Wpływ działalności oświatowo-wychowawczej Ľudovíta Štúra i jego naśladowców na kształtowanie się słowackiej świadomości narodowej w XIX wieku

Abstract

The changes that took place in the Slovakian society and culture in the first half of the 19th century were greatly influenced by L. Štúr and his followers. The thirties and forties of the 19th century marked the beginning of Sunday schools, reading rooms, libraries and reading clubs, development of co-operative movement, mutual-aid societies, savings and loan banks and charity associations. All of those organisations contributed greatly to reducing illnesses and drinking habits, which were the outcome of village poverty and backwardness. Another, equally effective form of cultural and educational activity of Štúr and his followers was the organisation of amateur theatres, singing groups and social meetings, all of which enabled them to conduct political activity as well. In 1844 the Tartin Association came into being whose objective was to take good care of youth’s education and upbringing, and to spread the literary variety of the Slovakian language among the local population. In August 1845 The Slovakian National Newspaper edited by Štúr started to appear together with its literary companion entitled The Tatra Eagle. In spite of financial and organisation problems that the Slovakian national activists gathered around Štúr had to face, they managed to develop various forms of social activity and political awareness among the Slovakian people.