Decline of Ukrainian statehood and culture (1712-1783), Детальна інформація

continued.

In 1772 Galicia and, two years later, Bukovina were annexed to

Austro Hungarian Monarchy, which has somewhat improved conditions of

Ukrainians (Ruthenians in the contemporary terminology of Galicia).

In 1774 the Uniate church (renamed to Greek Catholic church) was, by

imperial decree, equalized in status with Roman Catholic church.

Educational reforms in 1775 allowed for instructions in Ukrainian

language. However on balance government policies favored the Poles.

The Cossack stronghold, Zaporozhian Sitch, was subservient to

Moscow and was utilized for raids on Crimea and Turkey. During Turkish

war, which started in 1768, several thousand Cossacks supported Russians

in battles on land and Sea. Their efforts were rewarded by eulogies

from tsarina but little else and restrictions of Cossack freedoms

continued. Their lands were being colonized by Russians, Serbians and

other foreigners with aim of creation of so called Novorossiya or New

Russia state in the south of Ukraine.

After end of Turkish war in 1775 the Cossacks were being gradually

disarmed and in the Summer of that year, Russian general Tekeli

surrounded Cossacks in Sitch itself with superior force and demanded

abandonment of their fortress. Faced with such overwhelming odds,

Cossack chief Kalnyshevskyj surrendered. Sitch was destroyed and

abolished by tzarist edict of 3rd August 1775. Kalnyshevskyj and other

Cossack leaders were exiled to Siberia.

The Cossack lands were granted to Russian nobles; Cossacks were

told to disperse and settle in towns and villages or to join Russian

forces. Many Cossacks escaped and settled in Turkey near Danube delta;

in 1778 they were formally accepted under Turkish rule.

By end of 1780 all districts, which were formerly under Hetmanate,

were incorporated into Russian regime. In 1783 all Cossack regiments

were transferred to Russian forces; peasants were prohibited to leave