Civilian population in the frontline zone of the eastern front during world war I

Abstract

The article deals with the position of the population that appeared in the Eastern Frontline of World War I. The processes of forming ways of life formation and survival in the conditions of the front are analyzed. The specifics of regions where the war passed, namely Galicia, Bukovyna and Volhynia are considered. This paper describes the mode of life that was organized and the interaction of the frontline population with enemy army’s soldiers during the warfare. The author examines the formation and change of mood of the frontline population throughout World War I. Large focus is on the situation of the frontline village, which has become the main victim and source of food for the warring armies. The growth of anti-war sentiments among the population of Galicia, Bukovyna and Podilia is considered. After all, it was the frontline population that felt the hardships of war the most. In general, the findings suggest that the situation of the frontline population was so difficult, but the population sought a way out of the situation. They often interacted with the military or escaped. A problem of position of citizenry in the front-line region of Eastern front is relatively a new theme and needs more wide research. World War I generated many new social problems. Creation of front-line life is one of main problems of military history. World War I showed the new type of war. Eastern front overcame enormous territory of Bukovyna, Galicia, Volhynia and Podilia. Habitants that lived here forced to adapt themselves to the military operations. The populations of frontline territories bore considerable losses from the beginning of war. Many rural horses were taken away on the necessities of front. The population of Western Ukraine entered in the complement of the Austrian empire, accordingly war they perceived as nationals of Austria. With motion of battle actions position changed to the quarrelling armies, thus we can trace emergence of apathy in a population. The primary objective of frontline population was to survive and save the economic potential, it was very difficult in the conditions of war. According to a population along front it was to search possibilities of adaptation before war. Many people resorted to the refugee, however were and those that remained. Exactly on them main attention of research is covered.