History of Estonia Podcast
Before the written word, the people of Estonia handed down their stories and traditions orally. History of Estonia Podcast attempts to catalog the History of Estonia starting with the land that was settled and moving along a defined timeline. Once we reach modernity, we will go back in time once again and dig into more detail and dwell on the places, events and stories that deserve to be told more thoroughly.
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Politics and the World: Interview with Raimond Kaljulaid
Raimond Kaljulaid joins the History of Estonia Podcast for an interview about an article published in ERR. The link is provided below. We discussed Estonian security, his move to the Social Democrats, and his trip to Ohio. Raimond Kaljulaid (born 27 January 1982)[2] is an Estonian politician who has served as a member of the Estonian Parliament since 2019. Kaljulaid has served on the Foreign Affai
Haldi's Story: A Tale of War and Renewal Across Two Homelands
In this episode of the History of Estonia Podcast, we get to meet Haldi Svanberg. Haldi was born into a privileged life as a Baltic German. War upset her family's life and sent them on a long journey, including 5 war refugee camps at the end of World War 2.Ivo Linna, Tarmo Pihlap & Apelsin Kaugel, kaugel, kus on minu koduhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=969kCRoOUwk
Geo-politics, Estonia's Position in these Troubled Geo-political Times, EU, NATO, & Transatlantic Relations
With Associate Professor Stefano Braghiroli Earned his PhD in Political Science from the University of Siena, ItalyHe works in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the prestigious Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies within the University of TartuDr. Braghioli is the Associate Professor of European Studies, Teaching Excellence Ambassador, and the Programme Director for European StudiesThe song
Rebooting a Nation: The Incredible Rise of Estonia, E-Government and the Startup Revolution
Today, we have Joel Burke the author of Rebooting a Nation: The Incredible Rise of Estonia, E-Government and the Startup Revolution. Joel is also a fellow at fp21, a think tank focused on transforming the process and institutions of U.S. foreign policy using evidence. Previously, Joel was an AI fellow in the office of Senator Mike Rounds and served as Head of Business Development for the Republic
Interview with Holger Roonemaa: What’s going on in Putin’s military bases near the Baltic States?
Satellite Imagery Analysis: “What’s going on in Putin’s military bases behind the Estonian Border and how big a threat they really pose?”
Satellite imagery analysis. What’s going on in Putin’s military bases behind the Estonian border and how big a threat they really pose us - Eesti Ekspress
Holger Roonemaa, leads an investigative team at Delfi Estii Ekspres.
His investigations have focused o
The Forest Brothers in Estonia with General Martin Herem
In this episode, we are incredibly fortunate to have General Martin Herem, the overall commander of the Estonian Defense Forces, with us. We discuss the Forest Brothers in Estonia after World War II. We are publishing this episode on March 29, 2024, which is the 20th anniversary of Estonia's accession to NATO.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2xs06NpGzE
The Russian Factor in Baltic History in the 19th & 20th C with Professor Karsten Brugemann
The Russian Factor in Baltic History in the 19th & 20th C with Professor Karsten Brugemann
Educational Credentials
He earned the prestigious Dr. habil. (2013) from the University of Gießen(geesan, Germany (History Department) which is the highest academic degree in Germany
He received his Dr. philosophy. (1999) also from the University of Hamburg, (History Department)
He receive
The National Committee of the Republic of Estonia & Calendar of Events in February 1944
In this episode, we discuss the National Committee of the Republic of Estonia and its importance to the Estonian State's claim of the continuance of government during the Soviet occupation.
Calendar of Events in February 1944
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdS96R6WuaI
Anthem of the Estonian volunteer regiment in the Finnish Army 1943- 1944
Calendar of Events in the Year 1944 Estonia / Zelensky's Trip to Tallinn
We start off the new year by following the calendar that I picked up at The Estonian War Museum which follows important events and dates in the tumultuous year of 1944.
We go on to discuss Zelensky's Trip to Tallinn and Estonia's pledge to support Ukraine with .25% of GDP.
On the Historical Identity of Estonians and the Politics of Memory in Estonia: With Toomas Hiio
In this episode, I sit down with Toomas Hiio, the Associate Director at The General Laidoner Estonian War Museum. This is the first in-person interview of the Podcast.
