The foundations of
the formation of Stepan Smal-Stotskyi's national beliefs are considered, in
particular, his fascination with national ideas, his involvement in active work
in the field of Ukrainianism in his student years, his participation in
political and educational activities, as well as his serious pursuit of
scientific and teaching work. Emphasis is placed on his expertise in the
pedagogical field, energetic cooperation in the social, political and cultural
and educational life of Bukovyna. His great contribution to the development of
schooling in the region, in significant economic support to the Bukovyna
peasantry, was noted. The ambassador's Diet and parliamentary activity in
defending the national and political interests of Ukrainians of Bukovyna, in
particular in supporting and strengthening the national forces, unity,
independence of the Ukrainian people, expanding democratic freedoms and the
network of Ukrainian schools, free education in all educational institutions,
was emphasized.
Emphasis is placed on
the participation of S. Smal-Stotskyi in the creation of a political party, his
journalistic and editorial work, his understanding of the Ukrainophiles movement,
the outline of the tasks and theoretical foundations of the Ukrainophiles, and
answers to the most pressing questions of the Ukrainian national movement.It has been asserted about his irreconcilable position
towards Moscophiles, their harmfulness to the Ukrainian movement, his rejection
of any possibility of class struggle for Ukrainians, opposing it to national
liberation.
The scientific
achievements of the professor are highlighted, in particular, regarding the
introduction of phonetic spelling in Ukrainian educational institutions of
Galicia and Bukovyna, regarding the study of the history of the native region,
the publication of a number of socio-political works. Emphasis is placed on
close ties with Ukrainian and foreign scientists, cultural and educational
figures. Particular attention is paid to the great national awareness and
cultural and educational work of S. Smal-Stotsky among the Ukrainian prisoners
of war of the Russian army in the camps of Austria-Hungary and Germany during
the First World War. His work during the ZUNR period, at the Ukrainian Free University,
in the creation of the Museum of the Liberation Struggle of Ukraine, and his
participation in the work of various Ukrainian public and cultural
organizations in the 1930s are revealed.
