The Singing Revolution Explained

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  • Опубліковано 7 чер 2019
  • Mr. Beat tells the story of the only revolution in world history that was all about singing- The Singing Revolution.
    Project Revolution playlist: • Project Revolution
    Hikma History's video: • Was Ataturk Revolution...
    Stefan Milo's video: • The Evolution of Farmi...
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    Produced by Matt Beat. All images by Matt Beat, found in the public domain, or used under fair use guidelines. Music by Electric Needle Room (Mr. Beat's band). #projectrevolution #singingrevolution #apeuro
    Special thanks to the AP Archive for footage for this video. www.aparchive.com
    Sources:
    singingrevolution.com/about-t...
    www.estonica.org/en/The_Singin...
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singing...
    www.estonica.org/en/Phosphorit...
    artsci.washington.edu/news/20...
    theculturetrip.com
    /europe/estonia/articles/a-story-of-defiance-a-brief-history-of-estonias-independence-movement/
    en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bar...
    The Singing Revolution- Nonviolent Protest in Estonia (2006) (excerpts shown in the video)
    Photo credits:
    Kusurija
    Ave Maria Mõistlik
    NordNordWest
    James St. John
    M.Strīķis
    archer10 (Dennis)
    Rimantas Lazdynas
    Apdency
    Skelanard
    August 23, 1989. Around two million people join hands to form a continuous human chain spanning 676 kilometers, or 420 miles, across three countries. Those three countries, also known as the Baltic States, are Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Well, today they are independent countries. Back then, not so much. The Soviet Union bossed them around quite a bit.
    And that is precisely why these two million people had joined hands. They were protesting being controlled and oppressed by the Soviet Union, a country that uh, does NOT exist today. But hold up, what do I see here? They’re singing? And they’re all smiling? What kind of protest is that?
    Well, it’s one that worked. The Baltic states were the first three Soviet Republics to successfully declare independence, eventually leading to fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 after 12 other Soviet Republics also declared independence.
    The Singing Revolution usually refers to all the events between about 1987 and 1991 that led to the restoration of independence of the Baltic states. Heinz Valk, an Estonian artist and activist, first popularized the term, and I think it fits. It started out on February 25, 1987, when Estonian TV reported the Soviet Union’s plans to mine phosphorite in the northeastern part of the state. The ruling government of Estonia, the Estonian Communist Party, had hid the plans from the public and even lied about saying it would give Estonians a say before they approved the mining. Well Estonians didn’t like this so much. These mines would cause a lot of environmental damage. Not only that, the new mines would bring a predominately Russian workforce into their state, and thus further threaten their culture.
    So they protested, which was a lot easier to do now that Mikhail Gorbachev, the leader of the Soviet Union, had implemented a policy called glasnost, or a policy of having a more transparent government that in turn listened more to the citizens of the Soviet Union. Before, protesting could get you in jail. Now, protesting was easier. Besides, the Estonians protested peacefully. It was classic non-violent resistance. But what about the singing? Well before Estonians had to sing Soviet songs. Now, they could sing whatever. And then two dudes named Alo Mattiisen and Jüri Leesment made a song called “No Land Is Alone,” a song about the bond all Estonians had. A bunch of pop stars performed the song and it became a national hit. And with the song came a huge wave of patriotism across Estonia.
    Meanwhile, in neighboring Latvia, they had been protesting the Soviet Union’s plan to build another hydroelectric power plant along its largest river, the Daugava, which also would have caused environmental damage.
    But the Singing Revolution really took off in May 1988, after the aforementioned Mattiisen and Leesment debuted the “Five Patriotic Songs” series at the Tartu Pop Festival. They basically modernized old choral songs, giving them lyrics that referenced the neglect and oppression by the Soviet government. In June, more patriotic songs debuted at the Old Town Festival in Tallinn.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 542

  • @iammrbeat
    @iammrbeat  5 років тому +79

    Project Revolution (the entire playlist): ua-cam.com/play/PL0MwcDYjQCaNWvMbxAcLoTxvqOxfC24MW.html
    What do you think was the most important revolution in human history?

    • @ryanx9372
      @ryanx9372 5 років тому +18

      The Earth traveling around the sun is the most important revolution I can think of for human prosperity.

    • @Mr.Turano
      @Mr.Turano 5 років тому +2

      Definitely the American revolution, right after the industrial. I'm biased of course but only because I'm right.

