The First Armenian Republic: Lessons for Independence and Survival

The First Armenian Republic (1918-1920) emerged from the devastating aftermath of the Armenian Genocide and a tumultuous era of war. It encountered numerous internal and external obstacles during a crucial period in Armenian history. This momentous event represented the first independent Armenian state within the context of modern "Westphalian" states, illustrating the enduring continuity of the Armenian nation's quest for self-determination. Or was it?

This blog post critically examines one of the most significant events in Armenian history. It emphasizes the importance of analyzing national histories within the broader global or regional context. Specifically, the post argues that the establishment of the First Armenian Republic, while a remarkable milestone, was shaped by a series of global events, including the end of World War I, the collapse of the Russian Empire, the Russian Civil War, the nationalist movement in Turkey, and, notably, the backdrop of the Armenian Genocide.

Genesis

On the eve of the establishment of the First Armenian Republic, a critical moment unfolded as Armenian forces, left to fend for themselves following the collapse of fragile political unity among Armenians, Georgians, and Azerbaijanis, successfully halted a significant advance by the Turkish armed forces.

The battles of Sardarapat (May 22-29), Bash-Aparan (May 23-29), and Karakilisa (May 25-29) played a pivotal role in temporarily halting Turkish expansion and providing a precious window of opportunity for Armenian intellectuals and military leaders to regroup and reorganize.

On 26 May 1918, the Democratic Federal Republic of Transcaucasia formally collapsed, leading to the proclamation of Georgia’s independence on that very day. Subsequently, on 27 May, the establishment of the “East Caucasian Muslim Republic” was declared, marking another significant development in the region.

Independence imposed

On May 28, Armenia's independence took center stage during the deliberations of the Armenian Central National Council held in Tiflis. After thorough discussions, the Council decided to declare Armenia's independence. With its newfound status as an independent state, Armenia dispatched a delegation to Batumi to negotiate and finalize a peace treaty with the Turks.

The decision was not an easy one for the Armenian leadership, as it was imposed upon them rather than stemming from a strong independence movement or popular demand. Armenians had endured immense suffering and oppression, including the Armenian Genocide and centuries of subjugation under various empires such as the Ottoman, Persian, and Russian. In general, people lacked the resources and widespread political or nationalist intentions to establish a modern republic, except for a segment of intellectuals.

The challenges of proclaiming independence were multi-fold. Firstly, it would place Armenia on a volatile chessboard of a region still engulfed in international chaos. With the collapse of the Russian Empire in 1917 and the subsequent October Revolution, Russia plunged into a brutal Civil War, with various factions vying for power and foreign interventions intensifying. This exposed Armenians to direct attacks from Turkey, which had already suffered a de facto defeat in World War I. The eastern direction, where Armenia lay, became one of the primary territorial focuses for Turkish forces. Thus, proclaiming independence placed Armenians in the crosshairs of Turkish ambitions, without the protective shield of Russia, which could potentially hold Turkey accountable for attacking territories that were formerly part of the Russian Empire. Yet this hazard was formally done with the independence of Armenia.

In essence, the decision to proclaim independence carried immense risks and placed Armenia in a precarious position amid the turbulent geopolitical landscape. It was not driven by a surge of nationalist sentiment but rather influenced by the complex dynamics of regional power struggles, Turkey's aspirations, and the absence of a domninating power in the region.

Day one: it wasn't good

Turks hastily recognized the independence of Armenia. The Turkish side, acknowledging the strength demonstrated by Armenian forces, slightly adjusted their demands during the negotiations in Batumi. Ultimately, these negotiations led to a peace agreement on 4 June.

The terms of the peace agreement proved to be highly challenging for Armenia, as significant portions of Eastern Armenia were ceded to Turkey. The Republic of Armenia was left with a meager territory of approximately 11,000 square kilometers, encompassing primarily the capital city of Yerevan and the surrounding areas of Lake Sevan. Additionally, Armenia's military capacity was severely limited, and control over the railways was transferred to Turkey. The treaty remained in effect for several months until the conclusion of World War I in November 1918.

The signing of the armistice in Mudros on 30 October 1918 marked a significant turning point as it signified the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the First World War. This armistice effectively rendered the treaties of Brest-Litovsk and Batum invalid. The Mudros armistice played a crucial role in reshaping the geopolitical landscape and marked the beginning of a new era for the region.

