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A History of the Baltic States
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania experienced a sequence of foreign regimes, including Nazism and communism, before recovering their independence and joining the European Union. Clearly and accessibly written, this book is one of the first to provide a general overview of their histories from the stone age to the present using a comparative approach.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
296 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 8, 2018
This is very well researched and well written. It covers a mass of history and it's very well done. However, it's not even 200 pages and I think it would have been substantially better if it had been just a 100 pages longer. Kasekamp simply covers too much and it's quite overwhelming - every single line has something new. It's brilliant to get a sense of the history and an overview of it all, which is what I needed, but I don't feel like I really got to know any moment - I don't remember any of the leaders because you simply only get a line or two with them.
For an introduction to the history of the region, it's brilliant and I strongly recommend it. But you'll definitely end up needing to read something else to get it to sink in or feel more fleshed out. However, as mentioned, it's very well researched with an extensive glossary and notes, so there are plenty of suggestions for where to go next!
For an introduction to the history of the region, it's brilliant and I strongly recommend it. But you'll definitely end up needing to read something else to get it to sink in or feel more fleshed out. However, as mentioned, it's very well researched with an extensive glossary and notes, so there are plenty of suggestions for where to go next!
March 8, 2025
3.5
Chock-full of information, in both good and bad. I don’t think there’s another book like this, so wide in it’s scope – in time and geography – and I appreciate it. It gives a good idea of the history of the area that is the Baltic states today, and there is a long list of further reading for those interested.
However, at the same time, it is so filled with information reading it is a lot. Every sentence introduces new information, there are no moments of calm to absorb what we’ve learned. That’s mainly why it took so long for me to read this, I had to take breaks to let my brain work on the knowledge.
Chock-full of information, in both good and bad. I don’t think there’s another book like this, so wide in it’s scope – in time and geography – and I appreciate it. It gives a good idea of the history of the area that is the Baltic states today, and there is a long list of further reading for those interested.
However, at the same time, it is so filled with information reading it is a lot. Every sentence introduces new information, there are no moments of calm to absorb what we’ve learned. That’s mainly why it took so long for me to read this, I had to take breaks to let my brain work on the knowledge.
July 18, 2018
A good overview of the history of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania from pre-historic times to the present. More than half of the book is devoted to the 20th century but the major events and historical figures from earlier centuries are also discussed. I found the analysis of the influence of Baltic Germans on Imperial Russian history especially interesting. Kasekamp notes that "From Peter the Great until the demise of the monarchy in 1917, an astonishingly high proportion (one-eighth) of individuals who served in the top echelons of the Imperial administration were of Baltic German origin" with Baltic influence especially pronounced during the reigns of Peter the Great's consort and successor Catherine I (who was raised in what is now Latvia) and his niece, Anna. The book includes detailed maps, a chronology of events and an extensive further reading section organized by theme.
April 15, 2016
As part of my study for the upcoming Feast of Tabernacles [1], I decided to read this book for historical background, and found it to be a pleasant read, generally well-researched and certainly nuanced and pro-Western in its perspective, all of which are things that I tend to appreciate in a work. It is not an enviable task to write about a region like that of the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, for several reasons that are worthy of mentioning. For one, few people are likely to read a book that is so unfamiliar unless there is a great personal reason to do so—whether one wishes to travel to that country or has a family background there, and this means that those who are most motivated will also have particular interests that must be taken into consideration. For another matter, the three nations among the Baltic states have a distinctive history and culture. Estonia speaks a language in the same language family as Finland, which has successfully branded itself as a “Nordic” nation, which Estonia is seeking to do itself, while Latvia and Lithuania speak languages in the Baltic subfamily of languages. Likewise, Estonia and Latvia were long fought over by Livonian Swordbrothers, Teutonic Knights, Danish and Swedish conquerors, as well as Russians, while Lithuania was long a junior partner in the Polish Confederation and had a much more notable history as an independent state, as well as being under strong Polish cultural influence. The different contexts of language and history despite their compact geographical location make a cultural identification between all three nations among the Baltic states a complicated matter.
In terms of its organization and contents, this book is straightforwardly organized to discuss the history of the areas that are now part of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, along with their interaction with neighbors. The first chapter, a short one, discusses the importance of the area as the home of Europe’s last pagans, subject to the external pressure of crusades instigated by Danish and German interests. The next chapter discusses the expansion of Lithuania into a sizeable Grand Duchy and also the course and eventual collapse of Medieval Livonia under the pressures of the Reformation. After this there is a chapter on the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the rise of Sweden and Russia, who fought over the area as each sought to increase or preserve its empire. The fourth chapter discusses the long and dark period of direct Tsarist rule from 1795-1917. A critical discussion of the brief period of independence, in which unstable republics fell first to authoritarian rule between 1917 and 1939 and then a chapter discussing the states’ status as an eventual borderland status between Russia and Nazi Germany [2] in the period from 1939 to 1953 follows. The last two chapters discuss Soviet rule from 1953-1991 and the return to the west with a focus on EU accession and entry into NATO to find some defense against the resurgent Russian bear. Overall, the book blends respect and regard for the culture of the peoples of the Baltic states with concern about foreign domination as well as the well-being of the common people at large.
