Following the disintegration of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, western Galicia saw the establishment of a new Polish government, which sought to assert control over the region amid the chaotic aftermath of World War I. The emergence of this government marked a pivotal moment for Polish nationalism, as various factions aimed to claim their right to self-determination and governance. Local Polish leaders, capitalizing on the power vacuum, declared an independent Polish state, leading the populace towards newfound autonomy and governance in a region that had been under foreign control for decades. This declaration was deeply rooted in historical Polish aspirations for independence that had persisted through centuries of partition and foreign domination.

However, this bold assertion of independence did not go uncontested. Tensions quickly escalated with the Ukrainian population, who also claimed the region as their own, reflecting the complex ethnic and national identities present in Galicia. The Polish authorities' move sparked the Polish–Ukrainian War, as both sides sought to consolidate power and territory. Violent confrontations ensued as both Polish and Ukrainian forces engaged in battles, seeking to dominate areas of strategic and symbolic importance. The conflict was marked by fervent nationalism on both sides while drawing attention to the broader struggles of national identity in post-war Europe.

The Polish–Ukrainian War became integral not only for the fate of Galicia but also for the larger context of Eastern European politics. As various national movements proliferated in the wake of World War I, the decisions made in this volatile period would influence the future generations of both nations and shape the tumultuous interwar years. European maps would continue to shift as nations emerged from the shadows of empires, laying the groundwork for conflicts that would unfold throughout the 20th century.