Koliivshchyna: An unforgettable chapter of bloody rebellion
In the latest documentary by the Realna Istorija channel, we delve into one of the most controversial and dramatic episodes in the 18th-century history of Poland and Ukraine – the peasant and Cossack uprising known as the Koliivshchyna. Was it merely a peasant revolt? Or was it, in fact, an act of national liberation against social, religious, and ethnic oppression?
The film explores the origins and course of the 1768 rebellion, portraying the political, social, and religious realities of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth during a time of systemic crisis. It analyses the role of the rebellion’s leaders – Maksym Zalizniak and Ivan Gonta – and examines their goals and motivations. Historical interpretations from both Polish and Ukrainian scholars are also presented.
Why does this story matter today?
Koliivshchyna is not only a tragic episode of bloody revolt, but also a mirror reflecting national and religious tensions that still resonate in the collective memory of Ukrainians and Poles. It is also a tale of Russia’s external interference – the Empire exploiting political polarisation within the Commonwealth and fuelling social unrest, particularly in its Ukrainian territories, in order to subordinate the entire state.
The film features expert commentary from:
- Dr hab. Vadym Adadurov,
- Dr Adam Danilczyk.
Together, they offer an in-depth account of the events of Koliivshchyna, its significance in Ukrainian history, and its relevance to Polish-Ukrainian dialogue about the past.
This is another instalment in the Realna Istorija documentary series, which explores the most significant and difficult episodes in the shared history of Poles and Ukrainians.