Imperial Military Propaganda Measures To Form a “Cult of War” in the Ukrainian Provinces of Russia During the World War I

Abstract

The aims to examine the fundamental principles, content, and consequences of the formation of the “cult of war” in the Ukrainian provinces during World War I.

Methodological background. The research integrates historical and psychological methods. The application of the principle of historicism made it possible to analyze the issue within the context of the complex socio-political transformations of the early 20th century. The analysis of manipulation techniques, mass media psychology, mechanisms of mass consciousness formation, and suggestive influence allowed for an understanding of the specific methods propagandists used to shape public perception and behavior.

Scientific novelty. This study reveals the cult of war as a system of beliefs and convictions based on the glorification of war, its perception as inevitable, and even as a higher mission. The research explores the principles by which the cult of war was constructed in the Russian Empire during World War I, namely, the glorification, sacralization, and romanticization of war. The study traces how the manipulation of meanings led to shifts in perception: the purpose of war was substituted by its mission, and charity was replaced by self-sacrifice.

Main results. During World War I, the Russian Empire was an aggressor and an invader, so the state propaganda machine laid its main emphasis on the justification of its military aggression in public opinion. The development of the cult of war was based on several key aspects closely connected with the Empire’s state ideology — a theory of official nationalism. The war, viewed through its romanticization, glorification, and sanctification, was presented as a holy mission that approves violence and sacrifices. The cultural rituals, religious motifs, and glorification of heroic deeds reinforced this attitude, creating an illusion of the Empire’s moral right and the necessity of war. This means that the war was regarded not only as one of the means of political struggle but also a moral obligation of every Empire resident, with sacrifice and obedience as a meaning of life.