Vladyslav Henshel and his role in the preparation of the january uprising of 1863-1864 in Left-Bank Ukraine

The purpose of the research. The purpose of this research paper is to explore the figure of Vladyslav Henshel in the context of his participation in the preparation and implementation of the January Uprising of 1863–1864 in Kyiv and the surrounding areas. The research methodology. For a comprehensive and proper examination of the chosen topic, the study employs the principles of historicism, objectivism, and systematic analysis. Additionally, general scientific and special (historical) methods are used, such as content analysis, synthesis, historical-genetic method, historical-comparative method, and historical-systemic method. The scientific novelty. For the first time in historiography, this research focuses on the figure of Vladyslav Henshel as a key person in the preparation of the Polish uprising during 1861-1863. Conclusions. Vladyslav Henshel played a critical role in the preparation of the Polish uprising. Although from a minor noble background, his abilities allowed him to quickly advance in the academic world. In parallel, he was deeply involved in underground activities. Initially, his sphere of influence was centered around Kyiv, where he was a member of the "Triune Union," participated in educational work within the "Society for the Educational Assistance to the Polish People," assisted in forming future insurgent units abroad, and co-organized Polish manifestations. By 1861, he had become one of the key leaders of the Polish national liberation movement among the youth. After his arrest, he continued educational activities in Kyiv and Volyn Gubernias. Later, he became a co-organizer of an armed insurgent unit in the Skvyra district. Like other insurgent groups in the spring of 1863, Henshel's unit was unable to gain support from the peasantry and was quickly destroyed.