Mikhail Yuzefovich facts for kids
Mikhail Vladimirovich Yuzefovich (born June 29, 1802 – died June 2, 1889) was an important official in the Russian Empire. He worked as a deputy leader for the Kiev school district. He also led the Kiev archaeological commission. Yuzefovich is most known for starting the Ems Ukaz. This was a special rule that greatly limited the use of the Ukrainian language.
Yuzefovich held very strong Russian nationalist beliefs. He was against any efforts to bring back Ukrainian culture and language. In 1876, he wrote a report to the Russian government. It was called "On the so-called Ukrainophile movement." In this report, he said that Ukrainian language groups were dangerous. He claimed they were set up by enemies of Russia, like Polish and Austrian people. Yuzefovich's ideas were used to create the Ems Ukaz. This rule was signed on May 30, 1876, by the Russian tsar Alexander II. It happened in a town called Bad Ems, Germany. Because of his role, this rule was also known as the "Yuzefovich Ukaz." The famous Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko even called Yuzefovich a 'traitor'.
Early Life and Education
Mikhail Yuzefovich was born into a noble family. His family had Polish roots and came from Brest. His ancestors were part of the Registered Cossacks in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Yuzefovich was born in the Pyriatyn county. This area was part of the Poltava Governorate at the time. He was taught at home when he was young. In 1819, he finished his studies at the Moscow University Noble Boarding School. After graduating, he received the 14th rank in state service. This was part of the Table of Ranks, a system for government jobs in Russia.
Military Career
Yuzefovich began his military service as a junker. He joined the Chuguev Uhlan Regiment. His uncle, Dmitriy Yuzefovich, led this regiment. His uncle was a hero from the Patriotic War of 1812. In 1822, Mikhail Yuzefovich was promoted to the rank of cornet.
From 1826, he served in the Caucasus region. As a poruchik, he fought in the 1828–1829 Russo-Turkish War. He showed great bravery during the Siege of Kars in 1828. He also fought well in the 1829 battle of Bayburt. Both of these places are in the northeast Anatolia region. In 1830, his regiment was sent to stop the Polish Uprising. In 1836, he left the military due to health reasons. He had reached the rank of major.
Government Service
After his military career, Yuzefovich started working for the government. From 1840, he worked for the Ministry of National Enlightenment. This ministry was in charge of education in the Russian Empire. He worked as an inspector for schools in the Kiev Educational District. He also helped create public living spaces for students in high schools. In 1843, Yuzefovich was given the rank of court councilor. This was the 7th rank in the Table of Ranks. He was then made the acting deputy leader of the Kiev Educational District. This position was officially confirmed in 1845.
