White Russia

The term White Russia has two meanings. The first is the historical English language name for roughly the region now known as Belarus. Earlier it was applied to Novgorod but by the late 16th century had become a name for the area of present Belarus. The second meaning refers to the anti-communist and pro-Czarist faction prior to and in the aftermath of the 1917 Russian Revolution. This referred not to Belarus, but to their opposition to "Red Russia". This political terminology has become generic. Early 20th century opponents of the communist regime are often referred to as a "White".

The name "Belarus" does not actually derive from Russia, but from "Ruthenia" (the old Latin name of the region).

See also: Black Russia