Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic Eesti Nõukogude Sotsialistlik Vabariik
1940–1991
Flag Coat of arms
Location of the Estonian SSR (red) within the Soviet Union.
Anthem
Anthem of the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic
Capital	Tallinn
Area
• 1989	45,227 km² (17,462 sq mi)
Population

• 1989	1,565,662


• Type	Soviet Socialist Republic

Historical era	World War II · Cold War

• Soviet occupation	June 16, 1940
• SSR established	21 July 1940
• Illegally annexed by USSR, Estonia continued de jure	August 9, 1940
• Nazi occupation	1941
• Soviet re-occupation SSR re-established	1944
• Estonian Sovereignty Declaration	November 16, 1988
• Singing Revolution	1988
• Disestablished	20 August 1991
• Recognized	September 6, 1991

The Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic, often called the Estonian SSR or ESSR, was a part of the Soviet Union. It was like a state or province within that larger country. The Soviet government in Moscow controlled how the ESSR was run.

The ESSR was formed on July 21, 1940. This happened after Soviet troops entered Estonia on June 17, 1940. A new government, supported by the Soviet Union, then declared Estonia a Soviet state. On August 9, 1940, the Estonian SSR officially became part of the USSR. Estonia became an independent country again on August 20, 1991.

How the ESSR Was Formed
- Soviet Occupation of Estonia
  - Joining the Soviet Union
Life in the Estonian SSR
The End of the ESSR
- The Singing Revolution
- Independence Restored
Images for kids
See also

How the ESSR Was Formed

The story of the Estonian SSR began before World War II. In 1939, two powerful countries, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, made a secret agreement. This agreement, known as the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, divided parts of Eastern Europe into "spheres of influence." Estonia was placed in the Soviet Union's sphere.

Soviet Occupation of Estonia

In June 1940, the Soviet Union sent a large number of troops into Estonia. They also demanded that Estonia's government be changed. Soon after, a new government was put in place. This government was controlled by the Soviet Union.

On July 21, 1940, this new government declared Estonia a Soviet Socialist Republic. This meant Estonia was now a communist state, similar to other parts of the Soviet Union. Many Estonians did not agree with this change. However, they had little choice due to the presence of Soviet troops.

Joining the Soviet Union

Just a few weeks later, on August 9, 1940, the Estonian SSR officially joined the Soviet Union. This was a big change for Estonia. It lost its independence and became one of the 15 republics of the USSR.

Life in the Estonian SSR

Life in the Estonian SSR was very different from life in an independent Estonia. The Soviet system brought many changes to how people lived, worked, and thought.

Economy and Society

The Soviet government took control of all businesses and farms. Private ownership was mostly ended. Factories and farms became state-owned. The government decided what would be produced and how it would be distributed.

People's lives were planned by the state. Housing, jobs, and education were all managed by the government. While everyone had access to basic services, there was often a lack of goods and choices.

Culture and Language

The Soviet government promoted communism and Soviet culture. Russian became a very important language, and it was taught in schools. Estonian culture and traditions were still present, but they were often controlled or changed to fit Soviet ideas.

Despite this, Estonians tried to keep their culture alive. Events like the Estonian Song Festival continued. These festivals were huge gatherings where thousands of people sang together. They became important ways for Estonians to express their national identity.

Challenges and Changes

During the Soviet era, many Estonians faced difficulties. There were periods of hardship, especially after World War II. People were sometimes moved from their homes, and some were sent to distant parts of the Soviet Union.

However, there were also developments. Cities like Tallinn grew, and new industries were established. Public transport, like the Tatra T3 trams, became common.

The End of the ESSR

Towards the end of the 1980s, the Soviet Union began to weaken. People in many Soviet republics, including Estonia, started to demand more freedom.

The Singing Revolution

Estonia played a big part in this movement. It was called the Singing Revolution. People gathered in large numbers to sing patriotic songs and demand independence. These peaceful protests showed the world that Estonians wanted their country back.

On November 16, 1988, Estonia declared its sovereignty. This meant it stated its right to govern itself, even while still part of the Soviet Union.

Independence Restored

Finally, on August 20, 1991, Estonia declared its full independence. This was a historic moment. The Estonian SSR officially ended, and the independent Republic of Estonia was reborn. Other countries quickly recognized Estonia's independence, including the Soviet Union itself on September 6, 1991.

Images for kids

According to the 23 August 1939 Nazi-Soviet Pact Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania were divided into German and Soviet "spheres of influence" (German copy)
Soviet-organised rally in Tallinn, July 1940
Karl Säre with other Estonian Communist Party officials in Tallinn, July 1940
A propaganda poster from the Stalin era. The poster says: "The spirit of the great Lenin and his victorious banner encourage us now in the Patriotic War."
Soviet prison doors on display in the Museum of Occupations, Tallinn, Estonia
1967 Soviet stamp
A reconstruction of a typical Soviet-era living room, in a museum in central Tallinn.
Tatra T3 along the Pärnu maantee street in Tallinn on June 26, 1983
The blue-black-white flag of Estonia was raised on Pikk Hermann on February 24, 1989.
Border changes of Estonia after World War II
1941 mugshot of kindral Johan Laidoner after his arrest 1940
Estonian Song Festival in Tallinn in 1980