The Soviet takeover of the Baltic states Research Paper

The Soviet takeover of the Baltic states - Research Paper Example This is a break from the long independent existence of the three states, which had been the norm ever since the Russian Civil War that lasted from 1917 to 1922. The Nazi occupation put a halt to the integration of the three Baltic states into the Soviet Union for four years, from 1941 all the way to 1945, but with the end of the occupation that integration resumed in earnest, and in rapid manner, so that the three states were effectively made part of the Soviet Union through a process that has been termed â€Å"Sovietization†. The traditional arrangements and institutions of the existing political, social and economic order in the three states were totally ignored and supplanted with Soviet counterparts, causing significant disruption to the lives of the countries involved. Industries were nationalized where they were previously private concerns. Land distribution and collectivization were imposed and made the norm. The school systems were supplanted by the Soviet systems, inc luding the college level curricula. The Soviet system of politics was also used to supplant the existing political systems of the time. ... sians into the three states, to shift the population balance and demographics to skew towards the Soviet Union’s preferred mix (Smith; Occupation Museum Foundation; Institute of the History of Latvia; Lina; Shtromas et al. 249-260). II. The Puppet Communist Parties/People’s Diets By the time the Soviet Union made its attempts to homogenize the political and legislative systems in the Baltic states in 1940, the Soviet Union had effected the actual control of the three countries by a series of moves that included military action, as well as the annexation and takeover of government through purges of existing members of government and their replacement with Soviet-sourced members in the main. The government elites of the three countries were purged through deportation as well as via their being put to prison. This paved the way for the introduction of the next wave of changes aimed at overhauling the people’s assemblies, effected through the illegal change of the el ectoral laws in the three counties by Soviet decree, and the calling of People’s Diets elections made on July 14 of 1940. The election was to be in the style and manner of the Soviet Union, where a single party consisting of one slate of candidates were â€Å"voted† into office, and named as the â€Å"Working People’s Leagues†. These one-slate parties were to be voted without opposition, and with a unanimity of votes. In all of the three states there were indications of suppression of other competing parties wanting to join in the elections and to present alternatives to the Soviet one-party prescription, and the suppression was effective to the degree that the Soviet will won the day. Estonia in particular was singled out for the intensity of the efforts to counter the Soviet machinations there, but in

Potential Impacts of Public Anger on Politics, Government, and Public Essay

Potential Impacts of Public Anger on Politics, Government, and Public Policy - Essay Example The killing of Gifford in Arizona is also examined to predict the public’s attitudes in the future governments. In order to clearly understand this topic, the former major instances of public anger towards the United States’ government are discussed by focusing on their causes, long and short time impacts. This paper examines the origins, level of impact, and examples of the present and former public’s anger and attitudes towards the government, politics and public policies. As part of this paper, the influence of internet invention as a tool for gathering information on the public’s attitude and anger towards the government is also discussed. Potential Impacts of Public Anger on Politics, Government, and Public Policy In the current report published by PRC on 18th April, it is reported that, â€Å"By almost every conceivable measure Americans are less positive and more critical of government these days† (Veith, Wilson &Fischer, 2009). The latest re port also confirmed that the deteriorating economy that affected millions of citizens fueled distrust and lack of confidence in the congress and elected officials who betrayed them. The general public opts for a reformed government not an activist government but both the Democrats and the Republicans still draw anger. Other than the Viet Nam War, there has been growing anger in America presently more than any other time. Those who lived during the Viet Nam War witnessed street rioting that almost tore the country apart. The government did not bother to establish what the ire was directed to. Presently the Americans are angry again. They may have good reasons to be, but some may be as a result of their own actions. The normal American citizen was sold to a bill of goods that assured them of achieving the â€Å"American Dream†, but unfortunately they became the culprits of their own and corporate greed (Veith, Wilson &Fischer, 2009). Crash of the Wall Streets In the last two ye ars, Americans have lost their dreams, savings and retirement. Presently, the high unemployment rates appear to be the worst cause of public anger towards the government. The accompanying domino effects and the shaking wall streets that have destabilized the economy, have caused the urge to realize the â€Å"American Dream† among the Americans to gradually diminish. Seemingly, the government is mainly interested in the Wall Streets more than the Main streets. The American administration appears to be detached from President Obama. Congress is at a stalemate. The formulation of the best solution to solve the unemployment problem is taking points among the respective political parties for their campaigns (Woolf, 2003). The once assured prosperous future now seems to be doomed and the general result of this is public’s anger towards all institution, specifically the government. Every American of sound mind should realize that the bill of goods that they were sold to was a fool’s gold. They bought the full package by putting their savings and hopes in the hands of corrupt investors and individuals, who promised them success in the Wall Streets. It should be made known that the 401K was not to replace peoples’ retirements but it was made to be part of the retirement (Woolf, 2003). Its main motive was to lure Americans that Wall Street was a good investment that would make more profit so as to drain you bank savings. Just like RPO predicted, its crash