The Twentieth Century from the Perspective of Global History

Abstract

This study aims to examine the role and significance of the twentieth century — particularly the Ukrainian twentieth century — within the context of global history.

Methodology. The article adopts approaches from global history, employs methods of comparative and conceptual history, embraces the principle of interdisciplinarity, and engages with the concept of multiple modernities.

Scientific novelty. The article investigates the defining features of the 20th century in the economic and political spheres, the particularities of social relations, and the achievements and innovations in culture and science. The author analyzes various interpretations of the chronological boundaries of the 20th century, including the short, long, and extended twentieth century. The Ukrainian twentieth century is framed as a long twentieth century, beginning with the events of the 1880s that laid the groundwork for the revolutionary cycles of the early 20th century. Special attention is devoted to Ukraine’s political history, closely interwoven with economic and sociocultural developments. According to the author, the struggle for Ukrainian independence persisted throughout the entire century.

Conclusions. Over the course of the twentieth century, various forms of Ukrainian statehood emerged, accompanied by the waxing and waning of the Ukrainian national liberation movement. The shock of the 1980s culminated in Ukraine’s attainment of independence, sovereignty, and international recognition. However, the historical cycle has not yet reached its conclusion, as evidenced by the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. This war represents Ukraine’s continued struggle for state sovereignty and geopolitical subjectivity. Today, amidst the brutality of war, Ukraine is defending the gains and achievements of its long twentieth century.