    • @Simou0215
      @Simou0215 5 років тому +5

      Good video, you were correct in stating the approximate time of Lithuanias declaration of independence, which was on march 11 1990, however the 14 people that you mentioned actually died later on January 13 1991 protecting the tv tower against Soviet troops. Other than this little hiccup I think this is a great video and as a Lithuanian I'd like to thank you for it.

    • @pbohearn
      @pbohearn 5 років тому +3

      Ryan X is that a revolution? Or did you mean when we came to agree that the earth traveled around the sun?

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +6

      Oh Ryan.

  • @psy-lion
    @psy-lion 5 років тому +898

    As a latvian i'm very confused why no one understands that we never actually wanted to join the soviet union in the 1st place, we gained our independence in 1918 and thats our only real independence day, our association with some random union was truly some evil nightmare

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +141

      An important point that I should have brought up in the video.

    • @timmmahhhh
      @timmmahhhh 5 років тому +82

      I think anyone who has any interest in history learns that very few of the places adjacent to Russia wanted to be in the USSR or Comecon. I've been to Poland where our tour guide told us that they were not liberated in 1945 but we're traded from Nazi occupation to a Soviet one. As for the Baltic States Stalin was too nasty and crazy for most anyone to defend you guys. The Finns had the advantage of weather and the tenacity to deal with it to fend off the Soviets themselves, granted they lost Karelia and a few other border subsequent to the Winter War to keep their independence.

    • @nicholasbartulovic6221
      @nicholasbartulovic6221 5 років тому +50

      Wasn’t that also the case too for Estonia and Lithuania?

    • @timmmahhhh
      @timmmahhhh 5 років тому +39

      @@nicholasbartulovic6221 I've always gotten the impression that the Lithuanians hated the Russians and Soviet occupation the most of all the Republics, and they were the least shy about showing their disdain. Though I was in the USSR April 1989 and our group was supposed to go to Tblisi, Georgia as part of the tour to visit with an architecture professor, but due to an uprising there at the time we were detoured to Sochi.

    • @Gia1911Logous
      @Gia1911Logous 5 років тому +8

      "never actually wanted to join the soviet union"
      Kārlis Ulmanis
      : *_awkward laugh_*

  • @matheuspenteado8174
    @matheuspenteado8174 5 років тому +209

    "Singing is much better than genocide." I agree.

  • @lifecycles9861
    @lifecycles9861 5 років тому +152

    We estonians like to say that we were peaceful and tore down soviet union with other baltics. Estonians, latvians and lithuanians will stay strong together. Ei ole üksi ükski maa!

  • @MIC2077
    @MIC2077 5 років тому +397

    Revolution: The Musical

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +38

      Let's get it to Broadway!

    • @ValevLaube
      @ValevLaube 5 років тому +4

      There's already a musical in the works, look it up on Facebook, UA-cam, or Google

    • @mdjey2
      @mdjey2 4 роки тому +3

      The first message was spread through poems. It was less censored than music recordings.

    • @bravuuritar4468
      @bravuuritar4468 3 роки тому +4

      They will make the broadway musical about Estonian Singing Revolution :)

  • @andrepolkstonia4728
    @andrepolkstonia4728 5 років тому +369

    Thank you so much! It means a lot to us Estonians, also to Latvians and Lithuanians that this topic is being covered!

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +32

      It's my pleasure. I can't wait to visit the Baltic states.

    • @plutothetutor1660
      @plutothetutor1660 4 роки тому +1

      Tere!

    • @esti349
      @esti349 4 роки тому +8

      I’m American, but I honestly prefer to learn about Estonian and Baltic history in general, because I just find it extremely Interesting!

    • @ugnikalnis
      @ugnikalnis 4 роки тому +2

      @@esti349 you will find a lot interesting... Thank you!

    • @KohaAlbert
      @KohaAlbert 3 роки тому +1

      @@esti349 I'd could help understanding to better receive your own history as well.

  • @ultimatestoryteller
    @ultimatestoryteller 5 років тому +355

    Yes , the Baltic States undoubtedly suffered much more than other republics in USSR. Even today , the female population in all 3 nations (especially Latvia) is on average , the highest in the world due to the high number of deaths of males. Long live their freedom

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +33

      That's a crazy statistic!

    • @nikolaisaranin3824
      @nikolaisaranin3824 5 років тому +26

      That's hardly true compared to countries like Belorussia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan

    • @schlymfrainkestxchieftains2623
      @schlymfrainkestxchieftains2623 5 років тому +3

      @@nikolaisaranin3824 Belorussia? What's that name

    • @uyuman1
      @uyuman1 5 років тому +19

      @@schlymfrainkestxchieftains2623 Belarus today

    • @ezrathegreatconqueror
      @ezrathegreatconqueror 5 років тому +2

      Gir Affe's T.V stupid idiot who the fuck does not know what Belorussia is?

