The Armenian National Movement emerged in the 19th century as a response to the oppression of the Armenian people within the Ottoman Empire and later in the Russian Empire. It aimed to promote Armenian identity, culture, and political rights, advocating for autonomy and self-determination. Key figures included Garegin Nzhdeh and Simon Zavarian, who played significant roles in mobilizing support for the cause. The movement gained momentum during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to the establishment of political organizations such as the Armenian Revolutionary Federation. The culmination of these efforts was the declaration of the First Republic of Armenia in 1918, marking a significant milestone in Armenian history.