The establishment of the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic marked a significant moment in the Soviet Union's national policy. Following the Russian Civil War, the Bolshevik government was faced with the challenge of addressing the diverse national identities within its territory. Among these was the Crimean Tatar population, a Turkic group indigenous to the Crimean Peninsula. The formation of the autonomous republic was intended to provide a semblance of self-governance, allowing local leaders to manage their affairs while remaining under the overarching authority of the Soviet government.

The formation of the republic was also strategic for the Bolsheviks, as it aimed to solidify control over a region that had seen significant upheaval. The Crimean Peninsula was strategically important, providing access to the Black Sea, and was an area of interest for various factions during the civil war. The establishment of the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was thus partly about cementing the Soviet influence in the region amidst ongoing conflicts.

While initially intended to benefit the Crimean Tatars, the autonomous status would later be challenged as the Soviet government pursued policies that limited local governance and autonomy. Furthermore, the significant political, social, and demographic changes that followed would profoundly impact the region's identity and its people. Over the decades, the Crimean Tatar population faced oppression and deportation, altering the landscape and cultural milieu of the region, with effects felt long into the future.