The question of the true purpose of the Cossacks of Little Russia in the book of M. O. Koyalovich "Readings on the history of Western Russia"

Abstract

Aim. To highlight in the classic scientific and educational work "Readings on the History of Western Russia" by M.O. Koyalovich an element of his concept of the historical fate of the Cossacks, associated with the socio-political purpose of the Cossack community.
Methodology. The research is historiographical in nature. The definition of the Cossacks, the circumstances of its origin and the purpose of its existence on national and civilizational grounds are preliminarily formulated. Then the author analyzes the ambivalent nature of the behavior of the Little Russian Cossacks of the XVI–XVII centuries in the named work of M.O. Koyalovich and his return to his true purpose: to serve as a shield from the "Asian element".
Results. The study allows us to conclude that the struggle against the "Asian element" could be adequately carried out only in conditions of unity of the Little Russian Cossacks with Russia.
Research implications. The paper defines the basic attitudes of such a major Russian historian of the 19th century as M. O. Koyalovich regarding the historical role of the Cossacks of Little Russia. The results of the research can be used in the further study of the scientific heritage of M. O. Koyalovich, in popular works on the history of the Cossacks, as well as in higher school courses on historio-
graphy.