ChuckCze

ALT The Ruthenian Question - Russia and the Ukraine - A Phase of Pan-Slavism". Written in 1914, WWI had been going on for just over a year. The article describes some of the history of how the Russian Empire tried to wipe out Ukrainians culture and language, then convince Austria-Hungary (the main power at the time on Russia's western border) that there could be peace if "Russia agitation in Galicia [western Ukraine] were tolerated"

ALT "The national resurrection of the Ukrainians, through materially confined to Austria, had a moral effect far beyond the Russian borders. Comparing their lot with that of their happier fellow countrymen in Austria, the Ukrainians in Russia gave signs of unrest, and Russia had to realize that her yoke was unbearable to the people who to Galicia as to their "Piemont". "The Ukrainian aspirations were not passed unnoticed by the watchful Russian officials who quickly perceived that a new threat was arising to their Government's despotism; nationally enlightened Ukrainians would not willingly submit to Russian oppressive rule and would attempt to free themselves. Official Russia then declared that the annexation of Galicia was the safest course to take in order to offset the threatening danger."

ALT "Attempts were also made to persuade the Austrian Government through diplomatic channels that peace with Russia could be maintained only if the Russian agitation in Galicia were tolerated;... In as much as public opinion exists in Russia it was carefully prepared and familiarized with the idea that was with Austria is unavoidable, and that Galicia must be annexed."