Belarusian People's Republic Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Belarusian People's Republic

Белару́ская Наро́дная Рэспу́бліка
Bielaruskaja Narodnaja Respublika

1918–1919

Flag

Coat of arms

Anthem: Belarusian: Ваяцкі марш
"March of the Warriors"

Status

Partially recognized

Capital

1918 Minsk · Vilna
1918–1919 Hrodna

Capital-in-exile

1919–1923  Kaunas
1923–1945  Prague
1948–1970  Paris
1970–1983  Toronto
1983–present  New York

Common languages

Belarusian
minority languages recognized for official usage:
Polish
Yiddish
Russian

Government

Republic

Chairman of the Rada

• 1918–1919

Jan Sierada

• 1919

Piotra Krečeŭski

Chairperson-in-exile

• 1919–1928 (first)

Piotra Krečeŭski

• 1997–present

Ivonka Survilla

Historical era

World War I

• Independence

March 25 1918

• Soviet invasion

January 5 1919

Currency

Ruble

ISO 3166 code

Preceded by

Succeeded by

Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic

Lithuanian–Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic
Second Polish Republic
Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic

Today part of

Belarus

Russia

Lithuania

Poland

Latvia

The Belarusian People's Republic was a country that declared itself independent in 1918. It was also known as the Belarusian Democratic Republic or Belarusian National Republic. This country was in Eastern Europe, where Belarus is today.

It was created during World War I, when the Russian Empire was falling apart. The leaders wanted Belarus to be a free and independent nation.

However, not many other countries officially recognized it. It was mostly recognized by some countries that were fighting in World War I, like Germany, and some new countries formed after the Russian Empire.

The Belarusian People's Republic didn't last long. It ended when the Soviet Union took control of the area. The Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic was formed in 1919.

Even after the country ended, its leaders went into exile. This means they left Belarus and continued to work for an independent Belarus from other countries. They still say the Belarusian People's Republic is a country, even today.

What Was the Belarusian People's Republic?
Who Led the Republic?
Images for kids
See also

What Was the Belarusian People's Republic?

The Belarusian People's Republic (BNR) was a short-lived state. It was declared on March 25, 1918. This happened during a very confusing time in history. World War I was still going on. The Russian Empire had just collapsed.

The BNR aimed to create a truly independent Belarus. Its leaders wanted to build a democratic government. They also wanted to protect Belarusian culture and language. The country had its own flag and coat of arms.

The BNR claimed a large area of land. This land included parts of modern-day Belarus, Russia, Lithuania, and Poland. However, it never fully controlled all of this territory. Different armies were fighting for control of the region.

Who Led the Republic?

The leaders of the Belarusian People's Republic were called Chairmen of the Council of BNR. They worked to establish and maintain the idea of an independent Belarus. Even after the republic was no longer in control of its land, these leaders continued their work from other countries. This is what is meant by "in exile."

Here are some of the important leaders who served as Chairmen:

Jan Sierada (1918–1919)
Piotra Krečeŭski (1919–1928)
Vasil Zacharka (1928–1943)
Mikoła Abramčyk (1944–1970)
Vincent Žuk-Hryškievič (1970–1982)
Jazep Sažyč (1982–1997)
Ivonka Survilla (1997–present)

Ivonka Survilla is the current Chairperson-in-exile. She continues the work of the Belarusian People's Republic. This shows how important the idea of an independent Belarus has been to many people.