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Republik
Georgien |
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A region in the western Caucasus,
south of Russia and north of Turkey. Long under Turkish influence, the
region of Georgia was conquered by Russia during 1810-78. In May 1918,
following the withdrawal of German forces that had occupied the area
during World War I, Georgia declared its independence. Georgia was
recognized by the League of Nations, but on Feb. 25, 1921, it was
occupied by Soviet forces. The Georgian Soviet Republic was merged into
the Transcaucasian Federation of Soviet Republics in March 1922, and
issues of the federation replaced those of Georgia on Oct. 1, 1923.
Georgian nationalist sentiment remained strong under Soviet rule,
provoking repression and massive purges after 1972. Despite this,
illegal private enterprise and nationalism remained potent forces and
brought further Soviet attempts at repression in 1989. Georgia declared
its independence in April 1991. Its recent history has been marked by
civil war during 1991-92 and by a rebellion in the province of Abkhazia,
on the Black Sea. Supported by Russia, Abkhazia became autonomous in
1994. |
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