For a reader who has no particular team to cheer, the history of the Baltic states is one that combines hope with a lot of concern and dissatisfaction. In truth, the history of the Baltic states is an unpleasant one, filled with violence, exploitation, and foreign domination. The frequent internal divisions of the various peoples of the region, their inability to stand together against foreign domination, and their small population size have combined for a long history of domination by stronger outsiders, whether Danes, Germans, Poles, Swedes, or Russians. Somehow, despite everything, the peoples of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have managed to preserve their cultural independence and languages. The author of this book closes his work with a statement of purpose: “This book, however, has sought to contribute to understanding, in the hope that the Baltic region will never again experience a situation like that in the Soviet-era anecdote about two intellectuals discussing the country’s future: one wonders what the future will hold in a decade, and the other resignedly replies that it is useless to speculate about the future when we do not even know what our past will be by then (197).” This book, even if one disagrees with some of the political and cultural ideology of the author, likely will help those who read it understand the past, and the difficulties the people of this region have in facing it honestly, as well as the way that others, particularly Russians, have sought to delegitimize the Baltic states in their hope for security and autonomy within the dangerous neighborhood of Eastern Europe.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
[2] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
In terms of its organization and contents, this book is straightforwardly organized to discuss the history of the areas that are now part of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, along with their interaction with neighbors. The first chapter, a short one, discusses the importance of the area as the home of Europe’s last pagans, subject to the external pressure of crusades instigated by Danish and German interests. The next chapter discusses the expansion of Lithuania into a sizeable Grand Duchy and also the course and eventual collapse of Medieval Livonia under the pressures of the Reformation. After this there is a chapter on the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the rise of Sweden and Russia, who fought over the area as each sought to increase or preserve its empire. The fourth chapter discusses the long and dark period of direct Tsarist rule from 1795-1917. A critical discussion of the brief period of independence, in which unstable republics fell first to authoritarian rule between 1917 and 1939 and then a chapter discussing the states’ status as an eventual borderland status between Russia and Nazi Germany [2] in the period from 1939 to 1953 follows. The last two chapters discuss Soviet rule from 1953-1991 and the return to the west with a focus on EU accession and entry into NATO to find some defense against the resurgent Russian bear. Overall, the book blends respect and regard for the culture of the peoples of the Baltic states with concern about foreign domination as well as the well-being of the common people at large.
For a reader who has no particular team to cheer, the history of the Baltic states is one that combines hope with a lot of concern and dissatisfaction. In truth, the history of the Baltic states is an unpleasant one, filled with violence, exploitation, and foreign domination. The frequent internal divisions of the various peoples of the region, their inability to stand together against foreign domination, and their small population size have combined for a long history of domination by stronger outsiders, whether Danes, Germans, Poles, Swedes, or Russians. Somehow, despite everything, the peoples of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have managed to preserve their cultural independence and languages. The author of this book closes his work with a statement of purpose: “This book, however, has sought to contribute to understanding, in the hope that the Baltic region will never again experience a situation like that in the Soviet-era anecdote about two intellectuals discussing the country’s future: one wonders what the future will hold in a decade, and the other resignedly replies that it is useless to speculate about the future when we do not even know what our past will be by then (197).” This book, even if one disagrees with some of the political and cultural ideology of the author, likely will help those who read it understand the past, and the difficulties the people of this region have in facing it honestly, as well as the way that others, particularly Russians, have sought to delegitimize the Baltic states in their hope for security and autonomy within the dangerous neighborhood of Eastern Europe.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
[2] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress...
July 10, 2018
Read this book in preparation for a visit to the Baltic region of Europe next month. Kasekamp emphasizes political history with a few asides to consider economic and social matters. While dry in style, it is a good survey. I like how the author includes data tables showing population changes and other data points. Interesting comparative discussions concerning how the three countries treated Jewish resident over time, differing interactions with Germany and Russia and more. The discussion of the longstanding influence of the "Baltic Germans" to be particularly fascinating - these aristocrats "punched above their weight class" in terms of leadership roles including in state administration and the military.
