The 1991 Belarusian Revolution was a series of nationwide strikes and pro-independence rallies against the Soviet Union and its policies. Falling living standards and unemployment along with Glasnost and Perestroika policies also sparked massive demonstrations and unrest by mostly young people, demanding democracy and leading labour protests across Belarus. The first mass protests were in April, when hundreds of thousands waved the Belarusian flag and demanded the resignation of president Mikhail Gorbachev. Massive rallies were held in Brest, Minsk, Mogilev and Gomel between April and May. The peaceful demonstrations were the largest in the history of Belarus at the time. Growing street protests and massive civil dissent rocked Belarus in July and August. On 25 August 1991, Belarus declared independence from the Soviet Union, as part of the dissolution of the country.[1][2]
Activists[edit]
- Vera Cerlukevič, leader of a protest movement at the Minsk Tractor Works
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "The Belarusian Popular Front in 1988—1996: photo and video". BNR Rada. 1 June 2017.
- ^ "Belarus And The Independence Day That Wasn't". Rferl. 25 August 2011.