The Slavic Question in the Academic Discourse of the Early 20th century (Based on Archival Materials of V.I. Vernadsky)

One of the key-points of the socio-political discourse in the Russian Empire in the XIX. early XX centuries was Slavic question. Ukrainian question was its particular manifestation. The aggravation of discussions on the Slavic issues, as a rule, followed the dynamics of foreign policy. Interest in the Ukrainian issue increased due to the adoption of censorship measures by the Russian state, which varied from tightening to softening of the censorship regime. The Ukrainian question in Russian socio-political thought was debated mainly in the discussion, if the Ukrainian ("Little Russian") ethnos represent an independent ethnic group or is a local version of the "Great Russians". Depending on the answer to this question, the ideal structure of the Russian state was going to be worked out. The Imperial St.-Petersburg Academy of Sciences took an active part in the discussion of the Slavic question in general (and that of Ukrainian in particular) and in the adoption of appropriate measures, acting as an expert body. Discussions were conducted not only at the institutional level, but also at the private one. In research literature, the scholarly world on this issue is divided into two camps, one of which (liberal-nationalist) was represented mainly by P.B. Struve, and the other. by his numerous opponents (for example, by F.E. Korsh). As documents from the Archive of the Russian Academy of Sciences show, the history of discussion on the Ukrainian issue before the First World War was broader, more scholars, also representing the Academy of sciences were involved. Documents introduced into scientific circulation demonstrate the position of member of the Academy V.I. Vernadsky. Differences in opinions did not prevent a respectful exchange of views, the most difficult problems of the development of the Russian state in light of Slavic question were stressed out, the drafts of certain possible solutions were debated.