  • @konfunable
    @konfunable 5 років тому +139

    I was only 2 years-old when I stood there in that human chain. (well, kind of stood, more like been held by my parents)

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +23

      I hope to get many more comments like these :)

    • @jegeriufanen4415
      @jegeriufanen4415 4 роки тому +7

      I wasn't even born yet, but I was born in a newly independent state, while my sister was technically born in the ussr (which she removed from her papers)

    • @dxw3895
      @dxw3895 4 роки тому +6

      I stood there too. Near to city of Sigulda.

    • @aimaniskandar476
      @aimaniskandar476 3 роки тому +3

      It must feel good knowing you're part of the bigger history

    • @yndsu
      @yndsu 3 роки тому +2

      It was my 1st birthday when that day. I do not think my parents ended up going to take part in the chain sadly though.

  • @tannerwilson4843
    @tannerwilson4843 5 років тому +243

    What a really cool way to show your desire your independence!

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +8

      Agreed!

    • @latvia1
      @latvia1 5 років тому +1

      I wonder how so little amount of people knew about this

    • @Gia1911Logous
      @Gia1911Logous 5 років тому +4

      Greece: You fockin wot
      We got independence after a 9-year revolution with a 2-year civil war within it
      WDYM YOU GOTTA SING

    • @KootFloris
      @KootFloris 3 роки тому +2

      @@latvia1 Big powers prefer you think fighting and dying will make you free. To be defeated by singing is humiliating and might work so much better than most people realize.

  • @hoodclassicsofcalifornia
    @hoodclassicsofcalifornia 5 років тому +106

    The Baltics, though in military not too powerful, through culture, one of the strongest we've ever seen

  • @abdullahgoekce4647
    @abdullahgoekce4647 5 років тому +124

    Wow, such a beautiful thing
    Very brave and nice people
    Respect from 🇹🇷 to 🇪🇪🇱🇹🇱🇻

  • @jamesr.b.kieliszewski6731
    @jamesr.b.kieliszewski6731 5 років тому +163

    My college choir did a whole concert based on the singing revolution from the Baltic’s

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +8

      That's amazing. Is it viewable online anywhere?

    • @jamesr.b.kieliszewski6731
      @jamesr.b.kieliszewski6731 5 років тому +16

      Mr. Beat I really wish it was recorded but it was not.
      I can tell you the songs we sang though.
      We sang Pūt Vēnjini, a Lativin folk tune
      Curse Upon Iron (Raua needmine) by Estonien Composer Veljo Tormis
      O Salutaris Hostia: Vytautas Miškinis. It’s based on the catholic prayer before Eucharistic adoration
      In My Little Picture Frame: Ēriks Ešenvalds
      Tavas saknes tavā zemē: Can’t recall the arranger
      All were A Cappella with no background accompaniment. Just voices and voices only.
      It was with Illinois State University Chamber Singers direction by Mark Grizzard

    • @jamesr.b.kieliszewski6731
      @jamesr.b.kieliszewski6731 5 років тому +6

      Mr. Beat Here’s links to all the songs that we did I found on UA-cam
      ua-cam.com/video/pM0ZZ7ogrfo/v-deo.html
      ua-cam.com/video/YIc3JLYvRCI/v-deo.html
      ua-cam.com/video/XKeJuhf-cP8/v-deo.html
      ua-cam.com/video/ha-Ela8ucWE/v-deo.html
      ua-cam.com/video/mWTRvV-kSEQ/v-deo.html

    • @PaleTyche
      @PaleTyche 4 роки тому

      ​@@jamesr.b.kieliszewski6731 Curse upon iron (Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir): ua-cam.com/video/PhjPGGSuuNM/v-deo.html

  • @nostalgiakarlk.f.7386
    @nostalgiakarlk.f.7386 5 років тому +125

    One of the only times in human history in which singing a little song DID solve a problem.

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +16

      Heck yeah

    • @Fankas2000
      @Fankas2000 4 роки тому +6

      Only after a dozen people died or so people died.

    • @bravuuritar4468
      @bravuuritar4468 3 роки тому +2

      Fankas2000 no shit. There were so many wars back then

    • @edgardale4501
      @edgardale4501 Рік тому +7

      A little song? They sang the souls of their countries big collection of songs handed down from centuries of oppression from invading countries. Songs are what kept these peoples languages alive and comforted them while being forcefully christianized from both east and west.

