Ukrainians included job loss or the inability to attend work or school, increased free time due to inactivity, loneliness, insufficient information about behaviour rules during bombardments, alarm signals and shelter, a low culture of seeking help from psychologists, parents' inability to explain the war situation to children. Typical negative characteristics of the population's psychoemotional state at the beginning of the war in Ukraine were latent depression, mass anger, various types of fear, egoism, maximum self-concern, a demonstrative need for attention through hysterics and panic attacks, and more.&#x0D; Conclusions. Improvements in the psychoemotional state of the population were facilitated by measures including structured and active work, especially volunteer work, positive messages and video recommendations via social media, positive text messages every morning, guidance on social media for self-regulation and emotional management, the efforts of volunteer Telegram channels and other programs for volunteer psychological support, as well as specially designed psycho-pedagogical sessions for children of different ages. Especially designed are online classes for students, daily supervision by educators and psychologists, the application of a psycho-pedagogical approach in education, the dissemination of psycho-pedagogical recommendations to educators, psychologists, and parents, and hosting accompanying webinars, online and in-person training sessions on identifying and addressing symptoms of anxiety disorders and panic attacks, and stabilising the psychoemotional state of individuals of all ages, among other initiatives. The importance of modernising and promoting the effectiveness of social and psychological services in Ukraine is emphasised. It is recommended that self-regulation skills for regulating psychoemotional states be taught from preschool age and introduced to compulsory classes in both general and higher education institutions.

The Strange Case of Edward Sittler

Abstract Edward V. Sittler, an American citizen, renounced his citizenship at the beginning of World War II and from Berlin broadcast Nazi propaganda to American and British troops. The article explores why he did this and the circumstances of his return to the United States in 1946. Sittler eventually taught at a number of colleges in the United States. His Nazi past may have cost him some of these jobs. He then went to court, unsuccessfully, to regain his American citizenship. In exploring Sittler's legal efforts, the article addresses issues related to the law of treason and of citizenship. It concludes with observations about the role of the American Association of University Professors in assessing Sittler's appeals following his resignation from C. W. Post College, and it offers observations about the relevance of Sittler's story to events in the twenty-first century.