Archiving Disparate Emotions in Personal Accounts from Galicia at the Edge of Empire/Postimperial Era

• In Event: Official Narratives and Repressed Voices on the Disputed Territory of Habsburg Galicia in the Interwar Period

Abstract

During World War I, a surge in personal writing emerged as individuals sought connection with historical upheaval by documenting their experiences. This trend extended to political and cultural institutions aiming to unite populations amid challenges. The prevalence of writing persisted post-war, capturing microcosmic transformations and blurring the boundaries of the 1918 demarcation. This paper examines records reflecting the war's conclusion, focusing on less obvious personal accounts beyond typical recollections. It explores materials incidentally created, serving as vital personal archives from post-war Galicia. Another category comprises petitions and writings by participants, offering emotional weight for analysis as personal narratives, despite their official nature. The study aims to determine if the imperial transition influenced these narratives, identify their intended audience, and assess how it impacted content quality. The analysis relies on selected archival materials from various institutions, analysing the multifaceted aspects of late war crisis and post-World War I experiences in Galicia.

Author

• Kamil Ruszala, Jagiellonian U (Poland)