Cossack Era in Ukrainian History

Click on the flashcard to see the answer



What was the primary role of the Cossacks in Ukrainian society during the 15th to 18th century?

They were military communities that protected the borders, fought against invasions, and played a key role in political and cultural life.

In which year was the Zaporozhian Sich officially established?

The Zaporozhian Sich was officially established in 1552.

Who was the first known leader (hetman) of the Cossacks?

Dmytro Vyshnevetsky is known as the first hetman of the Cossacks.

What was the significance of the Pereyaslav Council in 1654 for the Cossacks?

The Pereyaslav Council in 1654 marked the agreement between the Cossacks and Tsardom of Russia for protection against Poland, leading to Russian influence over Ukraine.

Which document served as the Cossacks' constitution, especially highlighting their democratic decision-making process?

The legal code ‘Constitution of Pylyp Orlyk’ in 1710 outlined democratic principles and established Cossack autonomy.

How did the Zaporozhian Sich influence the development of Ukrainian national identity?

The Zaporozhian Sich fostered a sense of freedom, independence, and a unique Ukrainian cultural identity distinct from Poland and Russia.

What was the main economic activity of the Cossacks apart from military campaigns?

Apart from military campaigns, the Cossacks engaged in agriculture, fisheries, and trade.

Who led the Khmelnytsky Uprising and what was its outcome?

Bohdan Khmelnytsky led the uprising in 1648, resulting in a significant rebellion against Polish rule, eventually leading to the Treaty of Pereyaslav.

What impact did the Treaty of Andrusovo (1667) have on the Cossacks?

The Treaty of Andrusovo split Ukraine along the Dnieper River, with eastern lands falling under Russian influence and western lands under Polish control, impacting Cossack rule.

What was the role of the Cossack Host in the 17th and 18th centuries?

The Cossack Host served as an organized military force defending the region and engaging in campaigns and trade routes across Eastern Europe.

Which river was central to the life and activities of the Zaporozhian Cossacks?

The Dnieper River was central to the Zaporozhian Cossacks' life, providing a strategic location for defense and trade.

What was the motivation behind the construction of Cossack fortresses?

Cossack fortresses were built for protection against foreign invasions and as bases for military and administrative activities.

Describe the cultural contributions of the Cossacks to Ukrainian heritage.

The Cossacks contributed significantly through music, oral traditions, unique attire, and their democratic practices, enriching Ukrainian cultural heritage.

How did the Russian Empire eventually suppress the Cossack autonomy?

The Russian Empire dismantled the Zaporozhian Sich in 1775, integrating the Cossack territories into the empire to eliminate their autonomy and control potential revolts.

What was the typical governance structure within a Cossack community?

The Cossack communities were typically governed by democratic assemblies known as ‘Radas’, with a hetman elected as the military and administrative leader.




Test Your Knowledge

Select the correct option


1. What was the primary role of the Cossacks in Ukrainian society during the 15th to 18th century?

They served as diplomats between different states.

They were mainly traders and merchants.

They were military communities that protected the borders, fought against invasions, and played a key role in political and cultural life.

They were primarily artists and musicians.

2. In which year was the Zaporozhian Sich officially established?

1552

1492

1620

1701

3. Who was the first known leader (hetman) of the Cossacks?

Ivan Mazepa

Dmytro Vyshnevetsky

Bohdan Khmelnytsky

Pylyp Orlyk

4. What was the significance of the Pereyaslav Council in 1654 for the Cossacks?

It marked a peace treaty with the Ottoman Empire.

It was a cultural festival that united Ukrainian regions.

The Pereyaslav Council in 1654 marked the agreement between the Cossacks and Tsardom of Russia for protection against Poland, leading to Russian influence over Ukraine.

It declared independence from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

5. Which document served as the Cossacks' constitution, especially highlighting their democratic decision-making process?

The Treaty of Pereyaslav

Constitution of Pylyp Orlyk

Declaration of Independence

The Andrusovo Legal Code

6. How did the Zaporozhian Sich influence the development of Ukrainian national identity?

By eliminating local cultures

By fostering agriculture and farming techniques

The Zaporozhian Sich fostered a sense of freedom, independence, and a unique Ukrainian cultural identity distinct from Poland and Russia.

By promoting industrialization and modernization

7. What was the main economic activity of the Cossacks apart from military campaigns?

Crafting and metallurgy

Agriculture, fisheries, and trade

Shipbuilding

Masonry and construction

8. Who led the Khmelnytsky Uprising and what was its outcome?

Bohdan Khmelnytsky led the uprising in 1648, resulting in a significant rebellion against Polish rule, eventually leading to the Treaty of Pereyaslav.

Pavlo Skoropadsky, leading to the formation of an independent state.

Hetman Doroshenko, creating a pact with the Ottoman Empire.

Ivan Pidkova, resulting in the conquest of the Crimean Khanate.

9. What impact did the Treaty of Andrusovo (1667) have on the Cossacks?

It expanded Cossack territories eastward into Russian lands.

The Treaty of Andrusovo split Ukraine along the Dnieper River, with eastern lands falling under Russian influence and western lands under Polish control, impacting Cossack rule.

It declared the independence of the Cossack State.

It reinforced Polish dominance over the entire Cossack region.

10. What was the role of the Cossack Host in the 17th and 18th centuries?

They focused on educational and religious missions.

The Cossack Host served as an organized military force defending the region and engaging in campaigns and trade routes across Eastern Europe.

They primarily engaged in scientific research and exploration.

They acted as mediators in international trade agreements.

11. Which river was central to the life and activities of the Zaporozhian Cossacks?

Danube River

Dnieper River

Volga River

Don River

12. What was the motivation behind the construction of Cossack fortresses?

Cossack fortresses were built for protection against foreign invasions and as bases for military and administrative activities.

They were built as luxury residences for wealthy Cossacks.

They served purely as storage facilities for grains and goods.

They functioned as marketplaces for local trade.

13. Describe the cultural contributions of the Cossacks to Ukrainian heritage.

They established the first universities in Ukraine.

They introduced European cuisine to Ukraine.

The Cossacks contributed significantly through music, oral traditions, unique attire, and their democratic practices, enriching Ukrainian cultural heritage.

They were responsible for the creation of the Cyrillic script.

14. How did the Russian Empire eventually suppress the Cossack autonomy?

By forming alliances with the Ottoman Empire.

By facilitating peace treaties with the Polish Crown.

By removing all military ranks among Cossack leaders.

The Russian Empire dismantled the Zaporozhian Sich in 1775, integrating the Cossack territories into the empire to eliminate their autonomy and control potential revolts.

15. What was the typical governance structure within a Cossack community?

The Cossack communities were typically governed by democratic assemblies known as ‘Radas’, with a hetman elected as the military and administrative leader.

They were ruled by a king with absolute power.

Leadership was inherited through family lineage.

They operated under the laws of the Polish Crown.