Marx had struck the hearts of millions, including that of Leo Trotsky and Vladimir Lenin. In 1917 the Bolshevik Revolution that he helped foment overthrew the Tzar and the Russian monarchy. As soon as this happened it gave optimism and hope to the Ukrainian people that they too could create their own destiny.
On this day November 20th, in 1917, Ukraine declares itself a republic. To be specific, it was called the People’s Ukrainian Republic and it was proclaimed in the Third Universal, their version of an Act. Due to aggression from Soviet Russia, the Republic lasted only until 1921 when Soviet Russia took over Ukraine.
For years Ukraine was involved with turmoil and war, internally and with foreign powers. In 1921 Ukraine was split between Soviet Russia and Poland. After the breakup of the Soviet Union, Ukraine became independent and a fierce argument ensued whether they should ally with Russia or with the West.