The Historical Territorial Lodes: Poland's Influence on Ukraine before World War II
The relationship between Poland and Ukraine has a complex and oftentimes contentious history. This article explores the historical territories that were part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the changes that occurred after the uprisings and World War II.
Poland's Influence and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
It is often said that prior to the Khmelnytsky Uprising in 1648, much of modern-day Ukraine was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. However, the extent and duration of this period of Ukrainian territory under Polish control vary depending on the source and time period considered. Western Ukraine, in particular, had a significant presence within the Commonwealth from the 14th to the 17th century. This region, comprising modern-day Volyn, Rivne, Lviv, Ternopil, and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts, reflected the fluid nature of borders and populations during this era.
The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was a multi-ethnic state that saw numerous annexations, particularly in the west, where it absorbed territories from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The frontier between Polish and Ukrainian territories was often marked by a distinct demographic and cultural boundary.
Western Ukraine and the Polish Republic (1921-1939)
After the First World War, many of the territories previously under the Commonwealth ended up in different nation-states. On March 14, 1923, the Council of Entente Ambassadors decided to place Western Ukraine under the control of Poland. This decision followed the Treaty of Riga, which ended the Polish-Soviet War and laid the groundwork for a new territorial arrangement.
Between 1923 and 1939, the Polish Republic held jurisdiction over Western Ukraine. This period was significant for its internal developments, including the Bereza Kartuska concentration camp, established in 1934 to detain and persecute political opponents of the government. The camp's operation and the broader context of Polish administration in Western Ukraine reveal the complexities of rule during this interwar period.
The Curzon Line and Post-WW2 Territorial Changes
The Curzon Line, proposed by British diplomat Sir Arthur Nicolson and Lord George Curzon, aimed to serve as a demarcation line in the aftermath of World War I. However, the line was never fully implemented due to Polish refusal to accept it. This refusal was driven by Poland's desire to maintain a larger territorial domain following the war.
After the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and the subsequent Soviet invasion of Poland, Stalin's control expanded eastward. This led to the annexation of western Ukraine into the Ukrainian SSR, part of the USSR, and effectively ended the Polish control over the region.
Post-World War II, Poland was forced to cede significant territory to the Soviet Union, including the cities of Lviv (Levov), Lvov, and Kovel. In return, Poland gained territories in the west, including East Pomerania, Silesia, and much of Prussia. The Oder-Neisse Line defined the new border between Poland and Germany, reflecting the shifting political and territorial landscape post-1945.
Influence on Modern Borders and Elections
The historical borders between Poland and Ukraine have left a lasting impact on the modern Ukrainian map. Electoral maps from the 1990s onward often reflect this historical boundary. For instance, the map of the 1998 Ukrainian parliamentary election shows a significant voting pattern that aligns with the historic border between Western Ukraine and the rest of Ukraine.
More recent electoral data, such as the 2019 Ukrainian parliamentary elections, provide further insights into the enduring influence of these historical borders on contemporary political realities. Such maps offer a visual representation of the demographic and political shifts that have occurred over the centuries.
Conclusion
The historical territories controlled by Poland, particularly in Western Ukraine, have had a profound impact on the region's political, cultural, and sociological development. From the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth to the interwar period and beyond, the relationship between these two nations has been marked by significant changes in territorial control and political influence.