Defining movement
One of the main defining moments in Estonian World War 2 history is the second Soviet re-occupation. The Soviets established Estonia’s fate for the next 50 years as a Socialist republic. The Soviets destroyed the hope for many Estonians who believed that they would achieve their independence. This is a devastating time for Estonians as many people are being, killed deported or forced out of their homes.
The Soviets brutally invade Estonia on September 17, 1944, after the Germans have just evacuated. By September 22, the Soviets re-occupied the city of Tallinn. The Estonian flag that was raised on September 18 was torn down and replaced with the Soviet banner instead. The battles were raging on the west coast islands and by late November, they finished as the Estonians were defeated. About 70 000 pre-war Estonians were forced to leave the country, and they never ended up returning. This small period of time that only lasted under a couple months decided what would happen for the next 50 years. Estonia along with the other Baltic countries were the only countries that did not regain independence after the Second World War.
The Soviets brutally invade Estonia on September 17, 1944, after the Germans have just evacuated. By September 22, the Soviets re-occupied the city of Tallinn. The Estonian flag that was raised on September 18 was torn down and replaced with the Soviet banner instead. The battles were raging on the west coast islands and by late November, they finished as the Estonians were defeated. About 70 000 pre-war Estonians were forced to leave the country, and they never ended up returning. This small period of time that only lasted under a couple months decided what would happen for the next 50 years. Estonia along with the other Baltic countries were the only countries that did not regain independence after the Second World War.