How did Belarus become an independent country?

The independence of Belarus was a gradual process that took place over several years, beginning with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Here is a timeline of key events leading to Belarus's independence:

1989-1990: Perestroika and Glasnost, policies introduced by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, allowed for greater political freedom and expression in the Soviet Union. This led to the rise of nationalist movements in various republics, including Belarus.

1990: The Supreme Soviet of Belarus declared sovereignty over its territory on July 27, 1990, making it a de facto independent state within the Soviet Union. However, Belarus remained part of the Soviet Union for the time being.

1991: The failed August coup attempt in Moscow against Gorbachev marked a turning point in the dissolution of the Soviet Union. On August 25, 1991, the Belarusian parliament declared the country's full independence from the Soviet Union.

September 19, 1991: Belarus, along with Ukraine and Russia, signed the Belovezha Accords, officially dissolving the Soviet Union and establishing the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

December 8, 1991: Belarus joined the United Nations, along with other former Soviet republics.

1994: Alexander Lukashenko was elected President of Belarus, marking the beginning of his long-term rule over the country.

In summary, Belarus became an independent country through a series of events that began with the decline of the Soviet Union. The declaration of sovereignty in 1990 and the Belovezha Accords in 1991 marked key stages in the process of independence, which was facilitated by the political changes brought about by Perestroika and Glasnost.