In March 1991, Georgia conducted a referendum that marked a significant step toward its independence from the Soviet Union. The referendum was prompted by increasing pressure from Georgian nationalist movements and broader changes occurring across the Eastern Bloc, which were indicative of the collapse of Soviet authority. Voting took place from March 31 to April 1, with a reported turnout of about 90 percent. Nearly 99 percent of those who voted expressed their support for independence. This overwhelming backing emphasized the Georgian people's aspirations to establish their own governance, free from Moscow's direct control.

The referendum was organized under the leadership of the Georgian parliament, which had previously declared sovereignty from the Soviet Union in November 1990. Many voters viewed this as an opportunity to assert their identity and nationalism in a region that had long been under Soviet dominion. The process allowed for a democratic expression of will, sending a clear message to the central Soviet government about the desire for independence. Surrounding this initiative were events leading to the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with various republics seeking to forge their paths away from centralized Soviet policies.

Following the overwhelmingly positive result, Georgia's leadership stepped up efforts to gain official recognition of their independence. Within months, the push for independence culminated in geopolitical changes that ultimately led to the full dissolution of the Soviet Union by the end of 1991. The referendum not only captured the sentiments of Georgia's populace but also played a crucial role in the broader historical narrative of self-determination efforts in former Soviet territories, highlighting the dynamics of nationalist movements during that period.