Kuzovova N. Educational activity of Zemstva in Kherson gubernia (1860s - beginning of the XX century)

The object of the dissertation is zemstva of Kherson gubernia. The purpose of the dissertation is to illuminate the basic directions and forms of work of educational activity of zemstvo in Kherson gubernia and to open its meaning for the development of political, socio-economical and cultural life of the region. The methods used in the research are: comparative-historical, problem-chronological, futurospec-tive and retrospective, statistical. The practical significance of the research is the following: the results of this work can be used for preparation of generalizing works on a history of Ukraine, teaching of the appropriate rates, improvement of functions of bodies of local self-management in humanitarian sphere. The thesis is dedicated to investigation of main directions and forms of work of educational activity of zemstvo in Kherson gubernia and determination of its meaning for the development of political, socio-economical and cultural life of the region. The author made an attempt of a complexinvestigation of educational activity of zemstvo in Kherson gubernia in the corresponding historical context. A number of zemstvo editions, archive materials and other sources are introduced into the scientific turn. Their scientific analysis helped to determine the common and distinctive features in comparison with the same work in other regions. The author managed to reveal the meaning of educational activity of zemstvo local authorities as one of the factors of successful development of socio-economical and cultural life of Kherson gubernia. In the process of investigation it was clearly shown that the educational activity of zemstvo became more various and purposeful due to the zemstvo's intelligentsia. As a result the literacy rate has improved, the national consciences, the social activity of people and its level of culture have increased.