BNR 99 anniversary

Last week marked the 99-year anniversary of the Belarusian National Republic, formed during the final years of the Great War in 1918.

During the final years of the Great War, many people in certain areas of Russia saw the deteriorating war as an opportunity to eventually gain their independence and form a regional nation.

After Russia was driven into a civil war in 1917, Many new states were formed in Eastern Europe and in areas (Ex: Chechnya, Cossacks, Georgia) that have been wanting to break away from Russa for centuries.

While new states were being formed in Eastern Europe and inside of Russia, the war on the western front was still raging.

On March 25th 1918, this was the first time Belarus officially became an independent country thanks to the German Army that defeated Russia and capture a vast amount of land in Eastern Europe.

During the German occupation of Belarus, they did some positive deeds like Reinstitute Belarusian culture, traditions, language and identity. These deeds were very popular among many Belarusian people during that time. During the short term period of the BNR, they tried to form a government system and planned for the future of Belarus.

This republic was short lived due to Russian aggression that was launch in Eastern Europe after the end of the Great War. Belarus wouldn't regain its independence into the early 1990’s.

Many Belarusian continue to view March 25th as freedom day and Belarusian independence day.

While there was protest movement last week in Minsk, people were also celebrating Belarusian independence day. They continue to view the BNR as the founding state of modern day Belarus.

Lukashenko will continue to govern Belarus, but it won’t last forever.

When looking at the future of how Belarus will look like once Lukashenko is no longer in Power, Belarus will eventually become democratic.

Many of the young generation in Belarus tend to be democratic and progressives. They support democratic policies like freedom of speech, freedom of expression and many other democratic ideas. The young generation will eventually overcome the old conservative leaders who still embrace soviet and dictatorial ideas.

Another deed these Belarusians would like is be more politically, economically and socially align with Poland and Lithuania. They have been wanting this for centuries.

Many of the reasons why they want to be more align with Lithuania and Poland is because these two regions created Belarus. Much of the Belarusian culture, traditions and identity comes from Lithuania and Poland.

Besides these two regions creating Belarus, many people in these areas share common core beliefs. They share common religious beliefs (Christianity), political interest, cultural traditions and much more.

These deeds will not happen in the short term, but in the long term Belarus will eventually become democratic and align with Poland and Lithuania. March 25th, will continue to be known as BNR independence day during the final years of the Great war.