Question

Даю 60 балів! Порівняйте становище українських земель у складі Литви та Польщі в наприкінці ХІV – на початку ХVІ ст.

Answer 1

Занепад Галицько-Волинського князівства призвів до епохальних змін. У XIV ст. історичні події розвивалися не на користь України. Саме в період її політико-економічного та культурного занепаду почали підноситися сусіди -Литва, Польща та Московія. Вони дуже стрімко розросталися, і їх, цілком природно, приваблював вакуум влади, що виник на півдні.

У 1340 р. помер останній князь Галицько-Волинської держави Юрій II. Після його смерті західноукраїнські землі теж опинилися без свого провідника, ставши легкою поживою для ворога. Польський король Казимир III, скориставшись цим, захопив м. Львів, пограбував його, заволодів клейнодами, в тому числі короною Данила Галицького.

На початку XIV ст. Литва була сильною державою. її територія сягала далеко за межі етнічного регіону - басейнів Вісли, Німану й Двіни - за рахунок приєднання білоруських і частини руських земель.

Колишня київська Русь могла сплачувати щедру данину, мала розгалужені торговельні шляхи була спроможна надати Литві матеріальні ресурси і поповнення до війська. Не останню роль відігравав і династичний чинник - правляча литовська династія мала численних нащадків, що потребували власних уділів.

Answer 2

Comparison of the Situation of Ukrainian Lands in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Poland at the End of the 14th - Beginning of the 16th Century

During the late 14th to early 16th century, Ukrainian lands were part of both the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Poland. Let's compare the situation of Ukrainian lands in these two entities during that time period.

1. Grand Duchy of Lithuania: The Grand Duchy of Lithuania was a multi-ethnic and multi-religious state that included Ukrainian lands. Here are some key points about the situation of Ukrainian lands within the Grand Duchy of Lithuania:

- Political Autonomy: Ukrainian lands within the Grand Duchy of Lithuania enjoyed a certain degree of political autonomy. Local nobility, known as the boyars, had significant influence and were involved in the governance of the region. - Religious Freedom: The Grand Duchy of Lithuania was known for its religious tolerance. Ukrainian lands were home to various religious communities, including Orthodox Christians, Catholics, and Jews. The Orthodox Church had a strong presence in the region. - Cultural Exchange: The Grand Duchy of Lithuania facilitated cultural exchange between different ethnic groups. Ukrainian lands benefited from this cultural diversity, with influences from Polish, Lithuanian, and other cultures. - Trade and Economy: Ukrainian lands within the Grand Duchy of Lithuania were strategically located along important trade routes, which contributed to their economic development. The region was involved in trade with neighboring countries and had access to international markets.

2. Kingdom of Poland: The Kingdom of Poland, which was closely associated with the Grand Duchy of Lithuania through the Union of Lublin in 1569, also had control over Ukrainian lands. Here are some key points about the situation of Ukrainian lands within the Kingdom of Poland:

- Centralized Administration: The Kingdom of Poland had a more centralized administration compared to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Ukrainian lands were governed by Polish officials appointed by the king. - Polonization: The Kingdom of Poland pursued a policy of Polonization, which aimed to assimilate Ukrainian lands into Polish culture and language. This policy had a significant impact on the Ukrainian population, leading to the adoption of Polish customs and language by some segments of society. - Religious Conflicts: The Kingdom of Poland experienced religious conflicts during this period, particularly between Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Ukrainian lands, with their predominantly Orthodox population, were affected by these conflicts. - Economic Development: Ukrainian lands within the Kingdom of Poland continued to be involved in trade and economic activities. However, the Polish nobility had a significant influence over the region's economy, which sometimes led to tensions between the Polish and Ukrainian populations.

In conclusion, Ukrainian lands within the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Poland had different political, cultural, and economic situations during the late 14th to early 16th century. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania provided a certain level of political autonomy and religious freedom, while the Kingdom of Poland had a more centralized administration and pursued a policy of Polonization. Both entities, however, played a role in shaping the history and development of Ukrainian lands during this period.

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