THE FIRST UKRAINIANS IN AUSTRALIA

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to investigate the history of the migration of the first Ukrainians to the Australian continent. Chronological framework of the research is the beginning of the XIX century – the 40s of the XX century; it is based on the analysis of Ukrainian and foreign studies and encyclopedic materials. As a result of the study, existing fragmentary data on the number and employment of Ukrainian people arriving to Australia during this period is summarized. It is concluded that they should be considered the first wave of Ukrainian migration on this territory. It is revealed that it was a small in number, and its members were mainly engaged in agricultural activities. The main routes of the Ukrainians’ arrival to the Australian continent are revealed: from the Western Ukraine through Europe and from the Eastern Ukraine through the Far East and China. It is concluded that the most famous Ukrainian who made a significant contribution to the investigation of Australia and Oceania is М. Myklukho-Maklay. The statement of the Russian researchers about the Russian origin of the scientist was refuted; in contrast, its Ukrainian origin was proved. The main achievements of the researcher are considered. They are the following: scientific evidence of the equal biological usefulness of people of all nations and races as well as fight against racism and colonialism, and lobbing the control of these territories by Russia. In addition, М. Myklukho-Maklay tried to attract Europeans for the permanent residence in New Guinea and visited Kiev, Odessa, Petersburg and Moscow for this purpose. The prospects for further research in this area were identified; in particular, it is the economic activity and everyday life of the first Ukrainians in Australia.

Keywords

• австралія
• українці
• океанія
• м. миклухо-маклай