Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (1936–1991)
Ukrainian Socialist Soviet Republic (1919–1936)
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1919–1991 1941–1944: German and Romanian occupation |
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Motto: Пролетарі всіх країн, єднайтеся! (Ukrainian)
"Proletari vsikh krayin, yednaitesia!" (transliteration) "Workers of the world, unite!" |
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Anthem: Державний гімн Української Радянської Соціалістичної Республіки (Ukrainian)
Derzhavnyy himn Ukrayins'koyi Radyans'koyi Sotsialistychnoyi Respubliky (transliteration) |
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![]() Location of the Ukrainian SSR within the Soviet Union from 1954
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Status | Independent Socialist Republic (1919–1922) Union Republic of the USSR (1922–1990) Union Republic with priority of Ukrainian legislation (1990–1991) |
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Capital | Kharkiv (1919–1934) Kiev (1934–1991) |
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Common languages | Russian (dominant) Ukrainian (folkloristic) (in 1990 Ukrainian declared as official)a |
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Government | Soviet republic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
First Secretary | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
• 1918–1919
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Emanuel Kviring (first) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
• 1990–1991
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Stanislav Hurenko (last) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Head of state | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
• 1919–1938
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Grigory Petrovsky (first) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
• 1990–1991
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Leonid Kravchuk (last) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Head of government | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
• 1919–1923
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Christian Rakovsky (first) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
• 1988–1991
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Vitold Fokin (last) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Legislature | Supreme Soviet | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Historical era | 20th century | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
• Declaration of the Ukrainian Soviet republic
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10 March 1919 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
• Admitted to USSR
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30 December 1922 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
• Annexation of Western Ukraine from Poland
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15 November 1939 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
24 October 1945 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
• Priority of Ukrainian laws declared, Soviet laws partially abolished
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16 July 1990 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
• Declaration of independence, Ukrainian SSR renamed to Ukraine
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24 August 1991 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
• Ukrainian independence referendum
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1 December 1991 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
• Ratification of agreement to dissolve the Soviet Union
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10 December 1991 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
• Dissolution of the Soviet Union (Ukraine's independence formally recognized)
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26 December 1991 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
• Soviet government officially abolished (New constitution)
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28 June 1996 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Area | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1989 census | 603,700 km2 (233,100 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Population | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
• 1989 census
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51,706,746 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Currency | Soviet ruble (karbovanets) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Calling code | 7 03/04/05/06 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, often called the Ukrainian SSR or Soviet Ukraine, was a large part of the Soviet Union. It was located in the southwestern part of this big country. From 1922 to 1991, it was one of the most important parts of the Soviet Union, having the second-largest population among its fifteen republics.
The Ukrainian SSR was even a founding member of the United Nations. However, it didn't have much real power because the main government in Moscow controlled it very strictly. When the Soviet Union officially ended, the Ukrainian SSR became the independent country we know today as Ukraine.
Over its 72-year history, the borders of the Ukrainian SSR changed several times. The city of Kharkiv was its first capital. But in 1934, the capital was moved to Kyiv. Kyiv is still the capital city of Ukraine today.
Contents
How the Ukrainian SSR Started
The Ukrainian SSR was created after a time of big changes and wars. It was officially declared on March 10, 1919. This happened during the Russian Civil War, when different groups were fighting for control.
Joining the Soviet Union
In 1922, the Ukrainian SSR became one of the first parts of the new Soviet Union. This was a very important step. It meant Ukraine was now part of a much larger communist state.
Changes to Ukraine's Borders
The size and shape of the Ukrainian SSR changed a lot over the years. This was due to different historical events and agreements.
Expanding Westward
In 1939, a part of Western Ukraine that used to belong to Poland was added to the Ukrainian SSR. This made the republic much larger.
World War II and Occupation
During World War II, from 1941 to 1944, parts of the Ukrainian SSR were taken over by Nazi Germany and Romania. This was a very difficult time for the people living there.
Ukraine's Role in the World
Even though it was part of the Soviet Union, the Ukrainian SSR had some unique roles on the world stage.
A Member of the United Nations
Surprisingly, the Ukrainian SSR became a member of the United Nations on October 24, 1945. This was a special arrangement that allowed it to have its own voice in the global organization, even while being controlled by Moscow.
The Path to Independence
Towards the end of the 20th century, the Soviet Union began to weaken. This led to big changes for the Ukrainian SSR.
Declaring Sovereignty
On July 16, 1990, the Ukrainian SSR declared that its own laws would be more important than Soviet laws. This was a huge step towards gaining freedom.
Becoming Independent Ukraine
On August 24, 1991, the Ukrainian SSR officially declared its independence. It was then renamed simply "Ukraine." This was a historic moment for the country.
The Final Step: Referendum
To make sure everyone agreed, a special vote was held on December 1, 1991. Most people voted for Ukraine to be an independent country. This confirmed its new status.
Important People from Ukraine
Many important leaders of the Soviet Union were born or grew up in Ukraine.
These leaders played big roles in Soviet history.
Life in the Ukrainian SSR
Life in the Ukrainian SSR was different from life in many other countries. The government controlled many aspects of daily life.
City Life and Housing
Many people lived in microdistricts, which were large neighborhoods with many apartment buildings. These were common in cities across the republic.
Agriculture and Industry
Agriculture was very important, with many farms growing food. The government also worked to increase the use of modern machines like tractors in farming.
The Chernobyl Disaster
A very serious event happened in 1986: the Chernobyl disaster. This was a nuclear power plant accident that had a huge impact on Ukraine and the world.
Images for kids
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Soviet soldiers preparing rafts to cross the Dnieper during the Battle of the Dnieper (1943). The sign reads: "Let's get Kyiv!"
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Three Soviet leaders were either born or raised in Ukraine: Nikita Khrushchev and Leonid Brezhnev (depicted here together); and Konstantin Chernenko.
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The 1991 Ukrainian presidential election. Former dissident Vyacheslav Chornovil gained 23.3 percent of the vote, compared to 61.6 percent for then Acting President Leonid Kravchuk.
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Central Kharkiv in 1981
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Pavilion of Ukraine at the All-Russia Exhibition Centre in Moscow
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Microdistricts, such as this one in Mykolaiv, became common sights throughout the Ukrainian SSR's cities.
See also
In Spanish: República Socialista Soviética de Ucrania para niños