Rose Revolution

Quick Facts: Who was Rose Revolution?

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Rose Revolution

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Nonviolent 2003 uprising in Georgia leading to a change of government.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Rose Revolution or Revolution of Roses (Georgian: ვარდების რევოლუცია, romanized: vardebis revolutsia) was a nonviolent change of power that occurred in Georgia in November 2003. The event was brought about by widespread protests over the disputed parliamentary elections and culminated in the resignation of President Eduard Shevardnadze, which marked the end of Soviet-era leadership in the country. The revolution derives its name from the climactic moment, when demonstrators led by Mikheil Saakashvili stormed the Parliament session with red roses in hand. The revolution was led by Shevardnadze's former political allies, Mikheil Saakashvili, Nino Burjanadze and Zurab Zhvania. Consisting of twenty days of protests from 3 to 23 November 2003, the Revolution triggered new presidential and parliamentary elections in Georgia, which brought the National Movement–Democrats coalition to the power.

Career & Major Achievements

The death of Zurab Zhvania in uncertain circumstances and the withdrawal of Nino Burjanadze into opposition eventually established the United National Movement as the single ruling party. According to the United States Department of State, with the sweeping reforms brought by the Rose Revolution, Georgia moved "from a near-failed state in 2003 to a relatively well-functioning market economy in 2014". The Rose Revolution is considered one of the early examples of colour revolutions. It was marked by strong role of non-governmental organizations and student activism. The Citizens' Union of Georgia (CUG) had been the ruling party for most of Eduard Shevardnadze's Presidency, and represented the interests of Shevardnadze loyalists.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The ineffectiveness of the government and the decreasing popularity of the regime led to the defection of numerous parliamentary deputies from the ruling party in 2000. The first group to leave the CUG represented the business community and would go on to form the New Rights Party (NRP) in 2001. This began the collapse of the party, as numerous party officials and deputies defected to join or form other parties. Eduard Shevardnadze himself resigned from the chairmanship of the CUG in September 2001. Fatefully, Mikheil Saakashvili (the Minister of Justice) left the ruling party in September and would form the National Movement opposition party one month later.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2000: 2000 Milestone — The ineffectiveness of the government and the decreasing popularity of the regime led to the defection of numerous parliamentary deputies from the ruling party in 2000.
2. 2001: 2001 Milestone — The first group to leave the CUG represented the business community and would go on to form the New Rights Party (NRP) in 2001.
3. 2003: 2003 Milestone — The Rose Revolution or Revolution of Roses (Georgian: ვარდების რევოლუცია, romanized: vardebis revolutsia) was a nonviolent change of power that occurred in Georgia in November 2003.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Rose Revolution

True or False: “The Rose Revolution was solely triggered by the immediate results of the disputed parliamentary elections held in November 2003.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While the election dispute was the culmination, the revolution was preceded by years of political fragmentation within the ruling party and growing discontent with Eduard Shevardnadze's regime.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Rose Revolution