February 2, 2014
Austades sügavalt Andres Kasekampi tegemisi, teadustööd ja pühendumust julgen soovitada seda raamatut. Nii nagu on öeldud ka teose eessõnas "pakub raamat kokkusurutud kujul ülevaadet sündmustest territooriumil, kus asuvad Eesti, Läti ja Leedu, viimase jääaja lõpust tänapäevani.". Sõna "kokkusurutud" iseloomustud antud käsitlust üpris täpselt. Antud formaadis raamatu puhul on "kokkusurutud" aga hoopis kompliment; teosea pole liialdatud faktidega üheski ajajärgus. Kokkuvõtlik ja samas terviklik ülevaade meie regioonist.
July 8, 2024
An overview of the history of the Baltic states with a focus on the last 200 years.
Overall, I think this is a well researched introduction to the subject written with some skill. Nevertheless, the pace of the narrative is sometimes quite quick, so it is easy to find oneself reading through a long list of ‘this happened, and that happened next’. I guess that is unavoidable given the scope and size of this book.
What I found interesting is how the Germanic swordbrothers and later the Teutonic Order, followed by the Swedes, Poles, and Russians influenced the Baltic nations in a unique way. Each group had some political or economic interest, and through years of conflict with each other and the peoples in question, the Estonians, Latvians, and Lithuanians were shaped. Even though we are talking about a fairly small region here, the various influences made each nation distinct.
The discussion of the period from 1945 until the present day was notable. The author did not fall into the trap of ‘communism is evil, west is the best’, and did a good job of more or less an objective assessment of what happened. Even though the Soviet rule was undeniably oppressive and cruel, I liked how Kasekamp did not leave out just how painful the system transformation was, and that capitalism does not mean that everything will be great from now on.
What I found inspiring is that the relatively small nations have shown incredible resilience in the face of years of conquest and being caught between the hammer and the anvil of great powers. Although their national identity started crystallising only around the 19th century, the Balts display an incredible power to self determine despite the odds. And, given the turbulent history, it is quite astonishing how well the Baltic states ended up doing. To be sure, they all have their problems, such as a fairly instable government, like it was for Lithuania for the better part of the 90’s and late 2000’s. Still, the region is now relatively prosperous, which is a testament to the vigour and ability of its people.
At some points in the book, I wished there was more detail, but for what it is the narrative gives you a pretty good picture of what has been going on in this unassuming but interesting part of Europe.
Overall, I think this is a well researched introduction to the subject written with some skill. Nevertheless, the pace of the narrative is sometimes quite quick, so it is easy to find oneself reading through a long list of ‘this happened, and that happened next’. I guess that is unavoidable given the scope and size of this book.
What I found interesting is how the Germanic swordbrothers and later the Teutonic Order, followed by the Swedes, Poles, and Russians influenced the Baltic nations in a unique way. Each group had some political or economic interest, and through years of conflict with each other and the peoples in question, the Estonians, Latvians, and Lithuanians were shaped. Even though we are talking about a fairly small region here, the various influences made each nation distinct.
The discussion of the period from 1945 until the present day was notable. The author did not fall into the trap of ‘communism is evil, west is the best’, and did a good job of more or less an objective assessment of what happened. Even though the Soviet rule was undeniably oppressive and cruel, I liked how Kasekamp did not leave out just how painful the system transformation was, and that capitalism does not mean that everything will be great from now on.
What I found inspiring is that the relatively small nations have shown incredible resilience in the face of years of conquest and being caught between the hammer and the anvil of great powers. Although their national identity started crystallising only around the 19th century, the Balts display an incredible power to self determine despite the odds. And, given the turbulent history, it is quite astonishing how well the Baltic states ended up doing. To be sure, they all have their problems, such as a fairly instable government, like it was for Lithuania for the better part of the 90’s and late 2000’s. Still, the region is now relatively prosperous, which is a testament to the vigour and ability of its people.
At some points in the book, I wished there was more detail, but for what it is the narrative gives you a pretty good picture of what has been going on in this unassuming but interesting part of Europe.
August 3, 2023
Ok - this is a textbook for history grad course modules. But it seemed like a good idea to buy it at the local book store when I visited Lithuania (and consequently Latvia and Estonia) The Baltic states have had a terrible history of occupation for many centuries. Given the valuable coast line and strategic location, they’ve been viewed as the gateway to Western Europe for imperial Russia and the entry to Eastern Europe by the Nazi forces in Germany. Twice over the last century, they’ve attempted to break free, getting annexed as a pawn in a chess game by one queen or another. Finally breaking out of the Soviet occupation as recently as 1991, the three nations are young to being independent.
Having visited all three - it’s fascinating to see how different some things are (language, culture, education, economic prosperity…) and how a common thread of a history of occupation, most emphatically the Soviet occupation brings them together. The book offers a concise walkthrough and comparative history across the three countries while ambitiously trying to cover nearly a 1000 years of history cutting across players from Sweden, Livonia, Germany, Russia and many of the extant neighbours of the Baltic trio. Good introduction to the region and lays into context why and how the present day situation came to be.
