# Mykhailo Hrushevskyi

> Ukrainian politician and historian (1866–1934)

**Wikidata**: [Q371322](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q371322)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mykhailo_Hrushevsky)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mykhailo-hrushevskyi

## Summary
Mykhailo Hrushevskyi (1866–1934) was a Ukrainian historian, politician, and academic who played a pivotal role in shaping modern Ukrainian national identity. He is most notably recognized for his monumental ten-volume work, *History of Ukraine-Rusʹ*, and for serving as the first president of the Ukrainian People's Republic.

## Biography
- Born: September 29, 1866, in the Russian Empire
- Nationality: Ukrainian
- Education: Educated at Kyiv University
- Known for: *History of Ukraine-Rusʹ*, founding the Ukrainian historical narrative, and leading the Ukrainian national movement
- Employer(s): Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Shevchenko Scientific Society, Russian Academy of Sciences, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
- Field(s): History, historiography, Ukrainian national studies, politics

## Contributions
Mykhailo Hrushevskyi made foundational contributions to Ukrainian historiography and national consciousness:
- Authored *History of Ukraine-Rusʹ* (10 volumes, 1898–1904), a comprehensive historical account that redefined Ukrainian identity and resistance to foreign domination.
- Founded and led the Shevchenko Scientific Society, promoting Ukrainian culture and scholarship.
- Served as a key figure in the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, contributing to the institutionalization of Ukrainian science.
- Co-founded and led the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences (later National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine), which became a cornerstone of Ukrainian intellectual life.
- Served as the first president of the Ukrainian People's Republic (1917–1918), shaping the early political framework of Ukrainian independence.
- Authored numerous scholarly and political works that laid the groundwork for modern Ukrainian historiography and national identity.

## FAQs
**What is Mykhailo Hrushevskyi known for?**  
Hrushevskyi is best known for his ten-volume *History of Ukraine-Rusʹ*, which redefined Ukrainian history and national identity. He also played a central role in the formation of the Ukrainian People's Republic and was a founding figure in Ukrainian academic institutions.

**Where did Mykhailo Hrushevskyi work?**  
He worked at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, the Shevchenko Scientific Society, and the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. He also held affiliations with the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Sciences of the USSR.

**What did Mykhailo Hrushevskyi publish?**  
His most significant work is *History of Ukraine-Rusʹ*, a ten-volume series published between 1898 and 1904. He also authored numerous scholarly and political texts that shaped Ukrainian historical and national consciousness.

**What was Mykhailo Hrushevskyi's role in Ukrainian politics?**  
He was the first president of the Ukrainian People's Republic (1917–1918), leading the early efforts for Ukrainian independence. He was instrumental in establishing the political and cultural foundations of the new republic.

**What institutions was Mykhailo Hrushevskyi affiliated with?**  
He was affiliated with the Shevchenko Scientific Society, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the Academy of Sciences of the USSR. He also worked at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and Lviv University.

## Why They Matter
Mykhailo Hrushevskyi fundamentally transformed the understanding of Ukrainian history and identity. His *History of Ukraine-Rusʹ* became the cornerstone of Ukrainian historiography, redefining the nation's past as distinct from Russian or Polish narratives. As a political leader, he helped establish the Ukrainian People's Republic, laying the groundwork for modern Ukrainian statehood. His scholarly and political legacy continues to influence Ukrainian national consciousness and resistance to cultural assimilation.

## Notable For
- Authoring the ten-volume *History of Ukraine-Rusʹ* (1898–1904), a foundational work in Ukrainian historiography
- Serving as the first president of the Ukrainian People's Republic (1917–1918)
- Founding and leading the Shevchenko Scientific Society
- Establishing the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences (now National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine)
- Being a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Sciences of the USSR
- Affiliation with Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and Lviv University
- Advocating for Ukrainian cultural and political autonomy through historical scholarship and political leadership

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Mykhailo Hrushevskyi was born on September 29, 1866, in the Russian Empire. He pursued higher education at Kyiv University, where he developed a deep interest in Ukrainian history and culture. His academic foundation enabled him to become a leading figure in Ukrainian intellectual life.

### Scholarly Career
Hrushevskyi's most significant scholarly achievement was the publication of *History of Ukraine-Rusʹ*, a ten-volume work released between 1898 and 1904. This work redefined Ukrainian history by emphasizing its distinct cultural and political development separate from the Russian and Polish narratives. He also contributed to the Shevchenko Scientific Society, which promoted Ukrainian culture and scholarship. His research and writings laid the foundation for modern Ukrainian national identity.

### Political Career
In 1917, Hrushevskyi became the first president of the short-lived Ukrainian People's Republic, a pivotal state in the struggle for Ukrainian independence. His leadership was instrumental in the early political framework of the republic, which sought to establish sovereignty in the wake of the Russian Revolution. He also played a key role in founding the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, which later became the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

### Institutional Contributions
Hrushevskyi was deeply involved in the establishment and development of academic institutions. He was a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Sciences of the USSR. He also worked closely with the Shevchenko Scientific Society and the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, promoting scholarly research and cultural preservation. His efforts helped institutionalize Ukrainian science and education.

### Legacy and Influence
Hrushevskyi's impact on Ukrainian culture and history is immeasurable. His *History of Ukraine-Rusʹ* remains a cornerstone of Ukrainian historiography, and his political leadership helped shape the early Ukrainian state. His work continues to influence modern Ukrainian identity and resistance to cultural assimilation. Streets and institutions, such as Hrushevskoho Street in Kyiv, are named in his honor, reflecting his enduring legacy.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. The Fine Art Archive
5. [Source](https://dlibra.kul.pl/dlibra/publication/62728/edition/57511/content)
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. CiNii Research
8. SNAC
9. Croatian Encyclopedia
10. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
11. Prabook
12. Find a Grave
13. [Source](https://esu.com.ua/article-32114#start)
14. [Source](https://www.istpravda.com.ua/research/2014/11/24/145966/)
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. LIBRIS
17. Golden
18. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands