Lithuanian–Belorussian Soviet Socialist Republic facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lithuanian–Belorussian SSR
Lietuvos–Baltarusijos TSR
Літоўска–Беларуская ССР Литовско–Белорусская ССР |
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| 1919–1919 | |||||||||||||||||
 Flag
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Map of planned Litbel borders (thick blue line) superimposed on state borders of 1920
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| Capital | Vilnius, Minsk, Smolensk | ||||||||||||||||
| Common languages | Lithuanian, Belarusian, Yiddish, Polish, Russian | ||||||||||||||||
| Government | Socialist state | ||||||||||||||||
| Legislature | Council of People's Commissars | ||||||||||||||||
| Historical era | World War I | ||||||||||||||||
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• Established
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February 17 1919 | ||||||||||||||||
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• Disestablished
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July 17 1919 | ||||||||||||||||
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The Lithuanian–Belorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, often called Litbel, was a special kind of country. It was a "socialist republic" formed by the Soviet Union. This means it was run by a government that believed in sharing wealth and resources among everyone.
Litbel was created in 1919. It covered parts of what are now Belarus and eastern Lithuania. But it didn't last very long, only about seven months.
What Was Litbel?
Litbel was an attempt to create a united socialist state. It combined two smaller Soviet republics. These were the Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic and the Socialist Soviet Republic of Byelorussia. The idea was to bring these areas under one communist government.
The leaders of the Soviet Union wanted to spread their ideas. They hoped Litbel would be a strong, unified region. This new state would then be part of a larger group of Soviet republics.
How Litbel Was Formed
Litbel was officially formed on February 27, 1919. This happened during a time of great change in Eastern Europe. World War I had just ended. Many new countries were forming.
The Soviet Union was trying to establish its influence. They supported the creation of these socialist republics. The goal was to have governments friendly to their ideas.
Why Litbel Ended
Litbel's short life ended because of war. The Polish–Soviet War began in 1919. Polish forces started to move into the territory claimed by Litbel. They quickly took over many areas.
As the Polish army advanced, Litbel's government had to move its capital several times. First from Vilnius, then to Minsk, and finally to Smolensk. By July 1919, most of Litbel's claimed land was under Polish control. The republic effectively ceased to exist.
After Litbel dissolved, the areas became part of other states. Some parts went to the new Republic of Lithuania. Other parts became part of the Second Polish Republic. Later, the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic was formed.
Images for kids
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Frontlines as of February 27, 1919
See also
In Spanish: República Socialista Soviética Lituano-Bielorrusa para niños
