zoom_in Click to enlarge

Armenian Independence Movement

▲ ▼

description Armenian Independence Movement Overview

The Armenian independence movement was the political and popular campaign that led the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic to leave the Soviet Union and become the Republic of Armenia. It developed amid Soviet liberalization, Armenian nationalism, and mass mobilization connected to the dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh. In a referendum held on September 21, 1991, an overwhelming majority voted for independence, which Armenia formally declared shortly afterward.

help Armenian Independence Movement FAQ

What triggered the Armenian Independence Movement?

The movement grew during Soviet liberalization and Armenian nationalism in the late 1980s. The 1988 Karabakh Movement, which demanded a change in the status of Armenian-populated Nagorno-Karabakh, became a major force in Armenia's mass politics. [U.S. Helsinki Commission report](https://www.csce.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Report-on-the-Armenian-Referendum-on-Independence.pdf)

When did Armenia vote to leave the Soviet Union?

Armenia held its independence referendum on 21 September 1991. The Armenian Soviet republic formally declared independence on 23 September 1991. [U.S. Helsinki Commission report](https://www.csce.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Report-on-the-Armenian-Referendum-on-Independence.pdf)

Who led Armenia during the final stage of the independence movement?

Levon Ter-Petrosyan led the Pan-Armenian National Movement and became the central political figure after the 1990 elections. A non-Communist government formed under his leadership before the 1991 referendum. [1991 Armenian referendum overview](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Armenian_independence_referendum)

How was Armenian independence connected to the Karabakh Movement?

The movements were connected but not identical. The Karabakh Movement initially focused on transferring Nagorno-Karabakh from Soviet Azerbaijan to Soviet Armenia, while the wider Armenian independence movement sought sovereignty for Armenia itself. [Karabakh Movement overview](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karabakh_Movement)

swap_horiz

Looking for Armenian Independence Movement alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward