This page was created by William Tyler Lott.
Walking through the streets of Kiev, April 1917
News has spread from Petrograd, the Tsar has abdicated! The reign of Nicholas II is over, and the Empire is in despair. The Soviets have risen in Petrograd, demanding a new government. I look around Kiev, and see 100,00 of my fellow people march for independence. Oh what revolutionary might! Peasants, students, workers, and soldiers together in creation of a new state—one for all, freed of the evils of imperialism. The oppressors tremble at the sight of us. The Central Rada has formed and plans to seize power—only a matter of weeks until my Ukraine is free from the grips of the Russian Empire! I walk out to the Ukrainian Club building, just years ago where hopes for a free Ukraine were subverted. It is now home of the Central Rada and the blue and yellow flag is proudly flying. No longer can the Tsar dictate our sovereignty, suppress our culture—we have risen as a mighty Ukraine!
