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Kievan Rus’ (Rus de Kiev)
Kievan Rus was a federation of Eastern Slav tribes that existed between the 9th and 13th centuries, spanning from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea. Its capital was Kyiv, making it historically significant for the national identity of modern Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. -
1240
Mongol Invasion
In the 13th century, the Mongols (Tatars) invaded Kievan Rus, leading to its fragmentation. This invasion marked the separation between Moscow and Kyiv, shaping the future of both regions. -
1362
The Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Division of Moscow
In the 14th century, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania took control of Kyiv, marking a territorial and political separation between Moscow and Ukraine. This period reinforced their distinct historical paths. -
Treaty of Pereyáslav
The Treaty of Pereyaslav puts Ukraine under the Russian Tsarate -
Expansion of the Russian Empire Under Catherine the Great
During the reign of Catherine the Great (1762-1796), the Russian Empire expanded into Ukrainian territories, including Donbas and Donetsk, increasing Russian influence in the region. -
Centralization of Russian power
Catherine the Great eliminates the Cossack Hetmanate and centralizes Russian control. -
Ukrainian territories
Russian Empire annexes more Ukrainian territories after partition of Poland. -
Rise of Ukrainian Nationalism in the 19th Century
During the mid-19th century, nationalist movements advocating for Ukrainian identity and independence began to emerge. These movements gained strength as imperial crises unfolded in the 20th century. -
Rise of Ukrainian Nationalist Movements
The early 20th century saw the rise of Ukrainian nationalism. Key figures included historian Mykhailo Hrushevsky and nationalist organizations like Sich -
Crisis of the Romanov Dynasty – Russian Revolution
The Romanov dynasty faced a deep crisis due to social, economic, and political changes. Key factors included the influence of the French and American revolutions, the rise of Marxism, the consolidation of the working class, peasant starvation, and the loss in the Russo-Japanese War. -
Revolution of 1905 – Bloody Sunday
On January 22, 1905, peaceful protesters led by Father Gapon marched to the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg to present a petition to Tsar Nicholas II. The Imperial Guard opened fire, killing hundreds. This event, known as Bloody Sunday. -
Conflicts in Ukraine – World War I
During World War I, Ukraine was caught in a conflict between Russia and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Ukrainians fought on both sides, leading to internal divisions. After the collapse of Austria-Hungary, Polish and Ukrainian forces clashed over Galicia. -
First World War and Russian Strikes of 1917
Russia entered World War I in 1914, suffering heavy casualties and economic collapse. By 1917, mass strikes and protests erupted, demanding an end to war, better living conditions, and political reforms. -
Victory of the Bolsheviks – Russia Becomes a Socialist State
Following their victory, the Bolsheviks established the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) in 1917, marking the beginning of communist rule. -
Bolshevik Revolution – "Peace, Land, and Bread"
In October 1917, the Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, overthrew the Provisional Government with the slogan "Peace, Land, and Bread." The revolution culminated in the storming of the Winter Palace and the establishment of Soviet rule. -
Formation of the Ukrainian People’s Republic (UPR)
In 1918, Ukraine declared independence as the Ukrainian People’s Republic (UPR). However, this republic had no relation to modern Ukraine and was soon divided. -
Ukraine Joins the Soviet Union
In 1918, Ukrainian leaders requested to become a federal state within Soviet Russia, but Lenin refused. Eventually, in 1922, Ukraine was fully incorporated into the USSR. -
Soviet Invasions and Foreign Occupations
Ukraine faced multiple invasions: first by Soviet Russia, then by Germany and Jewish communities faced violent pogroms. -
Ukraine Under Soviet Rule – Economic and Cultural Policies
Ukraine is reintegrated into the USSR. -
Ukraine Under Soviet Rule – Economic and Cultural Policies
Economic recovery begins. -
Ukraine Under Soviet Rule – Economic and Cultural Policies
Lenin dies, Stalin takes power. -
Ukraine Under Soviet Rule – Economic and Cultural Policies
Forced industrialization harms Ukrainian peasants. -
Holodomor
Great famine forced by Stalin resulting in the death of millions of Ukrainians. -
Ukraine Under Soviet Rule – Economic and Cultural Policies
Stalin’s purges target Ukrainian intellectuals and culture. -
Ukraine in World War II
Germany and the USSR sign the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact -
Ukraine in World War II
Hitler invades the USSR, triggering Ukrainian nationalist uprisings. -
Ukraine in World War II
The Soviet Army recaptures Ukraine and takes Berlin, securing victory in WWII. -
Soviet Domination Over Ukraine
After WWII, the USSR consolidated control over Ukraine. The nationalist movement was suppressed, and Ukraine was fully integrated into the Soviet system, marking the beginning of the Cold War. -
Ukraine declares independence
After the dissolution of the USSR, Ukraine becomes an independent state. -
Battle of Kiev
Ukraine manages to repel the Russian offensive in the capital and Russia redirects its attacks to the east and south. -
Russian invasion of Ukraine
Russia launches a full-scale invasion against Ukraine, attacking Kiev and other cities.