Ukrainians and the Activities of Mogilev Belarusian Committee

Abstract

The independence of the Ukrainian National (People's) Republic was proclaimed the 9(22).01.1918. The 25.03.1918 was proclaimed independence of the Belarusian Democratic (People's) Republic.

The article reveals the processes of self-determination of the Belarusians living in Mogilev in the last two years of World War I (1917–1918). At that time the city was actually a military capital of the Russian Empire. It was a place of Headquarters of Supreme Commander in Chief and revolutionary transformations were fated there in many ways. In that situation a national organization of Belarusians – Mogilev Belarusian Committee was created in Mogilev. Analysis of its statute, program goals and activities carried out in 1917–1918 brings come researches to the conclusion that it was based on the Belarusian national idea. This is evidenced by such directions realized by Mogilev Belarusian Committee as history, ethnic traditions (ethnic relations, folklore, land of ancestors, language, religion, customs, origin), efforts to be independent. The creation of Mogilev Belarusian Committee can be asserted to be the first entry of a social organization into political and international arena in the territory of Eastern Belarus in the twentieth century. The social organization was a bearer of ideological movement for attainment and consolidation of autonomy, unity and individuality of Belarusian nation. While the organization was in existence political views of Mogilev Belarusian Committee evolved from the idea of national autonomy to the proclamation of the establishment of the independent Belarusian national Republic.

Activities of Mogilev Belarusian Committee are related to the Ukrainian diaspora in the city and the events taking place in Ukraine at that period.

Keywords: Belarus, Ukraine, Ukrainian Diaspora, Mogilev Belarusian Committee.