Classification of the Forms and Methods of Social and Political Struggle of the Ukrainian Peasantry in the Early Twentieth Century

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to generalize and characterize the types of forms and methods of class struggle of the Ukrainian peasantry in the Russian Empire in the post-reform period.

The research methodology is based on the principles of historicism and systematicity. The authors used both general scientific (analysis, specification, typology) and specific scientific methods (historical-chronological, specific and logical historiographical analysis, critique of historiographical sources, periodization). For the first time a historiographical analysis of the problem of classification of forms of peasant movement and methods of the struggle of the peasantry of the Dnipro region has been carried out.

Conclusions. The specification of certain forms and methods of the peasant movement in the post-reform period was initially a matter for the ranks of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and contemporary publicists. Their classification was traditionally consistent with a particular area or period, when certain methods of the peasants’ interests defending became topical. Researchers of the peasant movement have tried to group peasant demonstrations into certain types (higher – lower, peaceful – violent, economic – political, etc.) on certain essential grounds. In this matter scientists have shown a creative approach. Although the peasant movement at the beginning of the twentieth century has been studied for more than a century no single satisfactory or at least dominant classification of the forms and methods of the peasant movement has been developed. Therefore, the discussion on this issue in historiography should be continued.