Toomas Hiio, born on June 1, 1965, is a distinguished Estonian historian known for his significant contributions to the study of Estonia's history during crucial periods. He completed his education at Tallinn 32nd Secondary Sch
The Life and Times of Rear Admiral Johan Pitka
MacFarlane, John M. (2011) Rear–Admiral Sir Johan Pitka – An Unlikely British Columbian Who Founded the Estonian Navy. Nauticapedia.ca 2012. http://nauticapedia.ca/Gallery/Admiral_Pitka.php
Vicarious Sovereignty - Becoming European The Estonian Way: With Professor Maria Mälksoo
Vicarious Sovereignty - Becoming European The Estonian Way: With Professor Maria Mälksoo
Professor Maria Mälksoo, a leading scholar of international relations, security studies, and memory politics. She is currently working at the Department of Political Science at the University of Copenhagen, where she leads several research projects on the politics of memory and deterrence in Europe. She has a
Estonian Mnemohistory, or What Do Estonians Remember of Their Past? Interview with Professor Marek Tamm
Interview with Professor Marek Tamm on the subject: What do Estonians remember of their past, i.e. not about Estonian history, but about Estonian mnemohistory?
Marek Tamm is the Professor of Cultural History at the School of Humanities in Tallinn University. He is a member of the Estonian Academy of Sciences and of the Academia Europaea. Graduated in history and semiotics at the University of Tar
Estonia’s Foreign and Security Policy Since Restoration of Independence - Interview with Dr. Kristi Raik
In this episode, we discuss Estonia's foreign and security policy since the restoration of independence.
Dr Kristi Raik is the Deputy Director and Head of the Foreign Policy Programme of the International Centre for Defence and Security (ICDS) as of 1 January 2023. She is also an Adjunct Professor of International Relations at the University of Turku, Finland. From 2018 to 2022, she was the Di
Major General Rüdiger von der Goltz
At the end of World War I, the German army was defeated, but not everywhere. In Finland, Major General Rüdiger von der Goltz represented German interests in the Finnish Civil War. When the Finnish Civil War concluded, von der Goltz fixed his eyes on Latvia and Estonia. In this short episode between interviews, we learn a little about him and the events surrounding him.
How Did Estonia Become An Independent State? Interview with Mart Kuldkepp (part 2/2)
In this episode we meet with Professor Mart Kuldkepp. He is currently an associate professor of Scandinavian history and politics at University College London. He has a PhD in history from the University of Tartu, where he also obtained his BA and MA degrees in Scandinavian languages and literature. His main research topics are Estonian and Scandinavian political and cultural contacts in the twent
How Did Estonia Become An Independent State? Interview with Mart Kuldkepp (part 1/2)
In this episode we meet with Professor Mart Kuldkepp. He is currently an associate professor of Scandinavian history and politics at University College London. He has a PhD in history from the University of Tartu, where he also obtained his BA and MA degrees in Scandinavian languages and literature. His main research topics are Estonian and Scandinavian political and cultural contacts in the twent
Intro to Season 5: The Pope and the Pendulum
Intro to Season 5: The Pope and the Pendulum
Estonia's Accession to the EU & NATO with Professor Andres Kasekamp
A Historical Look at Estonia's Accession to the EU & NATO with Profesor Andres Kasekamp.
The Life of Lydia Koidula on International Women's Day
In this episode, we celebrate the life of Lydia Koidula for International Women's Day. We have as a guest Tara Godwin, who is an incoming Ph.D. student at The Ohio State University for the Fall of 2023, where she will study Estonian women’s history. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Utah. She won the Marriot Library Thesis Award for her honors capstone, Gender, and Nation
The Baltic Germans with Dr. David Feest
In this episode, Dr. David Feest of Hamburg University and I discuss the history of the Baltic Germans. Dr. Feest talks to us about the place of the Baltic Germans in Estonian history. He tells us about the plight of the Baltic Germans today, and we discuss who should keep the memory of the Baltic Germans alive and why their history is relevant to Estonians today.
Introduction to the Baltic German History in Estonia with Doctor David Feest
Introduction to German Cultural History in Estonia with Doctor David Feest of Hamburg University.
