November Uprising (Lviv, 1918)

The November Uprising (also known as the Polish-Ukrainian War in Lviv) was an armed conflict that took place in Lviv (Lwów, Lemberg) in November 1918, in the aftermath of World War I and the collapse of Austria-Hungary. It was primarily a struggle between Polish and Ukrainian forces for control of the city, which both considered a vital strategic and cultural center.

The Ukrainian side aimed to incorporate Lviv and the surrounding territory into the West Ukrainian People's Republic, proclaimed on November 1, 1918. Polish residents of Lviv, forming a significant portion of the city's population, opposed this and sought to integrate the region into a newly independent Poland.

The fighting began on November 1, 1918, with Polish forces, largely composed of veterans, students, and young volunteers (later known as Lwów Eaglets), taking up arms against the Ukrainian Sich Riflemen who had occupied key buildings in the city. Initial Ukrainian control was gradually eroded by the better-organized and increasingly supported Polish forces.

The uprising was characterized by intense street fighting, marked by casualties on both sides. Polish forces eventually gained the upper hand due to reinforcements from other Polish regions and the support of the local Polish population. By November 22, 1918, Polish forces had secured control of Lviv, effectively ending the uprising.

Despite the Polish victory in Lviv, the broader Polish-Ukrainian War continued in the surrounding areas of Galicia for several months. The ultimate result was the incorporation of Lviv and most of Galicia into the Second Polish Republic. The November Uprising in Lviv is considered a significant event in Polish history, remembered for the bravery and determination of the Polish defenders of the city. The event remains a sensitive topic in Polish-Ukrainian relations due to its impact on national identity and territorial claims.