The proclamation of the West Ukrainian People's Republic (WUPR) on November 1, 1918, was a landmark event in the history of Ukrainian statehood and confirmation of the desire of Ukrainians in Galicia, Bukovina, and Transcarpathia to create their own independent state.
On November 13, 1918, the "Provisional Basic Law" was adopted, which effectively served as the constitution of the ZUNR. This document laid the legal and political foundations of the republic, defined its state structure, and proclaimed the main principles of the state's functioning.
The Provisional Basic Law consisted of four parts, which defined:
1. The territory and sovereignty of the WUPR. The document stipulated that the Western Ukrainian People's Republic covered the territories of Eastern Galicia, Northern Bukovina, and Transcarpathia. The state was proclaimed sovereign and independent of any other state entities, which was fundamental for Ukrainians at that time.
2. Forms of government. The Provisional Basic Law stipulated that the ZUNR was a republic and that all power belonged to the people. It was envisaged that the state would be governed through elected bodies, in particular through parliament—the Ukrainian National Council, which temporarily performed the functions of legislative and executive power until the convening of general elections.
3. Rights and freedoms of citizens. The law guaranteed civil rights and freedoms, as well as the equality of all citizens before the law, regardless of nationality or religion. This was important for maintaining internal peace, as representatives of different nationalities lived in the territory of the ZUNR.
4. Relations with other states. The document declared the intention to establish peaceful and good-neighborly relations with other states, which was of great importance for the international recognition of the ZUNR.
Despite all the difficulties, the ZUNR was able to create administrative, military, and economic institutions, lay the foundations for constitutional development, and carry out successful social reforms, including educational and land reforms.
However, one of the most significant steps taken by the ZUNR was its unification with the Ukrainian People's Republic (UNR) in January 1919. This act was a symbol of the desire for unity among Ukrainian lands and the dream of a single, united Ukraine.
The adoption of the "Provisional Basic Law" was a manifestation of the desire for legality and law and order, and also demonstrated the newly formed republic's desire to become part of the democratic world.