# Ukrainian People's Republic > country in Eastern Europe (1917–1921); government in exile (1921–1992) **Wikidata**: [Q243610](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q243610) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_People's_Republic) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ukrainian-people-s-republic ## Summary The Ukrainian People's Republic was a short-lived sovereign state in Eastern Europe that existed from November 7, 1917, to March 18, 1921, following the Russian Revolution. It was established as a result of the Ukrainian National Council's Third Universal, which declared independence from the Russian Empire. The republic was later absorbed into the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, which became a founding member of the Soviet Union in 1922. ## Key Facts - **Inception**: November 7, 1917 (Third Universal of the Ukrainian Central Council) - **Dissolution**: March 18, 1921 (absorption into the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic) - **Capital**: Kyiv - **Official Language**: Ukrainian - **Currency**: Ukrainian karbovanets (1918–1920), Ukrainian shah (1917–1918) - **Government**: Unitary state with a presidential system - **Head of State**: Symon Petliura (President of the Ukrainian People's Republic) - **Instance of**: Sovereign state, Autonomous administrative territorial entity - **Follows**: Russian Republic - **Followed by**: Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic - **Replaced by**: Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic - **Country**: Ukraine - **Sitelink Count**: 63 ## FAQs - **What was the Ukrainian People's Republic?** The Ukrainian People's Republic was a sovereign state that existed from November 7, 1917, to March 18, 1921, following the Russian Revolution. It was established as a result of the Ukrainian National Council's Third Universal, which declared independence from the Russian Empire. - **When and how was the Ukrainian People's Republic established?** The Ukrainian People's Republic was established on November 7, 1917, following the Third Universal of the Ukrainian Central Council, which declared independence from the Russian Empire. - **What was the capital of the Ukrainian People's Republic?** The capital of the Ukrainian People's Republic was Kyiv. - **What was the official language of the Ukrainian People's Republic?** The official language of the Ukrainian People's Republic was Ukrainian. - **What was the currency of the Ukrainian People's Republic?** The currency of the Ukrainian People's Republic was the Ukrainian karbovanets (1918–1920) and the Ukrainian shah (1917–1918). - **What was the government system of the Ukrainian People's Republic?** The Ukrainian People's Republic was a unitary state with a presidential system. - **Who was the head of state of the Ukrainian People's Republic?** Symon Petliura was the President of the Ukrainian People's Republic. - **What was the Ukrainian People's Republic followed by?** The Ukrainian People's Republic was followed by the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. - **What was the Ukrainian People's Republic replaced by?** The Ukrainian People's Republic was replaced by the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. ## Why It Matters The Ukrainian People's Republic holds significant historical importance as it was a pivotal moment in the struggle for Ukrainian independence and sovereignty. It marked the beginning of the Ukrainian national movement and the establishment of a Ukrainian state. The republic's existence and eventual absorption into the Soviet Union shaped the political and cultural landscape of Ukraine for decades to come. The Ukrainian People's Republic also played a crucial role in the broader context of the Russian Revolution and the formation of the Soviet Union. Its legacy continues to influence Ukrainian identity and politics today. ## Notable For - **Declaration of Independence**: The Ukrainian People's Republic was the first Ukrainian state to declare independence from the Russian Empire. - **Presidential System**: The Ukrainian People's Republic was a unitary state with a presidential system, which was a significant departure from the autocratic rule of the Russian Empire. - **Ukrainian Language**: The Ukrainian People's Republic made Ukrainian the official language of the state, promoting linguistic and cultural identity. - **Military Forces**: The Ukrainian People's Republic established its own military forces, including the Ukrainian People's Army, which played a crucial role in the defense of Ukrainian territory. - **Economic Reforms**: The Ukrainian People's Republic implemented economic reforms aimed at modernizing the economy and promoting industrialization. - **Cultural Revival**: The Ukrainian People's Republic supported cultural and educational initiatives, including the establishment of universities and the promotion of Ukrainian literature and art. - **International Recognition**: The Ukrainian People's Republic sought international recognition and diplomatic relations with other nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom. ## Body ### History The Ukrainian People's Republic was established on November 7, 1917, following the Third Universal of the Ukrainian Central Council, which declared independence from the Russian Empire. The republic was a result of the Ukrainian national movement, which sought to create a sovereign Ukrainian state. The Ukrainian People's Republic was a unitary state with a presidential system, headed by Symon Petliura as President. The republic's existence was marked by political instability, military conflicts, and economic challenges. On March 18, 1921, the Ukrainian People's Republic was absorbed into the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, which became a founding member of the Soviet Union in 1922. ### Geography The Ukrainian People's Republic encompassed the territory of modern-day Ukraine, including the cities of Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Lviv. The republic's borders were defined by the administrative divisions of the Russian Empire, including the Governorates of Kyiv, Kharkov, Podolia, Volhynia, and Chernigov. The Ukrainian People's Republic also included parts of the Governorates of Kholm, Volhyn, and Podolia, which were predominantly Ukrainian-speaking regions. ### Government and Politics The Ukrainian People's Republic was a unitary state with a presidential system, headed by Symon Petliura as President. The republic's government was composed of various ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Education. The Ukrainian People's Republic also established its own military forces, including the Ukrainian People's Army, which played a crucial role in the defense of Ukrainian territory. The republic's political system was marked by political instability, with multiple governments and political parties vying for power. ### Economy The Ukrainian People's Republic implemented economic reforms aimed at modernizing the economy and promoting industrialization. The republic's economy was based on agriculture, with significant production of grain, wheat, and other crops. The Ukrainian People's Republic also sought to develop industrial sectors, including metallurgy, coal mining, and textile production. The republic's economic policies were influenced by the principles of state capitalism and economic nationalism. ### Culture and Society The Ukrainian People's Republic supported cultural and educational initiatives, including the establishment of universities and the promotion of Ukrainian literature and art. The republic's cultural policies were aimed at preserving and promoting Ukrainian identity and heritage. The Ukrainian People's Republic also sought to modernize the education system, with a focus on Ukrainian language and history. The republic's cultural and educational initiatives played a crucial role in shaping the intellectual and artistic landscape of Ukraine. ### Military Forces The Ukrainian People's Republic established its own military forces, including the Ukrainian People's Army, which played a crucial role in the defense of Ukrainian territory. The republic's military forces were composed of volunteers and conscripts, with a focus on defending Ukrainian sovereignty and independence. The Ukrainian People's Army was involved in military conflicts with the Russian Bolsheviks, the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, and other political factions. The republic's military forces were marked by political instability and internal conflicts, with multiple factions and leaders vying for control. ### International Relations The Ukrainian People's Republic sought international recognition and diplomatic relations with other nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The republic's diplomatic efforts were aimed at securing recognition and support for Ukrainian independence. The Ukrainian People's Republic also sought to establish diplomatic relations with the Central Powers during World War I, including Germany and Austria-Hungary. The republic's diplomatic efforts were marked by political instability and shifting alliances, with multiple governments and political factions vying for influence. ### Legacy The Ukrainian People's Republic holds significant historical importance as it was a pivotal moment in the struggle for Ukrainian independence and sovereignty. Its legacy continues to influence Ukrainian identity and politics today. The republic's existence and eventual absorption into the Soviet Union shaped the political and cultural landscape of Ukraine for decades to come. The Ukrainian People's Republic also played a crucial role in the broader context of the Russian Revolution and the formation of the Soviet Union. Its legacy includes the promotion of Ukrainian language and culture, the establishment of a modern Ukrainian state, and the defense of Ukrainian sovereignty. ## References 1. [Source](http://www.interfax.by/article/23297) 2. Virtual International Authority File 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. Quora 5. FactGrid