# First Republic of Armenia

> Armenian state existing from 1918–1920

**Wikidata**: [Q139670](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q139670)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Republic_of_Armenia)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/first-republic-of-armenia

## Summary
The First Republic of Armenia was a short-lived sovereign state that existed from May 28, 1918, to December 2, 1920, following the dissolution of the Russian Empire. It was established in the aftermath of World War I and the Russian Revolution, aiming to create an independent Armenian homeland. The republic was dissolved when it was absorbed into the Soviet Union, marking the beginning of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: May 28, 1918
- **Dissolution**: December 2, 1920
- **Capital**: Yerevan
- **Currency**: Armenian rouble (1919–1923)
- **Preceded by**: Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic
- **Succeeded by**: Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic
- **Located in**: Armenia
- **Related to**: Turkey, Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic, Soviet Union
- **Key figures**: Aram Manukian, Karekin Pastermadjian, Andranik Ozanian, Simon Vratsian
- **Significant events**: May Uprising, 1919 Armenian parliamentary election

## FAQs
- **What was the First Republic of Armenia?**
  The First Republic of Armenia was an independent state established in 1918 after the collapse of the Russian Empire, aiming to create a homeland for the Armenian people. It lasted until 1920 when it was absorbed into the Soviet Union.

- **Who were the key leaders of the First Republic of Armenia?**
  Key leaders included Aram Manukian, Karekin Pastermadjian, Andranik Ozanian, and Simon Vratsian, who played significant roles in its governance and military efforts.

- **What was the capital of the First Republic of Armenia?**
  The capital was Yerevan, which remains the capital of modern Armenia.

- **What was the currency of the First Republic of Armenia?**
  The Armenian rouble was the official currency from 1919 to 1923.

- **What happened to the First Republic of Armenia?**
  The republic was dissolved on December 2, 1920, when it was absorbed into the Soviet Union, leading to the establishment of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic.

## Why It Matters
The First Republic of Armenia was a pivotal moment in Armenian history, marking the first time the Armenian people had an independent state. It provided a platform for political and cultural revival, though its short lifespan was cut short by Soviet expansion. The republic’s legacy includes its role in shaping modern Armenian identity and its influence on later political movements.

## Notable For
- **First independent Armenian state**: The First Republic of Armenia was the first sovereign state established by the Armenian people.
- **Political and cultural revival**: It served as a center for Armenian nationalism and cultural expression.
- **Short-lived but impactful**: Despite its brief existence, it laid the groundwork for future Armenian political movements.

## Body

### History
The First Republic of Armenia was established on May 28, 1918, following the collapse of the Russian Empire and the Russian Revolution. It was formed in the aftermath of World War I, when the Armenian people sought to create an independent homeland. The republic was dissolved on December 2, 1920, when it was absorbed into the Soviet Union, leading to the establishment of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic.

### Governance and Leadership
Key figures in the republic’s governance included Aram Manukian, who played a crucial role in its founding and military efforts, and Karekin Pastermadjian, a prominent Armenian nationalist activist. Other notable leaders included Andranik Ozanian and Simon Vratsian, who served as Prime Minister.

### Economy and Currency
The Armenian rouble was the official currency of the First Republic of Armenia from 1919 to 1923. The republic faced economic challenges, including financial instability and reliance on foreign aid.

### Culture and Society
The republic was a center for Armenian cultural and intellectual life. Notable figures from this period include poets Levon Shant and Yeghishe Charents, as well as writers Vrtanes Papazian and Avedis Aharonyan. The republic also saw the establishment of the Communist Party of Armenia in 1917.

### Military and Foreign Relations
The First Republic of Armenia engaged in military efforts, including the Van Resistance led by Aram Manukian. It also maintained diplomatic relations with other nations, including Turkey and the Soviet Union.

### Legacy
The First Republic of Armenia’s legacy includes its role in shaping modern Armenian identity and its influence on later political movements. Its short lifespan was cut short by Soviet expansion, but it remains a significant chapter in Armenian history.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. FactGrid
4. National Library of Israel