Ukrainians in Austria-Hungary's Galicia: Population and Identity

The history of ethnic groups within the Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria, a constituent territory of the Austrian Crown, is a deeply intertwined chapter of pan-European history. One notable group within this history are the Ukrainians, who maintained a significant presence and identity during this period. This article will explore the population data and ethnic dynamics of Ukrainians in Galicia according to historical censuses and religious affiliations.

Census Data from 1910

According to the 1910 Austrian census, the Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria had a population of more than 8 million people. Among these, it is estimated that around 58% or around 4.7 million people spoke Polish, while 40% or approximately 3.2 million spoke Ukrainian/Ruthenian. However, the exact self-identification data of the residents is not available; it is believed that many locals had a mixed identity.

The data provided by the census reveal that a significant number of people in Galicia belonged to the Greek Catholic Church, which is believed to have preserved a traditional Ruthenian identity. This church became a base of Ukrainian self-identification under Austrian rule, suggesting that many individuals who spoke Polish in their daily lives still identified themselves as Ruthenians or Ukrainians due to their religious affiliations.

Ethno-Linguistic Divisions

The ethno-linguistic landscape of Austria-Hungary in 1910 demonstrated a stark divide between Eastern and Western Galicia. Eastern Galicia, centered around Lviv, had a Ruthenian/Ukrainian majority, whereas Western Galicia, centered in Kraków, was predominantly Polish. This division reflects the complex political and cultural history of the region.

Historical Context

Austrian Galicia was not homogeneous, and a significant divide existed between the eastern and western parts of the region. Eastern Galicia, with Lviv as its center, was historically part of the territory of Galicia. This area had a Ruthenian/Ukrainian majority. In contrast, Western Galicia, centered in Kraków, was originally part of the Polish Kingdom and only became attached to Galicia in the aftermath of the Partitions of Poland.

Post-World War I and Ethnic Dynamics

After the First World War, the ethnic dynamics in Galicia underwent significant changes. In the 1921 population census of the Lviv Voivodeship, the religious proportions, which are the best indicators of ethnicity in this region, showed the following:

1.6 million Roman Catholics: primarily ethnic Poles, with a smaller number of Armenians and Austrians 1.1 million Greek Catholics Unites: primarily Ukrainians, with a few Rusyns 0.3 million Jews 0.1 million others

In other voivodeships of the region, the proportions were similar. These figures indicate that the ethnic composition of Galicia was diverse and complex, further emphasizing the diverse identities and affiliations within the region.

Conclusion

The presence and identification of Ukrainians in Austria-Hungary's Galicia were marked by a unique interplay of language, religion, and history. Despite the challenges and divisions of the time, the Ukrainian community maintained a strong sense of identity, which is essential to understanding the broader history of the region. This historical context helps us appreciate the layers of cultural and ethnic diversity that exist within modern Poland and Ukraine.