  • @kristjansimmul4280
    @kristjansimmul4280 5 років тому +158

    It touches me to see this video. Not only because I’m Estonian. But twice you briefly feature my late mother in the video. She was among many of those who spoke publicly about the oppressive Soviets and virtually spent her whole adult life helping push for re-independence of the Baltic States.
    Thank you so much for making and sharing this video!

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +23

      Oh wow! Thanks for sharing!

    • @katimolter3194
      @katimolter3194 10 місяців тому

      Eesti sünnipäev 24. veebruar

  • @gguerard
    @gguerard 5 років тому +148

    This is a great example of humanity! I have a whole new view of those countries and their struggles. Great video!

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +11

      Me too after researching this! And thank you :)

  • @ugnikalnis
    @ugnikalnis 4 роки тому +95

    Tegyvuoja Baltija! 🇱🇹
    Lai dzīvo Baltija! 🇱🇻
    Elagu Baltimaad! 🇪🇪

    • @Kert69
      @Kert69 3 роки тому +2

      Baltimaad*

    • @ugnikalnis
      @ugnikalnis 3 роки тому +1

      @@Kert69 ty

    • @cste9146
      @cste9146 Рік тому +3

      Eläköön Baltian maat! 🇫🇮

    • @kapabahcaravan6378
      @kapabahcaravan6378 Рік тому +1

      atmostas baltija!
      lietuva, latvija, iguanija!
      bunda jau baltija!
      lietuva, latvija, estija!
      ärgake baltimaad!
      leedumaa, lätimaa, eestimaa!

  • @davestrasburg408
    @davestrasburg408 Рік тому +21

    This brought tears to my eyes. The Baltic states are close to where l grew up, which is Finland; the Estonian language is even closely related to Finnish. l remember how touched l was about the long-awaited independence of these countries; l also remember calling my Mother in Finland to ask her for newspaper clippings about the Baltics' independence.

  • @0isay
    @0isay 5 років тому +43

    Singing > Genocide
    Hope I can remember this when needed.

  • @AncientAccounts
    @AncientAccounts 5 років тому +243

    The Rest of the playlist: *_we killed people and did incredible patriotic deeds to get independence_*
    The Estonians: *_hold my microphone_*

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +22

      Actually, we might need that microphone...give that back.

    • @GreatRetro
      @GreatRetro 5 років тому +5

      @Jarko Školin With it's mouth ))

    • @takuan71
      @takuan71 4 роки тому +3

      @Jarko Školin replacing a mike and loudspeakers with more choirs.

    • @GigAHerZ64
      @GigAHerZ64 4 роки тому +6

      Estonians don't need a microphone to sing!
      There was a case during national singing festival during the singing revolution, when the ordinary songs were sang and event should have ended, Estonians started singing the forbidden patriotic songs.
      The soviets ordered their military band with amplification to play soviet music over the singers and quiet them down.
      Both singers on stage and in crowd sang so loud that the soviet band was no match and soon they retreated.
      We don't need anything but our songs to do amazing things!
      The national singing festival is a regular thing since 18-hundreds. Last one happened on 2019. You have a chance to come and see, what we do. :)

    • @takuan71
      @takuan71 4 роки тому +3

      @@iammrbeat Come to think of it, our choir may have been the very first one to perform Estonian anthem in public. It was early spring 1988, we had been recording with TV all day long, everyone was so elated and then as we went home, singing all the way, we ended up @ Tallinn town square. There we did our little improvised concert, including the forbidden anthem, the last one several times. In the end there were quite a lot of people. Many of them were crying...
      Ah, and we had no mike, a capella all the way :)

  • @bluenorthlion123
    @bluenorthlion123 5 років тому +25

    Never did I think I'd see a reliable video in english on UA-cam about the Singing Revolution. I'm happy to be wrong! 🇱🇻

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +5

      That means a lot! Thank you!

    • @katimolter3194
      @katimolter3194 Рік тому +1

      @@iammrbeat estonia has hümn mu isamaa mu õnn ja rõõm

  • @kivsune3832
    @kivsune3832 5 років тому +52

    I'm so glad you've made this video. Love from Lithuania🇱🇹

  • @NateTheGreat2399
    @NateTheGreat2399 5 років тому +74

    One of my favorite revolutions and Mr. Beat in the same video? Nice

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +3

      I'm just glad you had actually already heard of this one. lol

    • @saw7191
      @saw7191 5 років тому

      Nice

  • @SiVlog1989
    @SiVlog1989 5 років тому +55

    Re-establishing the independence of the Baltic States was justice for all of them, not least because of their unjust annexation by the Soviet Union at the start of World War 2

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +14

      Certainly...that was pretty shady by Stalin. Then again, it was freaking Stalin.

