Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland: The Divergent Paths Post-World War I and Soviet Occupation

In the aftermath of World War I, several countries in Eastern Europe sought to establish their independence. Among them, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania charted unique paths, with Finland remaining independent while the other three states were annexed by the Soviet Union. This article explores the reasons behind these divergent outcomes and the impact of the Soviet Union's occupation on the Baltic states.

Finland: Independence Amidst Soviet Aggression

Finland's independence story is a testament to the complexities of sovereignty and the influence of leadership during a tumultuous period. Following Czarist Russia's defeat of Sweden in 1809, Finland became a Russian Grand Duchy. However, the Finnish people sought and eventually declared independence after the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. Despite attempts by the Soviet Union to assimilate Finland into its territory, the Finns maintained their sovereignty and established a peaceful democracy with a strong domestic economy.

The interwar period in Finland was notable for its relative stability and prosperity. Finland had no military alliances, no territorial ambitions, and no external threats. Its population of around 4 million people provided a stark contrast to the Soviet Union's vast 170 million. While other occupied territories faced communist agitation and military intervention, Finland managed to fend off the Red Army's advances. This was partly due to the leadership of Field Marshal Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim, who strategically rebuilt the Finnish national defense and provided excellent training for the Finnish army, even equipping them with white coats, skis, and adequate winter clothing.

The Soviet Occupation of the Baltic States: A Forced Integration

In stark contrast to Finland, the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania faced a different fate. These countries declared independence in 1918, inspired by the same revolutionary spirit that drove Finland. However, the Bolshevik forces, preoccupied with internal and external conflicts, were able to exert significant pressure on the Baltic states. By 1940, the Soviet Union had annexed these regions, citing the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact signed in 1939, which divided Eastern Europe between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.

The Soviet occupation of the Baltic states was characterized by oppression and brutality. The population, though slightly larger in total numbers compared to Finland, was ill-equipped to resist the powerful and well-equipped Red Army. The Baltic states' national identities were gradually repressed, and their economic prosperity was stifled. This harsh reality led many to view the Nazi invasion as a liberation in 1941. Later, when the Soviets retook the region in 1944, they again incorporated the Baltic states as Soviet Republics.

Post-Soviet Independence and Future Prospects

As the Soviet Union began to crumble in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Baltic states seized this opportunity to declare independence. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, frustrated with the economic and cultural repression, sought to reclaim their national identities and autonomy. By 1992, the Soviet Union had ceased to exist, and the former Soviet republics, including the Baltic states, became independent nations.

While the Baltic states became independent, their relationship with Russia remained complex. Initially, they sought protection and support through NATO and the European Union. This transition was marked by the accession of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to both organizations in 2004, symbolizing a renewed commitment to stability and security within a broader European context.

Legacy and Commemoration

The legacies of these events are still felt today, particularly through the statues and monuments that honor key figures such as Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim in Helsinki and Boris Yeltsin in Tallinn. These landmarks serve as reminders of the struggles and sacrifices of the past and the resilience of the people who fought for their freedom.

In conclusion, the divergent paths taken by Finland and the Baltic states following World War I and the subsequent Soviet occupation are testament to the complexities of sovereignty, leadership, and the impact of global political shifts. The stories of these nations continue to influence contemporary geopolitical dynamics, underscoring the enduring relevance of historical narratives in the present day.

References:

Bond, Alan, and Veli-Pekka Neva. Finland and the Baltic states: the burden of history and the promises of the future. Routledge, 2013.

Pavitch, Sudoplatov. Cream and Curds: My Life of Machiavellian Deception in Moscow, the Kremlin, and the CIA. Penguin UK, 1995.