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On the 24th of February 1918 Estonian Government called Maapäev proclaimed Estonian independence. On the next day, as German troops entered the capital of Estonia, Päts got arrested and the supporters of independent Estonia in the government had to escape to not end up the same as Päts. Estonian sovereignty switched from Russia to Germany as the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed (“Estonia - History | Britannica,” 2020). -
In January 1918, Latvian Nationalist Party established the declaration of Latvian Independence and on the 18th of November same year, Latvia was proclaimed an independent Republic. -
On the 22nd of November 1918, the Red Army invaded Zilupe and went all the way to Riga, and eventually took over control of almost the whole territory of Latvia, only the cost line city Liepaja remained under Latvian-German control. British and German troops were sent to support Latvian army in the fights until eventually on the 31st of January 1920 the Red Army was defeated in Ludza. A Peace Treaty (Miera Liigums) was established on the 11th August 1920.
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In November 1918, Soviet Russian government denounced the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk and attempted to take over the rule in the Baltics which led to beginning of the Baltic War of Liberation. In each of the Baltic countries the dates of the war varied, in Estonia the war started when the Bolsheviks entered Narva, the city on Russian-Estonian border, on the 28th of November 1918. With help of Germany, Britain, and Finland, Estonia defeated the Bolsheviks and the war resulted in Treaty of Tartu.
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After almost a year of negotiations, finally the Treaty of Tartu was agreed on and signed by Russian and Estonian sides. As the treaty was signed, both countries agreed on Estonian borders and peace agreement. Moreover, Russia recognized Estonia as an independent country with its own constitution and government. -
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Kaarlis Ulmanis was a rather controversial figure in Latvian History and is known for his authoritarian aspirations and rule. After several terms as a prime-minister, he earned himself a reputation of a strong political leader and support of the ministers of the parliament (Saeima). On the nights of May 15-16, he announced the state of emergency and introduced the Martial Law, suspending all political parties and the Saeima. His authoritarian rule lasted until the Sovietization of Latvia. -
In 1937, the National Assembly at its last sitting established a new constitution which was also a framework for the elections for the 6th Riigikogu in 1938. Initially, the 6th Riigikogu was planned to be elected in 1934, but the State Elder Konstantin Päts and his supporters established the Martial law which forbid any activity from political parties. This period is known as the silent era (Riigikogu, n.d.). -
After the Pact of Molotov-Ribbentrop was signed in August 1939, Eastern Europe was divided into spheres of influence. Estonia, as well as Latvia, Lithuania, and Eastern Poland fell under the influence of the Soviet Union and were forced to sign the pacts of mutual assistance. Thousands of Soldiers entered Estonia from the SU, and, though officially independent, Estonia was controlled by the Soviet government. Eventually, on the 6th of August 1940 Estonia incorporated into the Soviet Union.
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After the Pact of Molotov-Ribbentrop was signed in August 1939, Easter Europe was divided into spheres of influence. Estonia, as well as Latvia, Lithuania, and Eastern Poland fell under the influence of the Soviet Union and were forced to sign the pacts of mutual assistance. Thousands of Soldiers entered Latvia from the SU. Eventually, on the 21st July 1940 Latvia incorporated into the Soviet Union.
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Also known as June deportations, happened in occupied countries, including Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, and the occupied parts of Poland. The goal of the deportations was to remove political opponents and suspected opposition supporters. About 10000 Estonians and 15000 Latvians were sent to prison camps in Siberia.
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Gustav Ernesaks’s composition of an old poem ‘Mu Isamaa On Minu Arm’ [ My Country is My Love] was a special song that was sang at those festivals. These events gathered hundreds of thousands of people and played an important role in Estonian history. In 1988, for 5 nights, 100000 Estonians gathered in one place together to sing national songs in a ‘Singing Revolution’ to stand for their country’s independence.
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As a result of nationalist movement and pressure put on the weakened Soviet rule, Latvia restored its independence of the 4th May 1990. Three years after that, the first Saeima elections took place and Latvia became internationally recognized as well as the other Baltic states. -
After years under communist control, struggle of fighting for their cultural expression, and mass repressions, Estonia engaged into a Singing Revolution and the Baltic Chain together with their neighbouring Baltic states of Latvia and Lithuania, non-violent movements against Russification, censorship, propaganda, and occupation in the Baltics. The desire for independence inspired Estonians and on the 20th of August 1991 Estonian Declaration of Independence was signed. -
In March 1992, the Council of the Baltic Sea States was established to strengthen the dialogue and partnership between the Baltic states, Sweden, Finland, Norway, the European Union, and Russia. In 1993-1994 and then in 2003-2004, Estonia served as a president country of the Council and during those terms focused mainly on development of policies and projects to promote security and prosperity of the Baltic Sea region as well as sustainability of energy used by in the region. -
In December 1992, liberated former Soviet Union countries were invited to attend a meeting of NATO Cooperation Council (NACC) which was a first move towards welcoming Estonia in the organization. On the 29th of March 2004 Estonia has officially become a member of NATO -
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Building relationships with democratic, and developed Western world was a goal for the Baltic states after gaining their independence Thus, for Estonia to join the EU became the focus of the foreign policy during Meri’s presidency from 1992. Estonian’s sovereignty was questioned by several EU members, and opponents of the Meri’s foreign policy argued that joining EU may affect the country’s growing economy negatively. In 2004, Estonia joined the European Union; January 1st 2011, joined the euro. -