    • @lihtsaltkristjan7331
      @lihtsaltkristjan7331 5 років тому +8

      The Soviet Union opressed the Baltic people for 50 years.

    • @JackJack-gj5xs
      @JackJack-gj5xs 4 роки тому +2

      Mr. Beat I’m pretty sure Stalin told the leaders if they didn’t agree to annexation they wouldn’t leave Russia

  • @lifecycles9861
    @lifecycles9861 5 років тому +19

    Fuck, I cant stop crying! These songs are so beautiful, I always sing them proudly on indipendence days of Estonia and yes we have 2 indipendence days.

  • @TroliFishi
    @TroliFishi 5 років тому +79

    I'm from Lithuania, so this revolution has a special place in my heart :D (also, Baltics vs USSR, Baltics win, gg)

    • @audriusg4114
      @audriusg4114 4 роки тому +2

      Hmmmmmmmmmmmm speak Lithuanian

    • @afrent9296
      @afrent9296 4 роки тому +3

      Laba diena lol I kinda feel weird using Lithuania in UA-cam idk why

    • @milkpastasoup8960
      @milkpastasoup8960 4 роки тому +1

      I'm too westernised to even know of this. The only person that speaks of the history is my dad.

    • @yndsu
      @yndsu 3 роки тому +2

      We always win.
      Remember WW1 when we had to fight together against the Prussians and the Russians!

    • @flex5002
      @flex5002 3 роки тому +1

      koks baltic wins.. jeigu rusai noretu tai tas pats kaip niekas uzsiimtu i vel televizijos boksta nejaukauk gerai.... :)

  • @emilandreasson9670
    @emilandreasson9670 5 років тому +21

    This is beautful, why am I crying?

  • @MySuperman112
    @MySuperman112 5 років тому +89

    Malcom X: there has never been a revolution without bloodshed
    The Baltic states: Hold my beer

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +7

      Malcolm said that?

    • @MySuperman112
      @MySuperman112 5 років тому +6

      Mr. Beat yeah I believe it was during his speech ‘A message to the grassroots’

    • @veebuk8522
      @veebuk8522 5 років тому +10

      13-14 people died on janury 13 1991

    • @belstar1128
      @belstar1128 5 років тому +5

      Well he did say that before this happened.

    • @compatriot852
      @compatriot852 5 років тому +6

      *cough* Forest Brother revolution *cough*

  • @ThisisBarris
    @ThisisBarris 5 років тому +90

    The dissolution of the USSR and the events that lead to it is probably one of my favorite part of recent history by how relatively peaceful it was. It always makes me happy to see how unified and hopeful people were during events like the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Singing Revolution.
    Of course, I'm not trying to demean the violence and massacres that occurred in some places, such as in Azerbaijan and Lithuania, but I think considering the size and context of the USSR, it could have been much worse.
    Great work Mr. Beat.

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +9

      I could not agree more! It could have gone a lot worse.

    • @SamAronow
      @SamAronow 5 років тому +3

      A lot of hard work went into making sure it stayed peaceful too. It’s too easily forgotten.

    • @ThisisBarris
      @ThisisBarris 5 років тому +9

      @@SamAronow Yes definitely. Nothing is a given and it wasn't due to a miracle that it remained peaceful.

    • @command_unit7792
      @command_unit7792 5 років тому +1

      The collapse of the soviet union has caused more deaths then WW1....

    • @trollzor85
      @trollzor85 5 років тому +1

      @@SamAronow yeah, thanks to Gorbachev

  • @danielamatveja1193
    @danielamatveja1193 5 років тому +21

    Im Latvian and im proud of my ancesters of doing this
    Because now we can live in peac

    • @MegaToonzNetwork
      @MegaToonzNetwork Рік тому

      But.....LATVIANS ARE A WARRIOR RACE OF RAPPERS!!!!

  • @zach7193
    @zach7193 5 років тому +21

    Man, a revolution of singing that had little bloodshed. Amazing.

  • @gadyariv2456
    @gadyariv2456 5 років тому +17

    I like it how the most of the videos involve a lot of death and violence, but you managed to find a revolution that centers around singing.

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +2

      lol yeah. I get tired of war and violence. A bit even slipped into this video, though.

  • @deividaspupelis1280
    @deividaspupelis1280 5 років тому +19

    Wow finally you made a video where I participate thats so cool that you recognize such a small countries such as Baltic, Mr. Beat greetings from Lithuania

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +7

      Yay! I hope to someday visit your country. :)

  • @ugnikalnis
    @ugnikalnis 4 роки тому +13

    I'm from Lithuania. Thank you for raising this topic in to the light! You can dig deeper in our Baltic History and make a video.

  • @thesireen
    @thesireen 4 роки тому +75

    The baltics: *SING*
    USSR: *CONFUSION IN RUSSIAN*

    • @lucid.lucifer8075
      @lucid.lucifer8075 4 роки тому +12

      The Baltics used 'Sing'
      USSR's health has been taken down to 5%
      USSR has been confused.

  • @lukedetering4490
    @lukedetering4490 5 років тому +53

    Only fitting you get this one, Mr. BEAT

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +9

      That's what some of the other collaborators for Project Revolution were saying. :)

    • @franciscomm7675
      @franciscomm7675 5 років тому +3

      @@iammrbeat well suited

  • @Artur_M.
    @Artur_M. 5 років тому +30

    I was planning to watch the whole playlist in order but eventually skipped a couple of videos to get to this one. I'm very happy that this revolution got included in this collaboration. You did a great job presenting it.
    A little known interesting aspect of this revolution is that one of the Soviet military commanders stationed in the region was privately very sympathetic towards the revolutionaries wanting independence, supposedly going as far as disobeying orders. I'm talking about Major General Dzhokhar Dudayev. You might have heard about him in the context of his later attempts to gain independence for his own homeland, which sadly wasn't that peaceful or successful.

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +4

      Thanks for the kind words and for sharing that.

    • @konfunable
      @konfunable 5 років тому +8

      Dudayev was true hero and patriot of Chechnya. It is so sad he lost and Chechnya now is one of the worst hell holes controled by mafia.

  • @christopherjustice6411
    @christopherjustice6411 4 роки тому +33

    So, the Soviet Union could handle
    1. The White Russian Army
    2. Nestor Makhno's army of Anarchists
    3. The Freaking Nazis
    4. Hungarian Revolutionaries
    5. Czechoslovak College Students
    But not a bunch of signing Baltic people?

    • @falseprophet4927
      @falseprophet4927 4 роки тому +7

      they were weakened at the time but yeah.

    • @Kert69
      @Kert69 3 роки тому +5

      Singing is strooiong C:

  • @potatojo9013
    @potatojo9013 5 років тому +24

    Finally someone talked about this

  • @chrisnemec5644
    @chrisnemec5644 5 років тому +25

    Very nice. It's always good to see that people can affect change without resorting to violence.
    Edit: Now that I've just binged watched the series, I have to say yours is the best, Mr. Beat.

  • @aburrki6732
    @aburrki6732 5 років тому +28

    7:45 small detail but the events you're describing happened after Lithuania declared independence not before. On January 13th soviet forces occupied Vilnius ( pronounced kind of like "will news") killing 14 peaceful protesters and injuring several others.

  • @nicholasbeck7872
    @nicholasbeck7872 5 років тому +31

    Great video, Mr. Beat. Thank you.

  • @EpimetheusHistory
    @EpimetheusHistory 5 років тому +18

    That song sounds super awesome! Definitely the best sounding revolution...Great video man!

  • @aleks5717
    @aleks5717 5 років тому +82

    As a fellow Latvian, I thank you for bringing light to how the Baltics achieved indpendence in rather peaceful and non-provocative manner. With the stories my parents told me about their childhood during USSRs control and the general way of Soviet rule, its safe to say that the Soviet regime simply surpressed the non-Russian republic cultures/traditions in the arogant belieft that Russias 'communist' ideals were above all others. I don't believe socialism nor communism shouldnt be as advocated as it is, as most people dont know the extent of human loss it resulted into in both USSR and Communist China. However, that does not direclty mean capitalism is the perfect system, although it is responsible for the sheer pace of technological and economical growth advancement, it often doesnt count in the external costs like pollution and so on.
    went on a bit of a tangent and just felt like writing something, anyways cheers for the video

    • @dams6829
      @dams6829 5 років тому +5

      As fellow Latvian I agree

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +12

      Thank you for sharing your thoughts. You have a balanced outlook. I hope I did your revolution justice!

    • @bobmcewen5314
      @bobmcewen5314 5 років тому +1

      BTW...the more capitalistic the economy, the cleaner the air & water. The more socialistic (government ownership) the greater the pollution.

