okupatsiooniperioodide

Okupatsiooniperioodide refers to periods of occupation in the history of various countries, most notably those that experienced significant foreign rule. These periods are characterized by the imposition of political, economic, and social control by an external power over a sovereign territory. The nature and duration of these occupations vary greatly, depending on the historical context, the occupying power, and the resistance or compliance of the occupied population.

In the context of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, the term "okupatsiooniperioodide" specifically refers to the periods of Soviet occupation during and after World War II. These occupations, beginning in 1940 with the initial Soviet annexation, followed by German occupation during the war, and then a second, prolonged Soviet occupation from 1944 until the restoration of independence in 1991, had profound and lasting impacts on the Baltic states. During these times, the Baltic nations lost their independence, faced widespread repression, deportations, collectivization, and attempts at Russification. The memory of these okupatsiooniperioodide remains a significant part of the national identity and historical consciousness of these countries, influencing their political discourse and foreign policy. The international community largely did not recognize the legality of the Soviet annexation, considering the Baltic states to be occupied territories.