Revolution of Dignity

Quick Facts: Who was Revolution of Dignity?

Subject:

Revolution of Dignity

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The 2014 Ukrainian uprising that ousted President Yanukovych and reshaped Ukraine's geopolitical alignment.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Revolution of Dignity (Ukrainian: Революція гідності, romanized: Revoliutsiia hidnosti), also known as the Maidan Revolution or the Ukrainian Revolution, took place in Ukraine in February 2014 at the end of the Euromaidan protests. Scores of protesters were killed by government forces during clashes in the capital Kyiv. Parliament then voted to remove President Viktor Yanukovych, return to the 2004 Constitution of Ukraine, and call new elections. The revolution prompted Russia to occupy Crimea, starting the Russo-Ukrainian war. In November 2013, a wave of large-scale protests known as "Euromaidan" began in response to President Yanukovych's sudden decision not to sign a political association and free trade agreement with the European Union (EU), instead choosing closer ties to Russia.

Career & Major Achievements

Euromaidan soon developed into the largest democratic mass movement in Europe since 1989. The Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) had overwhelmingly approved finalizing the EU association agreement; Russia had pressured Ukraine to reject it. The scope of the protests widened, with calls for the resignation of Yanukovych and the Azarov government. Protesters opposed what they saw as widespread government corruption and abuse of power, the influence of Russia and oligarchs, police brutality, human rights violations, and repressive anti-protest laws. A large, barricaded protest camp occupied Independence Square in central Kyiv throughout the 'Maidan Uprising'.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In January and February 2014, clashes between protesters and Berkut special riot police resulted in the deaths of 108 protesters and 13 police officers, and the wounding of many others. The first protesters were killed in fierce clashes with police on Hrushevsky Street on 19–22 January. Following this, protesters occupied government buildings throughout the country. Ukraine's government resigned on 28 January. Most of the slain protesters were killed on 18–20 February, during the most severe violence in Ukraine since it regained independence.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1989: 1989 Milestone — Euromaidan soon developed into the largest democratic mass movement in Europe since 1989.
2. 2004: 2004 Milestone — Parliament then voted to remove President Viktor Yanukovych, return to the 2004 Constitution of Ukraine, and call new elections.
3. 2013: 2013 Milestone — In November 2013, a wave of large-scale protests known as "Euromaidan" began in response to President Yanukovych's sudden decision not to sign a political association and free trade agreement with the European Union (EU), instead choosing closer ties to Russia.
4. 2014: 2014 Milestone — The Revolution of Dignity (Ukrainian: Революція гідності, romanized: Revoliutsiia hidnosti), also known as the Maidan Revolution or the Ukrainian Revolution, took place in Ukraine in February 2014 at the end of the Euromaidan protests.

Notable Quotes by Revolution of Dignity

“I want to say that I was incited, and I'm incited to use various methods and ways how to settle the situation, but I want to say I don't want to be at war. I don't want any decisions made using such a radical way.” (2014)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Revolution of Dignity

True or False: “The initial protests that escalated into the Revolution of Dignity were primarily triggered by Ukraine's desire to join Russia instead of the European Union.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The protests began because President Yanukovych suddenly refused to sign a political association and free trade agreement with the EU, favoring closer ties with Russia.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Revolution of Dignity