    • @dargondude2375
      @dargondude2375 5 років тому +1

      @@bobmcewen5314 this just confuses me

    • @SpaceMarine500
      @SpaceMarine500 3 роки тому

      @@bobmcewen5314what

  • @lucid.lucifer8075
    @lucid.lucifer8075 4 роки тому +8

    420 miles. . .. us Baltics know what up!

  • @belstar1128
    @belstar1128 5 років тому +16

    80s music was so good it could stop the 2nd biggest army in the world

  • @GigAHerZ64
    @GigAHerZ64 4 роки тому +10

    1:35 REdeclare independence. It was a restoration of countries' independence that were occupied by the soviets. You know, those countries were independent between both world wars, right?

  • @tristenwendling
    @tristenwendling 5 років тому +12

    Possibly your most odd video you’ve made. Yet it has become one of my favorites! Good Job!

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +2

      Thanks :) I often try to "out odd" myself.

  • @hiieposti4168
    @hiieposti4168 4 роки тому +4

    I hate when people say Estonia is super young, like 29 years, but it's actually 102yrs. Big difference

    • @TwistedEgg
      @TwistedEgg 4 роки тому +2

      Its even worse with lithuania. Lithuania existed since he muddle ages

    • @hiieposti4168
      @hiieposti4168 4 роки тому +2

      Estonians have been on the same place too for centuries, but we weren't free. But I think Lithuania's state is worse,

  • @sargonofakkad6015
    @sargonofakkad6015 5 років тому +16

    "Say its 1986 and you are in Soviet Union"
    I really hope i am not anywhere near Belarus or Ukraine

  • @aphroditeaquarius8710
    @aphroditeaquarius8710 5 років тому +10

    My great grandmother,my grandma,my mother ecs they were all part of this singing revolution💪❤

  • @mercedesveermae5789
    @mercedesveermae5789 3 роки тому +4

    This was thw first actually accurate video about History of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania I've seen on you tube

  • @lihtsaltkristjan7331
    @lihtsaltkristjan7331 5 років тому +6

    Greetings from Estonia.

  • @TheTeoras1
    @TheTeoras1 4 роки тому +14

    8:45 Kinda a shame you didn't mention the Lithuanian events a bit more. Lithuania, just like Latvia and Estonia had to defend their capitals against Soviet troops who tried to seize important buildings, such as the TV tower in Vilnius and other important government buildings.
    Otherwise, pretty good video.

    • @vytautassulcas6494
      @vytautassulcas6494 Рік тому +3

      agree. I personally was one of those who sat the winter nights around Lithuanian Parliament

  • @dhooth
    @dhooth 5 років тому +9

    I had heard about this some time ago in Estonia and found it really interesting. Best revolution 10/10

  • @Soliloquy084
    @Soliloquy084 5 років тому +17

    It's pretty awesome what they managed to achieve with peaceful action ... but did they have to make such a song and dance about it!
    (now that I'm a dad, these are my jokes, it's a rule apparently)
    Also, It was great to take part in this collab with you.

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +3

      I'm a Dad. I totally loved that.

  • @douglasgw1992
    @douglasgw1992 5 років тому +30

    Who gave you a green screen Mr.Beat!? And why weren't you my teacher in high school!?

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +5

      I just painted a wall green in my basement lol. And I can be your teacher now? Every Friday morning (usually).

    • @douglasgw1992
      @douglasgw1992 5 років тому +4

      @@iammrbeat I look forward to the classes!

  • @StayInterested
    @StayInterested 5 років тому +2

    Super interesting topic! I'm almost done watching the entire playlist!

  • @veebuk8522
    @veebuk8522 5 років тому +10

    8:34 lithuania had the same thing but it cost 14 lives

  • @connorm2975
    @connorm2975 4 роки тому +2

    I am in the process of writing a research paper on this amazing topic. Thanks for such an informative and concise video!

  • @Artomers
    @Artomers 7 місяців тому +1

    WHAT MR BEAST IVE BEEN A FAN FOR QUITE A WHILE I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS VIDEO. It means a lot, thank you!!!

  • @TheSkult
    @TheSkult 5 років тому +4

    Great video! As a Latvian myself I appreciate people shining light on this topic as few people outside the Baltic know about this event. Can I also mention that before all these events there were secret meetings that discussed independence (my grandmother participated in these meetings).