The heartful friendship

On 26 April 1920, Mustafa Kemal wrote a letter to Vladimir Lenin, the Chairman of the People's Committee of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR), suggesting a military alliance against the "imperialist West." Kemal also hinted at the willingness to engage in military operations against Armenia if deemed necessary. Subsequently, the Bolshevik-Kemal talks commenced in Moscow in mid-summer 1920, ultimately resulting in the signing of the "Heartful and Sincere Friendship" agreement between the parties on 24 August. This agreement solidified the diplomatic ties and cooperation between Kemal's forces and the Soviet Union, further shaping the geopolitical dynamics of the region.

Օn 23 September 1920, Kemalist Turkey launched an unprovoked attack on the Republic of Armenia without formally declaring war. The Turkish forces, consisting of over 50,000 troops, held a significant numerical advantage over the Armenian army. Under the leadership of General Tovmas Nazarbekyan, Armenians were outnumbered and at a military disadvantage. The Armenian army consisted of approximately 40,000 soldiers, out of which 25,000 were dedicated combat forces. The overwhelming force of the Turkish troops posed a considerable challenge for the Armenian defense during this period.

On 28 October, Turkish troops initiated an attack on the Kars front. The assault resulted in the surrender of the city of Kars to the Turkish forces on October 31. The fall of Kars marked a significant development in the ongoing conflict, as it resulted in the Turkish occupation of the city and its surrounding areas. The capture of Kars by the Turkish troops had far-reaching implications for the territorial control and geopolitical dynamics in the region.

Following the capture of Alexandropol (Gyumri) on 7 November, the Armenian government swiftly acquiesced to Turkish demands and agreed to an armistice. Subsequently, on November 25, bilateral negotiations for Turkish-Armenian reconciliation commenced in Alexandropol. These negotiations aimed to address the terms and conditions for a peaceful resolution between the two parties, amid the ongoing conflict and territorial disputes.

To initiate negotiations with the Armenian authorities, a delegation led by the Russian plenipotentiary representative Boris Legrand arrived in Yerevan. The Armenian-Russian negotiations concluded with the signing of the "Protocol of Final Decision" on 28 October. However, by the end of autumn in 1920, Armenia found itself increasingly unable to withstand the mounting pressures from both Kemalist Turkey and the Bolshevik forces. The Russian government demanded the immediate acceptance of Sovietization, exerting additional pressure on Armenia's already precarious situation. This marked a critical turning point in Armenia's political landscape, as the country faced mounting challenges and decisions that would significantly shape its future.

During the night of December 2-3, the delegation representing the former government of the Republic of Armenia signed a Turkish-Armenian reconciliation agreement in Alexandropol. This agreement was widely regarded as humiliating for the Armenian state and its people. The terms of the agreement likely placed Armenia in a disadvantaged position, with unfavorable conditions and concessions imposed upon the country. The signing of this agreement marked a painful chapter in Armenian history, evoking a sense of disappointment and distress among the Armenian population.

Indispensable takeaways

The establishment of the First Armenian Republic was not only a moment of celebration for independence but also carried a significant burden of responsibilities and challenges. It emerged as a result of global events and the political vacuum created after the collapse of the Russian Empire and the conclusion of World War I. However, it is important to recognize that both Turkey and Russia, both genuine “prisons of nations”, held serious reservations towards the concept of independent small nations.

The demise of the Armenian Republic was orchestrated through the collective efforts of Turkey and Russia, who shared a common aversion to the existence of small independent nations. This paradigm continues to shape the foreign policies of these nations to this day. For small nations like Armenia, it is crucial to objectively analyze history in order to gain a better understanding of the visions and policies of modern and modified empires such as Russia and Turkey, which remained consistent in their attitudes towards weaker neighbors.

By studying and comprehending these historical dynamics, small nations like Armenia can better navigate their positions and directions in foreign affairs. As we reflect on the birth of the First Armenian Republic, it becomes clear that celebrating this milestone carries immense significance. Nevertheless, it is equally crucial for Armenia to pause and deeply reflect on the historical dynamics and current global developments. In the face of ongoing challenges to Armenia's sovereignty and security, the celebration must be accompanied by a sober and analytical approach that aims to preserve Armenia as a resilient and prosperous nation.

The acknowledgment of independence should be transformed into a deliberate and innovative process of analyzing, strategizing, and programming methods to safeguard Armenia's security and national interests. It requires a cool-headed assessment of the evolving global landscape and a creative exploration of avenues for maintaining and strengthening Armenia's independence and sovereignty.

Reclaiming and reaffirming independence and sovereignty becomes an ongoing mission, demanding continuous efforts and adaptability. It is through this steadfast commitment and unwavering dedication that Armenia faced can truly honor, pay tribute to, and celebrate the idea of statehood and sovereignty, which now are being challenged basically on a daily basis.