Baltic States

Definition

The Baltic States refer to the three countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania located on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. These nations were significant players in the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe, particularly during the time surrounding the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact and the outbreak of World War II, as their fate was intricately linked to the interests of both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Baltic States were among the first countries to fall under Soviet influence after the signing of the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact in 1939.
2. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania experienced a dual occupation during World War II, first by the Soviet Union and then by Nazi Germany before being reoccupied by the Soviets.
3. The pact included secret protocols that allowed for the division of Eastern Europe between Germany and the Soviet Union, directly affecting the sovereignty of the Baltic States.
4. In 1940, following their initial occupation, all three Baltic States were forcibly annexed by the Soviet Union, leading to widespread repression and loss of independence.
5. The struggle for independence in the Baltic States continued well beyond World War II, culminating in their eventual independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Review Questions

• How did the signing of the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact impact the political landscape of the Baltic States?
  • The signing of the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact in 1939 drastically altered the political landscape of the Baltic States. It allowed for Soviet influence to expand into Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania through secret protocols that divided Eastern Europe between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. This agreement ultimately led to a rapid loss of sovereignty for these nations as they were caught between two powerful adversaries who sought to manipulate them for strategic gains.
• Analyze how occupation by both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union influenced the social structures within the Baltic States during World War II.
  • The dual occupation of the Baltic States by both Nazi Germany and later by the Soviet Union deeply influenced their social structures. Under Nazi rule, there was an attempt to suppress local identity while promoting a German-centric culture, leading to significant persecution against Jewish communities. When reoccupied by the Soviets, there was an implementation of communist policies that dismantled pre-war societal norms, resulting in significant upheaval, loss of property, and repression. This oscillation between regimes left deep scars on national identities and collective memories.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of Soviet annexation on the political identity and international relations of the Baltic States post-World War II.
  • The long-term consequences of Soviet annexation had profound effects on the political identity and international relations of the Baltic States even after they regained independence in 1991. The experience of being occupied shaped a strong national identity rooted in resistance to external domination and a commitment to sovereignty. Post-independence, these states sought integration with Western Europe and NATO as a way to secure their autonomy against potential future threats from Russia. Their historical experiences continue to influence their foreign policies and relationships with both NATO allies and neighboring Russia.

Related terms

Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact: An agreement signed in 1939 between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union that pledged both nations to avoid military conflict against each other.

Occupation: The control or settlement of a territory by a foreign military force; this term is particularly relevant in understanding the fate of the Baltic States during World War II.

Soviet Annexation: The incorporation of the Baltic States into the Soviet Union following their occupation in 1940, which resulted in significant political and social changes.