Paweł Jakubiec
Prace Historyczne, Numer 144 (2), 2017, s. 413 - 426
https://doi.org/10.4467/20844069PH.17.023.6266“Two souls” – the evolution of cultural, social and national identity of the peasants in Galicia in the late 19th and the early 20th centuries
The aim of this paper is to characterize the evolution of social and national identity of Galician peasants in the late 19th and early 20th century. The author shows a few examples from the sources and studies on the subject, from which we can find out how these areas of peasant consciousness evolved. It was possible for changes to take place after several social and economic reforms were adopted. These changes contributed to the development of active civic attitudes and a greater participation in political life. At the same time, the emergence of peasant parties and the activities carried out by politicians contributed to the evolution of national identity. The awakening of national awareness was greatly influenced by the press and publications. A major role was also played by schools, the Church and the participation in social life of rural communities. The social and national identity of peasants showed in the celebration of national holidays, political programs and the growth of press subscription among rural inhabitants of Galicia.