Azerbaijan’s Incorporation into the Soviet Union: April 28, 1920

Historical Context

Following the chaos of World War I and the subsequent Russian Revolution in 1917, the political landscape of the Caucasus region underwent significant changes. The collapse of the Russian Empire created a power vacuum which new nations sought to exploit. Among these was Azerbaijan, which declared independence on May 28, 1918, forming the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first secular democratic republic in the Muslim world.

The Armenian/Azerbaijani Conflict and Political Instability

The nascent Azerbaijani state faced numerous challenges, including ethnic conflicts and territorial disputes, most notably with Armenia. These tensions weakened its government. Internally, Azerbaijan dealt with economic difficulties and political fragmentation, further destabilizing its efforts to maintain sovereignty.

Soviet-Russian Interests in the Caucasus

The Bolsheviks, having consolidated power in Russia, aimed to extend their influence into the oil-rich regions of the Caucasus. Azerbaijan, due to its strategic location and petroleum resources, was a prime target. Despite initially recognizing Azerbaijan’s independence, Soviet Russia’s interest in controlling Baku’s oil fields and spreading communist ideology motivated action against the Azerbaijani government.

The Invasion and Establishment of the Azerbaijan SSR

On April 28, 1920, the Soviet 11th Red Army crossed the border into Azerbaijan. Facing overwhelming military force and with the internal disarray of its own forces, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was unable to mount significant resistance. Subsequently, the Bolsheviks easily seized control of Baku.

The Azerbaijani government was forced to resign, and the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic was declared, integrating Azerbaijan into the Soviet Union. This marked the end of Azerbaijan’s short-lived independence and its incorporation as one of the union republics under Soviet rule. The new government established by the Bolsheviks implemented extensive nationalization of the oil industry and broader land reforms.

Aftermath and Broader Implications

The incorporation of Azerbaijan into the Soviet Union was part of a larger wave of Soviet expansion into the Caucasus, leading to similar takeovers in neighboring Armenia and Georgia. This marked a significant step in the USSR’s consolidation of power over the former territories of the Russian Empire and demonstrated the strategic value of the Caucasus region within Soviet geostrategic plans.

Under Soviet rule, Azerbaijan experienced significant economic transformation, urbanization, and industrialization, albeit under a repressive regime that curtailed political freedoms until the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, when Azerbaijan regained its independence.