L.Zhebunov: From Russian Narodniks to Conscious Political Ukrainianness (To the 170th Anniversary of His Birth)

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to highlight the transformations of the worldview and activities of L.Zhebunov – one of the most active figures of the Ukrainian national movement of the first two decades of the twentieth century.

The research methodology is based on personalistic and systemic approaches, principles of science and historicism, on the use of historical-genetic, historical-typological and historical-systemic methods.

Scientific novelty. On the basis of archival and published sources and literature the peculiarities of L.Zhebunov’s personality formation are investigated; his evolution from the ideology and social practice of Russian social-revolutionary populism to participation in the Ukrainian national movement is studied. The place and role of L.Zhebunov in a number of Ukrainian public organizations, parties, circles, press bodies, his influence on the process of establishing the Ukrainian national consciousness in society are determined. A holistic image of L.Zhebunov as a consistent fighter for the Ukrainian national cause is created.

Conclusions. L.Zhebunov went through a difficult path of formation and evolution of his worldview, the essence of which is seen in the transition from Russian populism in the 70’s of the 19th century to conscious Ukrainianness in the early 20th century. In 1904–1917 he was one of the most active participants in the Ukrainian national movement. Organizational, journalistic, publishing, agitation and propaganda activities of L.Zhebunov contributed to the spread of Ukrainian national consciousness in the first decades of the twentieth century.