Estonia in the Era of Stalin Part #2
In this episode, we are lucky to have Olaf Mertelsmann who is Professor of Eastern European History at the Institute of History and Archeology, University of Tartu. He holds a doctorate in History from the University of Hamburg (2000). He has taught in Estonia, Germany, and Russia. His main interests are the social and economic history of Eastern Europe, Stalinism, Soviet history, and contemporary
Estonia in the Era of Stalin Part #1
In this episode, we are lucky to have Olaf Mertelsmann who is Professor of Eastern European History at the Institute of History and Archeology, University of Tartu. He holds a doctorate in History from the University of Hamburg (2000). He has taught in Estonia, Germany, and Russia. His main interests are the social and economic history of Eastern Europe, Stalinism, Soviet history, and contemporary
The Radical Right in Interwar Estonia
We meet with Professor Andres Kasekamp of the University of Toronto to discuss his book, The Radical Right In Interwar Estonia. Palgrave 2000
Introduction to Season 4
We talk about the war in Ukraine and how it will its outcome is likely to have an influence on Estonia.
We talk about the passing of Jüri Arrak the great Estonian artist.
A new future format is introduced in which esteemed guests will appear on the podcast.
Episode : 51 The Estonian Republic in the years 1991-1997
In this episode, we look at how Estonia developed itself into a market economy. We also learn how Estonia began to integrate itself into Europe and a discussion was started about the eventual acceptance of Estonia into NATO.
Episode 50 : Restoration of the Independent Estonian Republic
Perestroika has arrived and the Soviet Union gets more than what they expected with the new reforms.
Lennart Meri Speech Hamburg, Germany February 25, 1994, Matthiae-Supper of Hansa Cities
Lennart Meri Speech Hamburg, Germany February 25, 1994, Matthiae-Supper of Hansa Cities
Episode 49 : Basic Features of Cultural Life in the Estonian SSR
In this episode, we learn what modernity did for Estonia, which was to allow it to get a small glimpse of the outside world with Finnish television broadcasts being picked up in Northern Estonia and also Radio broadcasts that came in from the west. We also learned about the Letter of 40 that spelled out clearly the years of Russification that Estonia had to endure.
Episode 48 : The Estonian SSR in the New Era of Russification
In this episode, we learn more about student protest groups, who were really the lifeblood for retaining Estonian dignity and culture. We mostly cover the third wave of Russification which put Estonians as a minority in the cities.
Episode 47 : The Estonian SSR as an Exemplary Union Republic
In this episode, we take a look at the political leadership of the Estonian SSR during the 1950s-1970s. We learn about the Komsomol student groups and how they made their impact felt in Estonia. We also learned a little about how the suppression of the Prague Spring put a stop to liberalization in Estonia.
Episode 46 : Enforced Industrialization and Collectivization
In this episode we see how Estonian industry and agriculture was collectivized under the Soviet Union.
Episode 45 : Post War Soviet Estonia
The war is over and the Soviet Union took power in Estonia. Many politicians are shuffled around as Moscow is intent on keeping Estonia Politically Correct. In Marxism, bourgeois nationalism is the practice by the ruling classes of deliberately dividing people by nationality, race, ethnicity, or religion, so as to distract them from engaging in class struggle. It is seen as a divide-and-conquer st
Episode 44 : Theater of War 2/2
In this episode the Soviet Union is able to regroup and push back against the invading Germans and eventual retake Estonia. In this episode, we see how and when this is accomplished.
Episode 43 : Theater of War 1/2
In this episode we cover the invasion of Estonia by the German Army. We briefly look at the local uprising against Soviet rule and the fight for Tartu before learning what German rule meant for every day Estonians.
Generalplan Ost in Action
In this episode we take a brief detour from Estonia and cover what Operation Barbarrosa meant to the Jews and Romani of Latvia and Lithuania.
Episode 42: The First Soviet Year
In this episode we learn what happened after the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and how the Soviet Union brought Estonia into the Union through deception and force of arms.
Episode 41 The Treaty on Bases
In last episode we covered the Molotov Ribbentrop Pact. In this episode we find out what the implications were of the Molotov Ribbentrop Pact and the terrible choices the Estonian government were offered. Option 1: was to agree to the Treaty on Bases, Option 2: face an overwhelming invasion from the Soviet Union. N
Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact is known as one of the most well known and impactful treaties to be signed in modern times. It kicked off the beginning of World War 2 and millions in Europe have had to suffer its consequences ever since.
