The integration of the Baltic Republics into the Soviet Union

Abstract

In 1940, the three independent republics of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania were incorporated into the Soviet Union.* A rapid transformation of political, social, and economic life began shortly afterwards. These changes were interrupted by the German occupation of 1941-1944. In 1944, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania became Soviet republics for the second time and then for many years to come. With the acquisition of the Baltic states, natural borders were by and large obtained in the north-western part of the Soviet Union. After the incorporation into the Soviet Union this area became an important military stronghold. Also, access to several important parts of the east coast of the Baltic Sea was guaranteed. But the republics remained a borderland of lhe Soviet Union with continuing tics to foreign countries, such as Finland and Poland. Popular dissatisfaction with the Soviet regime was widespread. This dissatisfaction was obvious even in the beginning of the 1980s. The policy chosen by the Soviet leaders to overcome the ongoing crisis in the Baltic republics was that of integration. By integrating these republics politically, economically, and in other respects this border area would become stable. But as will be seen in the analysis below, the attempts at integration have been only partially successful. Thus, the problem of regional security in this part of the Soviet Union remains crucial.