How 'the Ukraine' became Ukraine (1187-1992): A Brief History

This paragraph sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of Ukraine's history, dating from 1187 to 1991. The narrator emphasizes the ambitious scope of the topic and the importance of understanding Ukrainian nationalism and identity within a historical context. It highlights the significance of Ukraine as a region, mentioning its historical host to various civilizations like the Scythians and Slavic peoples. The paragraph also introduces the series 'Orthodoxy, Autocracy, and Nationality' and encourages viewers to watch related episodes for a deeper understanding of the formation of Slavic identity and the impact of the Mongol invasion on the Kievan Rus'.

The second paragraph delves into the collapse of the first Russian civilization and the subsequent Mongol invasion. It discusses the establishment of major cities like Novgorod and Kiev and the formation of a Russian national identity under Vladimir the Great. The narrator explains the fragmentation of the empire through the partitioning among Vladimir's sons and the introduction of the rotational succession system, which led to civil wars. The paragraph also covers the rise of Moscow as a power base and the Mongol conquest under Genghis Khan and his nephew Batu Khan, which resulted in the devastation of Russian principalities and the establishment of the Mongol rule.

This paragraph focuses on the fate of Ruthenia, also known as Red Ruthenia, after the Mongol invasion. It describes the rise of Lithuania as a significant power in Europe and its expansion into the devastated regions of Ruthenia. The narrator discusses the Kingdom of Ruthenia's resistance against the Mongols and its eventual subjugation to Lithuanian rule. The paragraph also touches on the cultural and religious aspects, including the conversion of Lithuanian rulers to Christianity and the establishment of the Kingdom of Ruthenia under Lithuanian and later Polish rule, which led to a significant shift in the region's political and religious landscape.

The fourth paragraph explores the emergence of Ukrainian identity in opposition to the assimilating influences of Russia in the east and Poland in the west. It discusses the role of the Cossacks, who arose as a Slavic militia in the borderlands and opposed the Polish rule and the Catholic Church. The narrator describes the Cossack uprisings and their eventual submission to Russian rule, leading to the establishment of a semi-autonomous region known as the Hetmanate. The paragraph also touches on the etymology of 'Ukraine' and 'Ukrainian,' highlighting the historical and cultural significance of the terms.

This paragraph continues the narrative of the Cossack Hetmanate, discussing its internal strife and the influence of figures like Ivan Mazepa. It covers the Great Northern War and the Cossacks' alliance with Sweden against Russia, which ultimately failed at the Battle of Poltava. The paragraph also details the decline of the Hetmanate's authority and the eventual Russian governance over the region, leading to the abolition of the Hetmanate and the integration of the area into the Russian Empire as Little Russia.

The sixth paragraph discusses the partitions of Poland and the expansion of the Russian Empire, which significantly altered the political landscape of the region. It describes how the Russian Empire annexed non-Kievan territories and how the partitions were justified by Catherine the Great as a reunification of the eastern Slavs. The paragraph also touches on the economic factors behind the partitions, such as the maintenance of serfdom, and the cultural implications of these territorial changes.

This paragraph explores the colonization efforts of the Russian Empire in what was termed 'New Russia.' It discusses the settlement of the region by Little Russians, Romanians, and the administrative division of the area. The narrator also covers the cultural and linguistic developments in New Russia, including the establishment of cities like Odessa and the influence of Greek and Byzantine naming conventions. The paragraph highlights the growing sense of Ukrainian nationalism, contrasting it with the pan-Slavic movements and the rise of the Ukrainian intelligentsia.

The eighth paragraph delves into the complexities of the Ukrainian identity amidst Russian and Polish influences. It discusses the political and cultural struggles, including the Russian Empire's policies towards Little Russia and the Ukrainian language. The paragraph also covers the Austrian Empire's rule over Galicia and the Ruthenian revival, as well as the rise of Ukrainian nationalism and its divergence from the pan-Slavic movements within Russia.

The ninth paragraph marks the birth of modern Ukraine, discussing the political upheavals during and after World War I. It covers the short-lived West Ukrainian People's Republic and the eventual establishment of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic within the Soviet Union. The paragraph also touches on the policies of indigenization and the promotion of the Ukrainian language and culture under the Soviet regime, as well as the challenges faced by the Ukrainian identity within the larger context of the Soviet Union.

In the final paragraph, the narrator addresses the role and legacy of the Cossacks in Ukrainian history. It emphasizes that the Cossacks were not a separate ethnic group but rather a tradition inherited by communities with self-governing military communes. The paragraph discusses the Soviet policy towards the Cossacks and how it contrasted with the Ukrainian nationalist aspirations. It concludes by acknowledging the continued presence and influence of the Cossack tradition in modern Ukraine.