Episode : 40 Cultural Life from 1920-40
In this episode we learn about Estonian Culture during the inter-war period. This is largely seen as the golden age of Estonian culture. Schools were reformed and Estonians were now both the professors and students at university and that is new development that came in this period.
Episode 39 : Foreign Policy in the Interwar Period
In this episode we cover the Estonian Foreign Policy after its Independence. Estonia Joins the League of Nations but no countries were willing to stand up for smaller nations if it would have possibly meant war with Germany or the Soviet Union. We also learn about an attempt to have the Baltic Countries of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland join a pact for mutual assistance but because of confl
Episode 38: The Period of Silence
In this episode we cover the pre war era in Estonia. A national emergency is declared and the President of Estonia becomes head of government through a coupe d'etat and rules through decrees, while the parliament only works on topics of secondary importance. Estonia is reported to have followed the model of government created in Fascist Italy.
Episode 37 : The Years of Depression
In this episode we look as the period between the World Wars. Estonia found it way through the Great Depression through devaluation of the Eesti Kroon by Jaan Tonisson. Also Estonia scraps their constitution and the office of President is established.
Episode 36: Development of Domestic Policy 1920's
In this episode we learn about Estonia's early political parties in the 1920's. Estonia develops its first constitution and the communists try unsuccessfully to overthrow the new Estonian government and the Estonian Defense League is resurrected.
Episode 35: The Economy of the 1920's
In this episode we learn how the banking system was set up in Estonia in the 1920's to offer loans. It gave way too many loans and many defaulted on their debt leaving the state in a financial bind. Eventually, with the help of western countries the debts were restructured and the Eesti Kroon is finally introduced.
The Legend of Vana Toomas (Old Thomas) part 2 of 2
In this episode we wrap up the Legend of Vana Toomas or (Old Thomas). Please share it with others that will walk the cobble stoned square one day.
The Legend of Vana Toomas (Old Thomas) part 1 of 2
The legend of Vana Toomas (old Thomas). In this episode we are going to cover something that almost everyone that has stood in Tallinn’s town hall square is probably familiar with. The weather vein of vana toomas, has sat on town hall square since the year 1530. It is a symbol of Tallinn as well as one of its legendary defenders. In 1944, Old Thomas was hit during a Russian bombardment. The
Episode 34: The War of Independence
Many different factions were vying for power in Estonia at the end of WW1. Luckily for Estonia, the time was right for Estonia to finally proclaim and be recognized as the sovereign country of Estonia.
Episode 33: Independence
In this episode Estonia takes advantage of the destruction that the First World War has caused to proclaim it independence.
Episode 32 : Cultural Development at the End of the 19'th and Beginning of the 20'th Centuries
In this period of Estonia's development Estonians become increasingly more educated than their peers within the Empire and Estonians work at making a unique culture based on their own language and history.
Episode 31 : The First World War
In this episode we follow Estonia's path into the First World War, which set the preconditions for eventual statehood.
Episode 30: The Revolution of 1905
In this episode, we learn how the first political parties formed in Estonia and how these parties tried to influence Russia's rule of Estonia during the Revolution of 1905.
Episode 29: The Period of Russification/Economic Development from 1870 to 1914
In this episode we cover the period of Russification. This is a period in which the Russian language was forced upon the Estonian people through education and government. We also go on to learn how the Russian railway system brought positive results to Estonia's economy.
Episode 28: The National Awakening
In this episode we cover the National Awakening. The National Awakening is a period of time after serfdom, in which Estonians were allowed to better themselves through education and hard work. With this a realization of pride for Estonian culture arose. Many began to question the dominance of the Baltic German overlords and pressed their own fundamental rights as Estonians as equals to the German
Episode 27: Mahtra War & the Spiritual Life in Estonia in the First 1/2 of 19'th Century
I am back and looking forward to another winter of learning and retelling Estonian history. There is more house cleaning in this episode than usual, but we do get into to talking about the Mahtra War and the Kreenholm factory in Narva.
We go on to cover Spiritual Life and Education in Estonia in the 19'th Century.
Loss Renewal and Reunion # 1
In this episode we follow the lives of a young Estonian family caught up in the destruction and chaos of World War II.
