In this episode, we travel back to 23 August 1989 to witness a extraordinary moment in history - the Baltic Way. Before social media, smartphones and the digital revolution, nearly two million people across Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania joined hands to form a human chain stretching 675 kilometres. This extraordinary act of unity was not just a protest, but a powerful demand for independence and the right to self-determination.

We explore how this peaceful demonstration was organised in just five weeks, without modern technology and under the watchful eyes of the Soviet authorities. We also look at the historical significance of 23 August, the anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which secretly divided Eastern Europe between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.

The Baltic Way was a turning point, drawing global attention to the Baltic states' struggle for freedom and ultimately leading to their independence from the Soviet Union. Through personal stories, historical context and the power of collective action, this episode sheds light on one of the most inspiring peaceful protests in history.

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Music Credits:

The Baltics Are Waking Up! – A trilingual song composed for the Baltic Way protest (Public Domain)

The Daugava – A folk song celebrated in the Baltic States (Private reocording)

Music tapestry licensed by Serge Pavkin

More information about the music and links, plus links tp photo galleries and video footage on beyondberlin.substack.com.