Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic Russian: Белорусская Советская Социалистическая Республика Belarusian: Беларуская Савецкая Сацыялістычная Рэспубліка
1920–1991
Flag State emblem
Motto: Workers of the world, unite!
Anthem: Anthem of the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic
Location of Byelorussia (red) within the Soviet Union.
Status	Soviet Socialist Republic (1922-1991)
Capital	Minsk
Common languages	Official languages: Byelorussian · Russian Minority languages: Polish · Ukrainian · Yiddish
Government	Unitary Marxist-Leninist one-party Soviet-style socialist republic
First Secretary
• 1920–1923 (first)	Vilgelm Knorinsh
• 1990–1991 (last)	Anatoly Malofeyev
Prime Minister
• 1920–1924 (first)	Alexander Chervyakov
• 1990–1991 (last)	Vyachaslau Kebich
Head of state
• 1920–1937 (first)	Alexander Chervyakov
• 1990–1991 (last)	Mikalay Dzyemyantsyey
Legislature	Congress of Soviets (1920–1938) Supreme Soviet (1938–1991)
Historical era	20th century
• Republic declared	1 January 1919
• Soviet republic proclaimed	31 July 1920
• Admitted to Soviet Union	30 December 1922
• Annexation of Western Belarus	15 November 1939
• UN membership	24 October 1945
• Sovereignty declared	27 July 1990
• Independence declared	25 August 1991
• Internationally recognized	26 December 1991
Area
1989 census	207,600 km2 (80,200 sq mi)
Population
• 1989 census	10199709
Currency	Soviet ruble (руб) (SUR)
Calling code	7 015/016/017/02
Preceded by Succeeded by Lithuanian–Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic Second Polish Republic Reichskommissariat Ostland Bezirk Bialystok Reichskommissariat Ukraine Reichskommissariat Ostland Bezirk Bialystok Reichskommissariat Ukraine Polish People's Republic Belarus
Today part of	Belarus  Lithuania  Poland  Russia

The Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic (BSSR) was a country that existed for most of the 20th century. It was one of the fifteen republics that made up the Soviet Union (USSR). The BSSR was also known as Byelorussia.

In 1922, the BSSR was one of the four original countries that came together to form the Soviet Union. The other founding members were the Ukrainian SSR, the Transcaucasian SFSR, and the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic.

During World War II, Byelorussia was occupied by Nazi Germany. After the war, in 1945, the BSSR became a founding member of the United Nations. This was a big deal because it meant the BSSR had its own voice on the world stage, even though it was part of the Soviet Union.

The BSSR existed until 1991. That year, the Soviet Union broke apart, and Byelorussia became an independent country. It changed its name to the Republic of Belarus. In older times, people in Western Europe sometimes called this area "White Russia."

What Was the Byelorussian SSR?

The Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic was a large country in Eastern Europe. It was located in what is now modern-day Belarus. Its capital city was Minsk.

The BSSR was a "socialist republic." This meant its government followed ideas of socialism and communism. It was a one-party state, meaning only one political party, the Communist Party, was allowed to rule.

Joining the Soviet Union

The BSSR was officially formed in 1920. Just two years later, in December 1922, it joined with other republics to create the Soviet Union. This was a powerful union of socialist states.

For many years, the BSSR was an important part of the USSR. Its people contributed to the Soviet economy and culture. The official languages were Byelorussian and Russian. Other languages like Polish, Ukrainian, and Yiddish were also spoken.

Life During World War II

World War II had a huge impact on the Byelorussian SSR. Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941. Much of Byelorussia was occupied by German forces.

The war caused terrible destruction and loss of life. Many cities and villages were destroyed. After the war ended in 1945, the BSSR began the long process of rebuilding.

Becoming a United Nations Member

Even while it was part of the Soviet Union, the BSSR gained a special role. In 1945, it became one of the founding members of the United Nations. This was a global organization created to promote peace and cooperation.

The BSSR, along with the Ukrainian SSR and the Soviet Union itself, had their own seats at the UN. This gave them a unique presence on the international stage.

From Soviet Republic to Independent Belarus

The Byelorussian SSR existed for over 70 years. But by the late 1980s, the Soviet Union began to face many challenges. People wanted more freedom and changes in how the country was run.

On July 27, 1990, the BSSR declared its sovereignty. This meant it claimed the right to govern itself. Then, on August 25, 1991, it declared full independence.

The Soviet Union officially ended in December 1991. The Byelorussian SSR was no more. It was replaced by the independent Republic of Belarus. This new country was recognized by other nations around the world.

Everyday Life and Culture

Life in the Byelorussian SSR was shaped by its socialist system. The government controlled many aspects of daily life. People worked in factories, farms, and other state-run organizations.

Despite the political system, people maintained their unique culture. Traditional Belarusian customs and foods were important. For example, draniki, which are potato pancakes, are a popular national dish.

The capital city, Minsk, grew and developed over the years. It became a center for industry and education. The railway station in Minsk, even in the 1920s, showed the mix of languages spoken there.

Images for kids

• 

  A 2019 stamp dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the BSSR.

• 

  After their 1918–1919 winter conquest of Byelorussia, Ukraine and Lithuania, Soviet forces faced Poland as a competing power in the region.

• 

  After the decisive Polish victory in Warsaw, the Red Army was forced to retreat from Polish territories, but attempts to hold Western Belarus were lost after the Polish victory on the Nieman River.

• 

  A Belarusian caricature showing the division of their country by Poles and Bolsheviks.

• 

  BSSR between the two World Wars

• 

  Minsk Railway Station (1926), with the city's name given in Belarusian, Russian, Polish and Yiddish (or interwar Belarus's 4 official languages)

• 

  BSSR from September 1939 to June 1941, with territories added after the invasion of Poland marked in orange.

• 

  Russia-born Andrei Gromyko (right) served as Soviet foreign minister (1957–1985) and as Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet (1985–1988)

• 

  Draniki, the national dish

See also

In Spanish: República Socialista Soviética de Bielorrusia para niños