The Polonization of Eastern Galicia

Introduction

Eastern Galicia, a historical region with a mixed population of Ukrainians and Poles, became part of the Second Polish Republic in the aftermath of World War I. The Polish government implemented a policy of polonization, aiming to assimilate the Ukrainian population and strengthen Polish control over the region. This policy involved various measures aimed at suppressing the Ukrainian language and culture, marginalizing Ukrainians economically and politically, and, in some cases, resorting to violence and intimidation. This report examines the Polonization of Eastern Galicia, the atrocities committed against ethnic Ukrainians, and the Ukrainian resistance to these policies.

Polish Rule in Eastern Galicia

Following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, Eastern Galicia became a point of contention between Poland and the newly established West Ukrainian People's Republic¹. Although the region had a majority Ukrainian population, Polish forces ultimately seized control². The annexation of Eastern Galicia to Poland was formally recognized by the Allied powers in 1923, despite the region's history of Ukrainian autonomy under Habsburg rule³. This marked the beginning of a period of significant political and cultural change for the Ukrainian population.

Polonization Measures

The Polish government employed a multi-pronged approach to Polonization in Eastern Galicia, targeting various aspects of Ukrainian life.

Suppression of Ukrainian Language and Culture

One of the primary goals of Polonization was the suppression of the Ukrainian language and culture. In 1924, the Ukrainian language was banned from use in all government institutions and agencies³. This effectively marginalized the Ukrainian language in public life and administration. Furthermore, the Polish government systematically reduced the number of Ukrainian schools and educational institutions³. Existing Ukrainian chairs at Lviv University were abolished, and plans for a separate Ukrainian university were never realized³. This severely limited access to education in the Ukrainian language and hindered the development of Ukrainian cultural institutions.

Economic and Political Marginalization

Beyond cultural suppression, Ukrainians in Eastern Galicia faced economic and political marginalization. The Polish government encouraged the settlement of Polish farmers in the region, exacerbating ethnic tensions and competition for land and resources³. Ukrainians were often discriminated against in employment and economic opportunities, further hindering their social and economic advancement. Politically, Ukrainians were underrepresented and their voices often ignored³. This systematic marginalization created a climate of inequality and resentment among the Ukrainian population.

Atrocities Against Ethnic Ukrainians

The Polonization policies in Eastern Galicia were often accompanied by violence and intimidation against the Ukrainian population.

Pacification of Ukrainians in Eastern Galicia (1930)

A particularly brutal example of this violence was the pacification of Ukrainians in Eastern Galicia in 1930⁴. This was a large-scale punitive action carried out by the Polish authorities in response to sabotage activities by the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN)⁴. During the pacification, Polish police and military forces engaged in mass searches of Ukrainian homes and properties, often resulting in the destruction of property and belongings⁴. Ukrainians were subjected to beatings, arrests, and various forms of harassment⁴. This operation aimed to suppress Ukrainian nationalist sentiments and intimidate the Ukrainian population into submission.

Other Forms of Violence and Discrimination

Beyond the 1930 pacification, Ukrainians in Eastern Galicia faced various forms of violence and discrimination⁵. These included physical assaults, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on freedom of movement and assembly⁴. The Polish authorities also targeted Ukrainian cultural and religious institutions, further contributing to the oppression of Ukrainian identity and community life.

Ukrainian Resistance

Despite facing significant repression, Ukrainians in Eastern Galicia actively resisted Polonization through various means.

Political Activism and Underground Organizations

Ukrainians formed political parties and underground organizations to advocate for their rights and autonomy³. The Ukrainian National Democratic Alliance, for example, sought to achieve greater political representation and autonomy within the Polish state³. Other organizations, such as the Ukrainian Military Organization (UVO), operated clandestinely, engaging in resistance activities and promoting Ukrainian national consciousness³.

Armed Resistance

Some Ukrainian groups, frustrated by the lack of progress through peaceful means, resorted to armed resistance. The OUN, in particular, carried out acts of sabotage and targeted attacks against Polish officials and institutions⁴. These actions aimed to disrupt Polish rule and demonstrate the determination of Ukrainians to resist oppression.

Current State of Ethnic Relations

The historical events in Eastern Galicia, including the Polonization policies and the violence against Ukrainians, have had a lasting impact on Polish-Ukrainian relations⁶. While there have been efforts towards reconciliation and improved relations, particularly in light of the shared threat from Russia, the memory of past conflicts continues to influence the relationship between the two nations⁶. Addressing these historical grievances and fostering mutual understanding remain crucial for building a stronger and more stable relationship between Poland and Ukraine.

Conclusion

The Polonization of Eastern Galicia was a complex and tragic period in the history of the region. The Polish government's policies of cultural suppression, economic marginalization, and violence against Ukrainians led to significant suffering and resentment among the Ukrainian population. Despite facing repression, Ukrainians resisted these policies through various means, from political activism to armed struggle. The legacy of this period continues to shape Polish-Ukrainian relations today, highlighting the importance of historical awareness and reconciliation in building a better future for both nations.

Works cited

1. Polish-Ukrainian Conflict over Eastern Galicia - 1914-1918 Online https://encyclopedia.1914-1918-online.net/article/polish-ukrainian-conflict-over-eastern-galicia/

2. Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/10/05: CIA-RDP08C01297R000500160027-3 https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP08C01297R000500160027-3.pdf

3. Ukraine - Polish Rule, Galicia, Habsburgs | Britannica https://www.britannica.com/place/Ukraine/Western-Ukraine-under-Polish-rule

4. Pacification of Ukrainians in Eastern Galicia - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacification_of_Ukrainians_in_Eastern_Galicia

5. Massacres of Poles in Volhynia and Eastern Galicia - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massacres_of_Poles_in_Volhynia_and_Eastern_Galicia

6. The Ethnic Cleansing of Ukrainians in Poland, 1943–1947 - MIT Center for International Studies https://cis.mit.edu/sites/default/files/documents/ToResolveTheUkrainianQuestion.pdf