Course code Vēst2106; 2 credit points

Course developer: Professor Aivars Stranga
Email: Aivars.Stranga@lu.lv

Course abstract

The course deals with the main problems of political, economic and cultural history of the Baltic region, nations and independent states (1918 – 40; since 1990). Course deals with the main problems in historiography; the questions of common and different features in the history of Baltic nations, countries and states, with emphasis on relations with great powers (Russia, Germany), as well as the main problems of religious and cultural life, art will be covered. The history of ethnic minorities will receive its due also.

Results

Students will be competent to understand the history of Eastern Europe and integrate this knowledge into more wider understanding of all Europeans history.

Course description-general outline

1. Introduction into the course. Historiography.
2. The Baltic Provinces in Russia: cultural, economical and political development. The national movements in Baltic: 1850–1880.
3. The Revolution of 1905
4. The First World War. German occupation. Collapse of Imperial Russia and Kaiser’s Germany. Latvians, Lithuanians and Estonians in Russian Revolution and Civil War. The Struggle for Independence: 1918–1920
5. The Creation of the Independent Baltic States: 1918–1920.
6. The Independent Baltic States: political, economical and cultural development in 1920–1940. Foreign Policy. The Destiny of Liberal Democracy.
7. Molotov – Ribbentrop Pact. Soviet Occupation. 1940–1941.
8. Nazi Occupation: 1941 – 44 (45): Collaboration and Resistance. Holocaust.
9. The Second Soviet Occupation (Reoccupation). Political, economical, demographical results of soviet and nazi occupation.
10. The Baltic States under Soviet Occupation: 1945 – 1990 –1991
11. The Restoration of the Independence.
12. Conclusions.

Requirements for obtaining credit points

1. Students will be expected to prepare readings and take active part in class discussions (40%)
2. Each student will make a presentation to initiate class discussion one week in the term. These brief presentations should: a) highlight the central arguments, interpretation and points of view presented in the assigned readings for the week; b) offer an analysis and evaluation of these central points; c) raise interpretative questions for discussion, and d) where appropriate, integrate the analysis of supplemental readings. (40%)
3. Students will also write one final paper (10 000-20 000 characters, double spaced, 12 point). (60%)