Soviet Armenia in 1987

Politics Armenia had been a “republic” of the Soviet Union from 1920. Thus, Armenia had its own local government but was ruled by a central Soviet Russian national government. It was subject to the same economic policies and limitations on freedom of speech as were other areas of the Soviet Union. As part of the Soviet Union, Armenia has shared in Soviet advances and triumphs too In 1987 the Soviet Union (and thus Armenia) was still at war in Afghanistan.

Population About 3.6 million people lived in Armenia. About 96% of the people were ethnically Armenian

Culture Armenia is primarily Christians However during Soviet rule Armenians were not allowed to practice any religion People speak primarily Armenian though they are fluent in Russian too

Economics Armenia didn’t have its own oil fields. However Armenians could buy oil from the Soviet Union for cheap.

Kirovakan The third largest city in Armenia. Population of about 175,000 people. Full employment (Soviet policy). Fairly well-off – though not as high a standard of living as in the West.

Schools

Brainstorm Journal Entry

Changing Armenia: 1988-1991

Conflict with Azerbaijan As the Soviet Union weakened, nationalism began to rise in Armenia a region within the Soviet Union known as Azerbaijan, contained a majority of ethnic Armenians In February 1988, the regional government passed a resolution in favor of uniting Azerbaijan with Armenia. Violence broke out between Azerbaijan and Armenia

Earthquake On December 7, 1988, just before noon, a massive earthquake (6.9 on the Richter scale) hit the northern part of Armenia 564 residents of Kirovakan died in the quake

Decline of the Soviet Union Within the Soviet Union (including Armenia), people were demanding more political freedom and a more open economy. (Glasnost and perestroika☺)‏ Many Armenians began to demand independence too. They achieved it in 1991.

Brainstorm Journal Entry

New Armenia from 1991 to 2009

Independent Armenia Not quite 3 million people. 98 % Armenian Now there are small businesses but no job security. Oil has to be imported from Russia. Very expensive Economy suffering greatly

Kirovakan/Vanadzor The name changed from Kirovakan to Vanadzor in 1993 There is a high unemployment rate; many other people have jobs but are underemployed Some people live in houses that have not been fully rebuilt after the earthquake of 1988. The surrounding hillsides have been mostly de-forested. Because people were desperate for fuel they began to cut down and burn the trees to stay warm.

Technology Most people have cell phones Most young people have access to computers at school. Most people do not have keyboarding skills, and type slowly. A family is lucky to have a car

Schools

Brainstorm Journal Entry

Journal entries Begin to write final drafts of journal entries In general, remember 10 sentences for each entry and it must include A date (when you are writing the journal entry)‏ What the situation is like in the country at that time. What the situation is like in the city where you live Your feelings/experiences as a teenager living in that time Please see your handout for specific guidelines regarding each individual entry