Having visited all three - it’s fascinating to see how different some things are (language, culture, education, economic prosperity…) and how a common thread of a history of occupation, most emphatically the Soviet occupation brings them together. The book offers a concise walkthrough and comparative history across the three countries while ambitiously trying to cover nearly a 1000 years of history cutting across players from Sweden, Livonia, Germany, Russia and many of the extant neighbours of the Baltic trio. Good introduction to the region and lays into context why and how the present day situation came to be.
January 4, 2024
A very clear and concise history of the Baltic states for someone who, overall, has very little idea of what happened there besides the very recent history. I would have liked to dwell a bit more in the medieval part, but I suppose it wasn't (isn't) as interesting to most historians as more recent history. There were a few concepts throughout the book that I felt were given to be known by the reader, most pertaining to soviet or religious life in eastern Europe which I wasn't familiar with, so I had to rely on wikipedia for some clarifications, but it is true that such clarifications could bog down the narrative and increase the page number. Otherwise, I felt the author spoke with mostly objective tone, or as much objectivity as you can have as a human writer that is not native to the countries.
Overall, recommended for those who want an introduction to the baltic states that goes into more depth than most, but that doesn't become a history manual.
Overall, recommended for those who want an introduction to the baltic states that goes into more depth than most, but that doesn't become a history manual.
September 6, 2019
Erittäin pätevä yleisteos Baltian maiden historiasta; helppolukuinen, käsittelee aihettaan sujuvasti... en oikeastaan keksi tästä hirveästi muuta sanottavaa. Ajoittain kirjoittaja käyttää asenteellista terminologiaan kirjoittaessaan Neuvostoajasta (esimerkkinä vaikka lause "Viron öljyliuskevarantoja riistettiin laajasti") ja ajoittain tekstissä on huomattavissa lievää nationalistista eetosta, mutta nämä ovat varsin pieniä valituksenaiheita muuten laadukkaassa kirjassa.
November 21, 2017
Kokkuvõtlik ajalooraamat Balti riikidest, kus sisuline raskuskese vajub 20. sajandile. Hea raamat, mida soovitada välismaalastele, keda huvitab Balti ajalugu ning eestlaste, lätlaste ja leedukate identiteedi kujunemine läbi Euroopa ja Venemaa ajaloolise konteksti.
July 13, 2024
Tiivis mutta hyvä yleisteos Baltian historiasta! Välillä meni vähän nimien ja vuosilukujen listaamiseksi, mutta sitähän historia on (wow). Jos haluaa kevyemmän version tästä ni suosittelen areensta Tuntematon Baltia -podcastia!
November 11, 2017
Clear, neutral brief history of the Baltic states. The basics are here, but as there is a lot to the history of the Baltic states, a longer history is recommended.
February 11, 2019
Pleasant read.
August 26, 2019
Excellent. Excellent, excellent. My only wish was that it had been a bit longer, but it does really well with the space it has.
January 31, 2020
I knew very little about the Baltic states until I read this history.
June 30, 2020
A very thorough history that provides a helpful narrative of the Baltic States.
April 24, 2024
Well-researched, though sometimes glosses over some key aspects and thus suffers a little from being almost too short.
Currently reading
February 27, 2016The Baltic States (ther area around current day Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia) have an complex history. I had no idea of the extent of Prussian / German influence in the region until reading this book. Of course, the nascent Russian state features extensively in the history of this area but so do Poland, Sweden and other notable countries.
I have a fascination with this part of the World that I can't explain. If I don't ever get there I can at least appreciate some of the history that went in to forming it.
This book is even better when read in conjunction with a Russian history and a Prussian history (I recommend 'Iron Kingdom').
I have a fascination with this part of the World that I can't explain. If I don't ever get there I can at least appreciate some of the history that went in to forming it.
This book is even better when read in conjunction with a Russian history and a Prussian history (I recommend 'Iron Kingdom').
August 18, 2023
Originally it was necessary for me to read half of the book to finish successfully one subject at university, but book is written as good, that I "had to" go through first pre-19. century part of book too. And I have to say, that I were not disappointed - it was as good written as the recent history. Author combines interesting examples with necessary brevity of narration (three countries trough the whole history at not so big space) and great sense of story telling. However as introduction to the history of the Baltic states great and recommendable...
July 13, 2011
lots of cool slavic names, russian & polish backroom maneuvering, doesn't shy away from occupation controversies such as soviet mass deportations.
Read
January 27, 2015Exactly what the title says.
June 12, 2015
Great overview. Fascinating stuff.
October 26, 2015
Nice brief Introduction. Written well and easy to follow.
March 17, 2015
Hyvä kirja, mutta niin täynnä lyöntivirheitä, että olisi ollut vakuuttavampi englanniksi.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews