In the mid-twentieth century, the Soviet-annexed countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania had a colonial relationship with the rest of the Soviet Union, similar to the one that existed between the old tsarist empire and its far-flung territories.Epp Annus (2012) "The Problem of Soviet Colonialism in the Baltics," Journal of Baltic Studies, 43:1, 38. Although the countries were gradually being Sovietized after their period of initial resistance, the newly established economic, cultural, and social circumstances were colonial, as the reconstruction of the economy in the region served the interests of the colonizers, identities became shaped in relation to the increasing Soviet presence, the experience of oppression became an increasingly important part of the local culture, and local historical and cultural heritage was revalued and rewritten.Epp Annus (2012) "The Problem of Soviet Colonialism in the Baltics," Journal of Baltic Studies, 43:1, pp.36-37 When the Soviet Union dissolved and the Baltic states became independent once again, they had to deal with problems similar to other postcolonial nations: polluted landscapes, damaged economies, ethnic tensions, and determining the national narrative of the past, present and future.Epp Annus (2012) "The Problem of Soviet Colonialism in the Baltics," Journal of Baltic Studies, 43:1, pp.38.
