Boychuk Y. Public associations of national minorities at Ukrainian lands in the Russian Empire (1861 - 1914 gg.)

The thesis focuses on research of public unions of national minorities of Ukrainian lands in the Russian Empire. On the basis of comprehensive analysis of many archival materials, statistical sources and scientific publications an attempt to complex studying the origins and historical circumstances of the appearance of public unions of the national minorities in Ukraine when they were made. The birth of the national minorities' civil initiative, the process of formation, organizational forms and activities in the Ukrainian provinces in the Empire of the 1861 ? 1914 have been studied. The specific results were made through economic, charitable, cultural and educational aspirations of the National Minorities' Public Initiative. Their main statutory principles, means and forms of activity, significance and impact are characterized here. On the basis of complex analysis, the activities of the associations of ethnic minorities and ways of interaction with government organizations have revealed the essence of government policy in relation to cultural and educational organizations that have been defined. The Cultural and Educational associations helped preserve their national heritage and contribute to the implementation of the social life of Western ideas. They understood that the welfare of society in the future depends on educated people and better spread of education. Social and political life of ethnic minorities made a significant influence on the cultural and educational movement. Educational organizations were under stricter police and administrative supervision because their programs did not respond the official course of imperial authority. Cultural and educational organizations of Ukrainians and ethnic minorities jointly fought together against the russification from the tsarist government. Against the background of the national political association the cooperation of ethnic minorities partnerships with cultural and educational organizations in Ukraine was observed. Social changes in the second half of the nineteenth century became a catalyst for community initiatives in the social assistance system. Charitable associations of ethnic minorities departed from traditional practice and began specialize in distinct areas. The variety of forms of assistance to needy charities by the ethnic minorities is defined by their religious beliefs, traditions and local needs. Due to the active participation of minorities in economic life, they formed business associations of various kinds and directions. Household partnerships of ethnic minorities, as part of national public movement, had a significant impact on the modernization of the economy and so minorities have made significant progress in economic management and used advanced techniques and showed exemplary example of farming on a cooperative basis. Study of public organizations of ethnic minorities in the second half XIX ? early XX century led to the conclusion in particular and in general concerned with the mechanism of formation, internal structure, composition, directions and forms of public associations of ethnic minorities. Differences are defined in the tradition and habits of ethnic minorities, regional infrastructure, the degree of satisfaction of public needs, regional educational, medical institutions and also interests of associations owners. The conclusions formulated in this thesis and suggestions can be used in the equipping of public associations.