Attitude of church authorities towards the peasant movement in Galicia, on the basis of the social and publishing activity of Rev. Stanisław Stojałowski

Abstract

The end of the 19^th century and the early years of the 20^th brought important changes in political and socio-religious attitudes in Polish society. They were especially noticeable among the peasants of Galicia. This was connected with the development of the peasant movement there in the last decade of the 19^th century, with strong encouragement from the clergy. Rev. Stanisław Stojałowski was an important representative of that movement. He took part in the founding of Stronnictwo Chrześcijańsko-Ludowe (The Christian Folk Party); among other things he organized Towarzystwo Kółek Rolniczych (The Society of Agrarian Cooperatives). Understanding the role of press in forming social consciousness and attitudes, he took over the editorship of “Wieniec” (The Garland) and “Pszczółka” (The Bee). These two periodicals played an important role in his activity. The independent opinions on social questions he expessed caused him to be subject of strong opposition and made his editorial and publishing work more difficult.