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History
of Estonia
The
shores of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland have been home to the
Estonians for thousands of years. However, throughout much of their
history, they have been subjugated by foreign occupying powers. Estonians
stubbornly preserved their identity through foreign dominations and
finally were victorious in their War for Independence in 1918-1920,
fighting both Soviet Russia and the German Landeswehr colonizers.
During
its independence 1918-1940, Estonia was a model society in the community
of nations, a member of the League of Nations. Estonia guaranteed cultural
autonomy to all minorities, including its Jewish population.
In
1939, the Nazi Soviet Pact divided Europe into spheres of influence,
'assigning' Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to the Soviets. In 1940, breaking
all agreements Moscow had with Estonia, the Soviet Army occupied Estonia,
forced a pro-Moscow puppet government on the country and illegally annexed
it into the Soviet Union. The United States and most other Western countries
never recognized the annexation.
A
reign of terror ensued, in which Estonia's top political, military and
other leaders were arrested and shot, and thousands deported in cattlecars
to Siberia, where few survived. Nazi Germany occupied Estonia until
1944. With the return of the Soviets, 80 000 Estonians fled to the West.
The renewed Soviet occupation brought another reign of terror, with
more deportations to Siberia. In a conscious effort to impart Russian
culture in Estonia, the Soviets brought in tens of thousands of Russians
and others to colonize the country. The large Russian ethnic population
currently in Estonia is the consequence of that deliberate policy of
genocide.
Estonia's
drive to regain its freedom began in the mid-eighties with protests
against Moscow's exploitation of Estonia's natural resources and destruction
of its cultural heritage. Huge anti-Moscow demonstrations took place,
culminating in independence after the unsuccessful coup in Moscow in
August 1991.
Since
regaining control over their own country, the Estonians have labored
to rebuild their democratic institutions that were destroyed by Soviet
occupation. A strong, convertible currency, the croon, is the basis
for the country's economic success. The United States stopped giving
Estonia aid in 1996, declaring that Estonia is now able to stand on
its own. Estonia is also a member of a multitude of Western economic,
financial, political and other organizations, including the United Nations.
In
1998, Estonia began talks with the European Union for eventual membership.
The Estonian government and legislature have begun extensive preparations
to meet EU requirements.
Estonia
also takes part in the Partnership for Peace, the NATO sponsored security
organization for those who may aspire to join NATO in the future. In
its declared quest to rejoin the West, from whom it was once forcibly
torn, Estonia has stated its intent to join the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization.
The
Republic of Estionia, after regaining its freedom and independence for
Soviet occupation in 1991, is rapidly re-building democratic institutions
and a free market economy. Its success has been crowned by invitation
from the European union for accession talks. Estonia's fledgling Defense
Force is helping to preserve peace in Bosnia and elsewhere. Estonian Americans are actively providing
Estonia scholorships and technical, economic, political and humanitarian
assistance. |
Map
of Estonia
Over
two million tourists visited Estonia in 1997
and the numbers are expected to grow
Geography
Capital:
Tallinn (founded 1154, population one half million)
Other main cities:
Tartu, in the southeast, known for Estonia's most noted
university, founded in 1632. Parnu, on the Gulf of Riga,
a famed resort known throughout Northern Europe
Area:
18,370 sq. miles (equal to New Jersey and Maryland
together)
Population:
1.5 million, about 65% Estonian; 29% Russian (in 1939,
before Soviet occupation the population was 88% Estonian)
Topography:
Low lying plain, numerous lakes, 40% forests, highest peak
1000 ft above sea level.
Language:
Estonian, a Finno Ugric language similar to Finnish
Major-Products:
oil shale, phosphorite, chemicals, mineral fertilizers,
fishing, wood products, peat, agricultural products, computers
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Coat
of Arms of the
Republic of Estonia
The
Estonian Americans
Over
26,000 Americans of Estonian descent live in the
United States. There are active Estonian American
societies in most major metropolitan areas, including
New York City, 'Washington, Baltimore, Los Angeles,
Chicago, Boston ' San Francisco, Miami, Tampa,
Dallas, Cleveland, Buffalo ' Detroit; and in the
states of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Oregon,
Minnesota, Connecticut, Washington and others.
The
Estonian American National Council, Inc., founded
in 1952, is an umbrella organization nationally
elected by Estonian Americans to represent their
community. It is a non-profit body financed by
contributions from Estonian Americans. It serves
to help Estonia and to coordinate and aid cultural,
youth and other activities to keep the Estonian
language and customs alive in America. They include
supplementary schools, scouting units, folk dance
and choral groups.
Estonian
Americans are active contributors to the economic,
cultural and political life of the United States.
Estonian
Americans have a deep respect for their adopted
homeland. Thousands have proudly served as officers
and enlisted men and women and many gave their
lives in World War 11, Korea and Vietnam for America's
cause.
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Handcrafted
Estonia Grand Pianos