Loss Renewal and Reunion #2
We continue to follow Heiki's life. His mother struggles without being able to depend on her husband and she is forced to make some tough decisions.
Loss Renewal and Reunion #3 : Diary of Eduard Soova
We follow the Diary of Eduard Soova. We learn of his struggles in the far east and the difficulties he faced in his mission to get back home to his family.
Loss Renewal and Reunion #4 EXODUS- Movement of the People
Forced to flee the Soviet army, a large scale exodus begins. Estonians, Latvians, Lithuanians and Poles leave their homelands for fear of Russian reprisals.
Conclusion of: Loss Renewal and Reunion
In this episode we wrap up the loose ends of the story and find out what became of the little boy that lost his father and left his country.
Episode 26 : The Russification of Estonia and Freedom From Serfdom
In this episode we look into a really interesting period of Estonian History that isn't really discussed much today. I am referring to a period of time that Estonians sought out a better life in desperate ways. Many fled to Russia looking for the promised land and others converted to the Russian Orthodox religion in hope that the Tsar would look more favorably on the Estonians. This will be
Episode : 25 The Abolition of Serfdom
In this Episode we look at the legal changes and how Estonian were able to final free themselves from serfdom.
Episode : 24 Spiritual and Cultural Life in the 18'th Century
In this episode we cover Spiritual and Cultural Life in the 18'th Century
Episode : 23 Under Russian Rule/Estonia in 2'nd Half of 18'th Century
It Catherine the Great's chance to rule Estonia. We find out what changes in Estonia under her reign.
Episode : 22 Under Russian Rule/Estonia After the Great Northern War
We begin to learn what Estonia looked like after the Great Northern War and how Russian rule changed the lives of Estonians.
Episode : 21 The Great Northern War
Peter the Great and young King Karl XII square off in a vie to see who can dominate the region, and more importantly for us Estonia.
Episode 20 : Swedish Era Part 3
In this episode we wrap up the Swedish Era in Estonia. We start off with the fight against heresy and witchcraft before getting into Education, and Culture.
Episode 19 : The Swedish Era Part 2
In this episode we look into agricultural and trade changes during the Swedish administration.
Episode 18 : The Swedish Era Part 1
In this episode we discuss the Swedish style of government in Estonia and how they administered justice.
Episode 17 : Livonian War 2/2
Everyone has their hand in the cookie jar that is Estonia/Livonia and no clear front runner has emerged. We will wrap up the Livonian War, and at least, a more politically stable era is ahead.
Episode 16: Livonian War 1/2
Old Livonia is falling apart and a multitude of newly developed nation states are vying for control.
Episode 15 : Education and Culture in the 14’th - 16’th Centuries
The Estonian word gets published and some Estonians have access to education. For the development of the cities, especially Tallinn, this era puts some beautiful architecture out. This is a German era however.
Episode 14 : The Catholic Church and the Reformation
In this episode we take a look at the early Catholic Church and the systemic problems it faced and how the Reformation was embraced in Estonia.
Episode 13 : Development of Cities, Towns and Trade in the 14’th to 16’th Centuries
Development of Cities, Towns and Trade in the 14’th to 16’th Centuries
Episode 12 : Life of the Peasants after the Uprising / and Foreign Policy in the 14’th to 16’th Centuries
Episode 12 : Life of the Peasants after the uprising / and Foreign policy in the 14’th to 16’th Centuries.
Episode 11 : The St. George's Day Uprising
The title says it all. Listen to how Estonia attempted to free itself from German rule, yet again.
Episode 10 : Making of the Nobility & 2 Battles on the Ice
We look at Estonia during the 13'th and 14'th centuries and learn how the noble class was formed and look at the emergence of manor houses. We dig into foreign policy and describe 2 battles fought on ice. We end the episode with the description of how cities evolved around strongholds.
Episode 9 : Estonia in the Middle Ages/The Victors Struggle for Power
In this episode we look at the power struggle among the different factions in Old Livonia and learn who gained power where, and how. The Sword Brothers massacre a bunch of Christians seeking sanctuary at a church on Toompea hill.
Episode 8 : The Estonian Fight For Freedom Ends
In this episode the long and bloody fight for freedom comes to an end. The Crusade was too much for the Estonians. It was either conversion or extermination. They are still here!
