Yerzhan Mademikhanov

Response paper 2

A response to question: How is Wilhelm von Habsburg able to become a Ukranian?

Why do Ukranians accept him?

Wilhelm von Habsburg, Archduke of Habsburg monarchy, was twenty when he finished

his military studies. The destiny of archdukes during wartime is to serve the command and

orders given by emperor of Habsburg monarchy. In spring of 1915, Wilhelm was given a task

to command and guide the troop consisted vastly of Ukrainians [1]. From this very moment,

Wilhelm has started his career in military and politics. Being among Ukrainian soldiers,

Wilhelm learned their language and spoke them in it. He asked soldiers to call him Vasyl [1].

He used to wear Ukrainian embroidery under his uniform too. During battle and campaigns

devoted to free Ukraine from Russian Empire, Wilhelm treated well and defended his soldiers

from the hostility of local Pole authorities. These early determinations to learn Ukraine

language and friendly attitude to Ukrainian soldiers may partially contribute Wilhelms

acceptance by Ukrainians.

During the World War I, exploiting Ukrainian nationalism was beneficial for Habsburg

Empire. First, the Ukrainian state could be partner capable of being against Russian

revolutionists. Secondly, Ukraine state could be used against Germany afterward. Wilhelm was

a good candidate to accomplish goals of Habsburg as Franz Joseph advised Wilhelm to learn

Ukraine earlier.

From the perspective of Ukrainians, Vasyl was linking person between Ukrainians and

Habsburg monarchy. Andrii Sheptytsky was Ukrainian Greek Catholic, whose dreams were to

spread Greek Catholic religion in Russian lands [1]. He was impressed and convinced of

Wilhelms devotion to Ukraine nation after experiencing Vasyls warm greetings in the

Ukrainian and German language while he was wearing Ukrainian embroidery [1]. People who

were looking at this meeting shouted Vyshavanie meaning embroidery in the Ukrainian

language. So, Wilhelm got his full name Ukraine name Vasyl Vyshyvanie [1]. Prior to
meeting with Andrii, Wilhelms actions against Russian Empire represented as a patriot of

Ukraine nation and Wilhelm demonstrated his love to Ukraine nations by being friendly and

caring to soldiers. Vasyl was a was not just foreigner who loved Ukrainians, he was archduke

of Habsburg monarchy which supposed to help Andrii to accomplish his goals. The Habsburg

monarchys approval and support of Wilhelms campaign in Ukraine were demonstrated when

Karl invited Wilhelm to train station in Vienna. For Andrii, Vasyl was the person who will

make Ukraine State recognizable by more powerful states. The acceptance of Wilhelm von

Habsburg is now supported not only by soldiers but also by other influential Ukraine people. If

the story of Wilhelm is viewed from a larger perspective, both Habsburg monarchy and Ukraine

are feeling that Wilhelm will link and benefit them.

Summarizing all former reasons, Wilhelms warm and determined interest in Ukraine

culture and being a simple man among soldiers and love to Ukraine language made him a

perfect political tool to liberate Ukraine from Russian Empire which was desired by Habsburg

monarchy too.

Reference:
[1] Snyder, T. (2009). The red prince. London: Vintage.