The Breakup of the USSR
Independence of the Soviet Republics
In the early 1990s, the world witnessed the dramatic dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), leading to the emergence of fifteen independent nations. Each republic followed its unique path to sovereignty, driven by a combination of political upheaval, nationalistic fervor, and the weakening grip of Moscow's central authority. This article explores the timeline and context of each republic's journey to independence, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped the post-Soviet landscape.
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Estonia
Georgia
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Lithuania
Moldova
Russia
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
Uzbekistan
Armenia
Date of independence: September 23, 1991 Context: Armenia declared independence after a referendum held on September 21, 1991, where the majority of the population voted in favor of leaving the USSR. This move followed the failed coup in Moscow in August 1991, which weakened Soviet authority.
Azerbaijan
Date of independence: August 30, 1991 Context: Azerbaijan's Supreme Soviet declared independence following the failed coup attempt in Moscow. The official Act of Independence was adopted on October 18, 1991, solidifying its decision.
Belarus
Date of independence: August 25, 1991 Context: After the failed coup in Moscow, Belarus declared its independence. This declaration was confirmed by a national referendum in December 1991, which supported the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Estonia
Date of independence: August 20, 1991 Context: Estonia proclaimed its independence amidst the Moscow coup attempt. The Estonian Supreme Council voted for independence, and the international community soon recognized it.
Georgia
Date of independence: April 9, 1991 Context: Following a national referendum on March 31, 1991, where the vast majority voted for independence, Georgia declared its independence from the USSR.
Kazakhstan
Date of independence: December 16, 1991 Context: Kazakhstan was the last of the Soviet republics to declare independence. The declaration came as the Soviet Union was formally dissolving.
Kyrgyzstan
Date of independence: August 31, 1991 Context: In response to the failed coup in Moscow and the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Kyrgyzstan declared its independence.
Latvia
Date of independence: August 21, 1991 Context: Latvia declared its independence following the failed coup in Moscow, with the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia voting for independence.
Lithuania
Date of independence: March 11, 1990 Context: Lithuania was the first republic to declare independence from the Soviet Union. This bold move initiated a chain reaction, leading to increased tensions with Moscow and the eventual dissolution of the USSR.
Moldova
Date of independence: August 27, 1991 Context: Moldova declared independence following the Moscow coup attempt. The Moldovan Parliament adopted the Declaration of Independence, which was later confirmed by a referendum.
Russia
Date of independence: June 12, 1990 (Declaration of Sovereignty); December 25, 1991 (official independence) Context: Russia declared its sovereignty on June 12, 1990, and officially became independent with the dissolution of the Soviet Union on December 25, 1991, when Mikhail Gorbachev resigned as the President of the USSR.
Tajikistan
Date of independence: September 9, 1991 Context: Tajikistan declared its independence in response to the disintegration of the Soviet Union, amidst internal political turmoil and civil unrest.
Turkmenistan
Date of independence: October 27, 1991 Context: Turkmenistan declared independence following the Moscow coup attempt and the weakening of Soviet central authority. A national referendum on December 26, 1991, confirmed this decision.
Ukraine
Date of independence: August 24, 1991 Context: Ukraine declared independence following the failed coup in Moscow. The declaration was overwhelmingly supported by a referendum on December 1, 1991, where over 90% voted in favor.
Uzbekistan
Date of independence: September 1, 1991 Context: Uzbekistan declared its independence amidst the general disintegration of Soviet authority and confirmed its status with a national referendum later that year.
Conclusion
The dissolution of the USSR marked a significant turning point in global history, giving rise to fifteen independent nations, each embarking on its unique journey toward sovereignty and self-determination. The transition was marked by political upheaval, referendums, and a strong desire for autonomy, reshaping the geopolitical landscape of Eurasia. These newly independent republics have since navigated the challenges of nation-building, forging their paths in the post-Soviet era while contributing to the rich tapestry of global history.