| Russia and Chechnya in the 20th Century |
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| Written by Nohcho |
| Thursday, 29 October 2009 18:19 |
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In the past Chechnya has fought many times with Russia for its independence and Russia has fought back. Although independence seemed likely after the collapse of Communism, just three years later they were at war. Chechnya During the Russian Revolution 1917 Like many other nations and territories in Imperial Russia, the 1917 Bolshevik revolution brought freedom from Tsarist rule to Chechnya. As a predominately Islamic people, the Chechens’ culture, religion and language were repressed under years of Russian dominance. However this freedom was short lived; by 1922 Chechnya was back under Russian rule. Chechnya Under Stalin’s Dictatorship Before 1934, Chechnya had the status of being the sole titular nationality in its own Autonomous Region. In 1936, Chechnya was merged with the neighbouring Ingush region into a singular Autonomous Republic, or ASSR. An ASSR was defined as an area of national minority but not a big enough territory to be designated as an SSR. Chechnya During the Second World War During Nazi Germany’s invasion Chechnya was occupied. In 1944 Stalin accused the Chechen-Ingush region of collaboration with the enemy and ordered the entire population to be exiled. A significant number died en route and an even higher number died whilst in exile, this move was considered unforgiveable by the Chechens. Nikita Khrushchev Comes to Power It was only in 1957, with Stalin dead and Khrushchev denouncing much of his predecessors’ policies, when the Chechens returned home. After a long thirteen years in exile the Chechens were even more determined to break free of Russian dominance and be granted independence. |