THE SLOVAK LEAGUE AND NATIONAL ISSUE: THE RUTHENIAN DISCOURSE (1934 – 1938)

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to analyse the peculiarities of the attitude of the Slovak League to the Ukrainian (Ruthenian, Rusyn) issue in 1934 – 1938. The research methodology is based on the use of general scientific methods (induction and deduction, analysis and synthesis). The scientific novelty consists in the fact that the Ruthenian issue on the activities of the Slovak League has been analysed by the authors on the basis of the unpublished archival documents. The Conclusions. The Ruthenian issue has been relevant both for Subcarpathian Rus and Slovakia, and especially for its eastern part. The Ruthenian political life activation has been extremely negatively recepted by the Slovaks in the mid-1930s. In Eastern Slovakia, the local administrations have been headed by people from the nationalist circles of the Slovak political elite, so naturally they have resorted to administrative abuses, the purpose of which was to “facilitate” the Slovakization of the Ruthenian population of the region in various ways. The official authorities representatives interacted with the relevant unions and societies closely, which tried to implement their ideas in practice. The Slovak League activity regarding resolving the Ruthenian issue has been a vivid example of such interaction. The impetus for this activity of the Slovak League has been the demands of the Ruthenians to replace the Slovak language in some Eastern Slovak schools with the Ruthenian and at the same time ensure that it is taught by the Ruthenian teachers. It has been determined that in connection with the intensification of a socio-political life of the Ruthenians in Eastern Slovakia and their defense of their own national rights, the Slovak authorities observed the Ruthenian issue with its subsequent resolution. In this context, the Slovak League took some practical steps in solving it. In 1934 – 1938, the Ruthenian issue was considered by the Slovak League at Congresses and meetings. There were diverse options for solving the Ruthenian issue on the part of the Slovak League, which led to the implementation of its ideas by the Slovak authorities, in particular, strengthening of total Slovakization in the educational network, banning of the Ruthenian societies and unions, persecution of the Ruthenian figures and even Slovakization of a religious sphere.