history of Baltic States
Quick Summary
The Baltic states, comprising Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, are located in northeastern Europe on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. These nations share a history marked by periods of independence and foreign rule.1
Early History and Independence
The region's early inhabitants were influenced by various cultures, with Estonians speaking Finno-Ugric languages and Latvians and Lithuanians speaking Baltic languages. Throughout history, the Baltic region has been a strategic area, experiencing incursions from Vikings, Russians, Danes, and Swedes.12
The collapse of the German and Russian empires after World War I provided an opportunity for the Baltic states to declare independence in 1918. Despite attempts by Germany and later Soviet Russia to assert control, these nations established recognized governments by 1920-1922.3
Soviet Era and Reestablishment of Independence
The Baltic states were forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1940. During this period, their economies were integrated into the Soviet system, leading to industrialization and urbanization, though living standards remained relatively low compared to Western Europe. The Soviet era also saw significant demographic shifts due to immigration and deportations.4
In the late 1980s, mass movements for change emerged, culminating in the reestablishment of independence for Lithuania in March 1990, followed by Estonia and Latvia later that year. Following the abortive Soviet coup in August 1991, the Baltic states regained full sovereignty and were admitted to the United Nations. Since then, they have developed new constitutions, adopted new currencies, and integrated further with European and NATO structures, joining both in 2004.31
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
RussiaAlexis…for the Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Baltic territories. At first the war went well, but the differing objectives of the Ukrainian and Muscovite allies soon revealed themselves. When Charles X of Sweden entered the fray against Poland, Alexis made peace, in 1656; he feared a strong Sweden as much as a…
Read More…for the Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Baltic territories. At first the war went well, but the differing objectives of the Ukrainian and Muscovite allies soon revealed themselves. When Charles X of Sweden entered the fray against Poland, Alexis made peace, in 1656; he feared a strong Sweden as much as a…
Read More- RussiaThe Russian Empire
…Russify the Germans of the Baltic provinces, he objected. The Baltic Germans were loyal subjects and provided admirable officers and officials; they were therefore allowed to preserve their German culture and to maintain their cultural and social domination over the Estonians and Latvians. The young Slavophile and landowning nobleman Yury…
Read More…Russify the Germans of the Baltic provinces, he objected. The Baltic Germans were loyal subjects and provided admirable officers and officials; they were therefore allowed to preserve their German culture and to maintain their cultural and social domination over the Estonians and Latvians. The young Slavophile and landowning nobleman Yury…
Read More - RussiaRussification policies
The Germans of the Baltic provinces were deprived of their university, and their ancient secondary schools were Russified. The Latvians and Estonians did not object to action by the government against the Germans, whom they had reason to dislike as landowners and rich burghers, but the prospect of the…
Read MoreThe Germans of the Baltic provinces were deprived of their university, and their ancient secondary schools were Russified. The Latvians and Estonians did not object to action by the government against the Germans, whom they had reason to dislike as landowners and rich burghers, but the prospect of the…
Read More
Soviet UnionForeign policy, 1928–40…Belorussia, together with the three Baltic states, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Heavy pressure was now put on these latter three, and they were forced to accept Soviet garrisons under treaties signed in September and October. The treaties guaranteed that there would be no interference in their internal politics.
Read More…Belorussia, together with the three Baltic states, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Heavy pressure was now put on these latter three, and they were forced to accept Soviet garrisons under treaties signed in September and October. The treaties guaranteed that there would be no interference in their internal politics.
Read More
World War IIThe Baltic states and the Russo-Finnish War, 1939–40Profiting quickly from its understanding with Germany, the U.S.S.R. on October 10, 1939, constrained Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to admit Soviet garrisons onto their territories. Approached with similar demands,
Read MoreProfiting quickly from its understanding with Germany, the U.S.S.R. on October 10, 1939, constrained Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to admit Soviet garrisons onto their territories. Approached with similar demands,
Read More