The Idea of Georgia's Independence in the Press of 1917-1918. Decisive Role for Freedom

      Аннотация: 100 year anniversary of the founding of the first Georgian Republic, 1917-1918 years are remarkable for the history of Georgian journalism. The press of that period acquainted us with the balance of political powers, activities of different parties, opinion of Georgian public, key international players and processes ongoing in Russia and Europe. The analysis of the press for the years 1917-1918 shows a real picture of how the independence of Georgia was formed and matured, how public opinion was created. The vague contours of democratic formation are clearly reflected according to the analysis of publications of the discussed press: multi-party legislative body, pluralist and free press, civil and political rights, private property. It seems that democratic republic is being established in Georgia. Georgian publicists and writers thought that freedom of expression is the basis for formation of a democratic society, because it is impossible to implement other rights without this right. More importantly, this period is a clear example of the existence of Georgian pluralistic media, what should be multi-party and pluralist press.

Ключевые слова: Democracy, history, Media, Press, Political System, 26 May, Georgia's Independence, Political Journalism, 1917-1918