Rahvarinne
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The Popular Front of Estonia (Estonian: Rahvarinne) was a political organization in Estonia in late 1980s and early 1990s. It was a major force in the Estonian independence movement that led to re-establishment of Republic of Estonia as a country independent from the Soviet Union. It was similar to the Popular Front of Latvia and the Sąjūdis movement in Lithuania. It was founded in 1988 by Marju Lauristin and Edgar Savisaar. Savisaar initiated the foundation in April, 1988 in a live broadcast (Mõtleme veel) in Estonian TV (he suggested forming a Popular Front in Support of Perestroika)
Popular Front of Estonia together with Popular Front of Latvia and the Sąjūdis organized Baltic Way through three Baltic states on August 23, 1989 that marked 50th anniversary of August 23, 1939 when Soviet Union and Nazi Germany signed Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which led to the incorporation of these three states in the Soviet Union and the loss of their independence. The front was opposed by the Intermovement that represented pro-Soviet part of Estonia's ethnic Russian minority and other immigrant groups. The Popular Front was a supporter of perestroika, while the Intermovement was seen as opposed to Gorbachev's reforms.
[edit] See also
- Eesti Rahvusliku Sõltumatuse Partei, another political party of the era
[edit] References
- The Restoration of Estonian Independence
- Nationalism and the Transition to Democracy: The Post-Soviet Experience
- Soviet Union Cry Independence - Time magazine - August 21, 1989
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