Ukraine’s Declaration of Independence
On August 24, 1991, lawmakers in Kyiv made a decision that would change the map of Europe. They declared Ukraine an independent state. At the time, Ukraine was still officially a republic within the Soviet Union, a large state made up of 15 republics. The declaration was a decisive step toward ending that connection, but it was not the end of the story.
A union under pressure
For decades, the Soviet government in Moscow held power over many major decisions affecting Ukraine. By 1991, however, the Soviet Union was facing deep economic and political problems. People in several republics were demanding more control over their own affairs, and the authority of the central government was weakening.
On August 19, 1991, a group of Soviet officials attempted a coup, or an illegal takeover of government power. They tried to remove Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev from power and stop reforms that were loosening central control. The coup failed within days, but it increased uncertainty about the Soviet Union’s future. In Ukraine, lawmakers acted quickly in the aftermath.
- decisive:
- Having a major effect on the result of a situation.
- authority:
- The power or right to make decisions and enforce rules.
- reforms:
- Changes intended to improve a system.
- aftermath:
- The period following an important event, especially one that caused difficulties.
- constitution:
- A set of basic laws and principles that establishes how a country is governed.
- institutions:
- Organizations or systems established to carry out important public functions.
- observance:
- An event or practice that marks an important date or occasion.
- sustain:
- To maintain or support something over time.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1How did the failed coup contribute to the timing of Ukraine’s declaration?
- 2How did the declaration change the stated source of legal authority in Ukraine?
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About this explanatory article passage for Middle School
“Ukraine’s Declaration of Independence” is a explanatory article reading passage about Ukrainian independence, written for Middle School. It takes about 5 minutes to read (784 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.