Soviet invasion of Azerbaijan

The Red Army invasion of Azerbaijan, also known as the Sovietization or Soviet invasion of Azerbaijan, took place in April 1920. It was a military campaign conducted by the 11th Army of the Soviet Russia aimed at installing a Soviet government in the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. The invasion coincided with an anti-government insurrection organized by local Azerbaijani Bolsheviks in the capital city of Baku. As a result, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was dissolved, and the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic was established.

During 1919–1920, Azerbaijan experienced severe political and socio-economic crises, with volatile internal conditions. Armed conflicts occurred between various political and social factions across the country. Since the collapse of Republican Power in 1918, underground organizations consisting of different political parties and socialist groups were active. These factions united with the AC(b)P in February 1920 to coordinate their political objectives.

In April 1920, the 11th Red Army, having defeated the Volunteer Army in the North Caucasus, approached Azerbaijan's borders. Azerbaijani Bolsheviks prepared for armed uprisings scheduled for the night of 26–27 April. Alongside the uprisings in Baku, several Soviet armored trains crossed into Azerbaijan, conducting successful deep raids behind Azerbaijani lines.

After securing key strategic locations in the capital, the Bolsheviks issued an ultimatum to the Azerbaijani government and parliament, demanding the transfer of power. In an emergency session, the parliament voted to hand over power to the Azerbaijani Communist Party. With the support of the 11th Red Army entering the country, the new government quickly brought the rest of Azerbaijan under its control. The primary outcome was the establishment of Soviet rule under the Communist Party, and the proclamation of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. The Azerbaijan SSR functioned as a nominally independent state until 1922.