  • @djirodymas787
    @djirodymas787 3 роки тому +8

    You should really watch "How we played revolution". It shows a lot about Lithuania's part of going against Soviets through singing. Also, before the singing revolution there was anti-soviet/anti-nazi guerilla warfare (bloodiest in Europe's history afaik) that was eventually squashed. Great video!

  • @02_aldebaranrahmanadhitya95
    @02_aldebaranrahmanadhitya95 5 років тому +10

    Cool Baltic States

  • @swanskogjsson151
    @swanskogjsson151 4 роки тому +7

    One of the greatest revolutions in modern time.

  • @OrbitalAstronaut
    @OrbitalAstronaut 4 роки тому +1

    Great video. Really enjoyed it.

  • @itsbrittnaybittchh8809
    @itsbrittnaybittchh8809 5 років тому +17

    Great information 👍 thanks Mr. Beat! I agree singing is a better alternative to genocide

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +4

      I'm glad you agree. :D

    • @itsbrittnaybittchh8809
      @itsbrittnaybittchh8809 5 років тому +1

      @@iammrbeat well I gotta say, I wouldn't want to meet the guy who disagrees with that!

  • @aphroditeaquarius8710
    @aphroditeaquarius8710 5 років тому +7

    Its an honor to be Estonian💪❤

  • @aistesmigelskaite8758
    @aistesmigelskaite8758 4 роки тому +7

    7:44 You mean "before". We declared our independance on March 11th, 1990. Those fourteen people were killed on January 13th, 1991, almost a year after the declaration of independence.
    Edit: And the baricades in Latvia were build after the agression of USSR in Lithuania.

  • @rosswebster7877
    @rosswebster7877 5 років тому +1

    Great video as always Mr. Beat! Sorry I’m late to the party. It took a while to get through the rest of this fantastic revolutions series. I heard about The Singing Revolutions before, but wow! They kind of put Woodstock and Live-Aid to shame. A great follow-up might be about the rock band, The Plastic People of the Universe and The Prague Spring.

  • @hilmust6278
    @hilmust6278 3 роки тому +2

    The Forest Brothers who fought and died for each other in the 50s for the baltic states: am i a joke to you?

  • @lauraa8989
    @lauraa8989 8 днів тому

    I'm so proud to say that I'm Latvian. Thank you for taking about this!

  • @bt7_master
    @bt7_master 4 роки тому +1

    My grandma was Part of this and I think it is an event to be remembered forever

  • @TheHestya
    @TheHestya 3 роки тому +3

    I think a very key point is that we had been occupied by many countries over the years. All the Baltic countries had experienced the same oppression. And we all saw each other as brothers and sisters not just through being neighbours, but through joined suffering. Russians had tried to destroy our music, language, books and history before and our writers, poets and anyone able to save and write down our traditions to keep them alive did so for centuries. Which is why so much of our pagan culture is still alive. We fought hard to keep it. During the Soviet Union, there was a lot of censorship of the radio, TV, newspapers etc so the ways of telling the rest of the world that our occupation was forceful and that we didn't want to be a part of the Union were very limited. There were casualties as part of protecting our radio and TV from Soviets during what we call The Barricades. They still do not admit and have not apologised for the suffering they brought us (I know they say they're a separate country, but to us it's always been just good old Russia oppressing everyone they could). We are a peaceful nation that has suffered for many centuries and have had to fight back occupants repeatedly. Today we can just celebrate our culture and tradition, which is such a big deal.
    P.S. Every 4 years we have a song and dance festival in Latvia that's all about folk songs and dances. It's amazing, we have absolutely amazing choirs and it's impressive as fudge. Check it out.

  • @ilonasjoberg3480
    @ilonasjoberg3480 5 років тому +1

    Thank you very much!

  • @joanignasi91
    @joanignasi91 5 років тому +3

    If you gaze long into a video on the singing revolution gazing into itself the singing revolution stares back at you

  • @math1ass10
    @math1ass10 3 роки тому +4

    Sabaton needs to make a song about baltic states.

  • @nickgigante2855
    @nickgigante2855 5 років тому +16

    The miles though
    *N I C E*

    • @iammrbeat
      @iammrbeat  5 років тому +7

      Brett?!? I didn't know you were a fan of the channel!

    • @nickgigante2855
      @nickgigante2855 5 років тому +4

      Mr. Beat gotta go with the facts

  • @TLGWxGolden
    @TLGWxGolden Рік тому +2

    I'm from Lithuania it's amazing to see The Baltic State united together to regain freedom and Mr. Beat Will you make video to compared all 3 Baltic State's? I would love to see this it

  • @conversationtosaurusrex
    @conversationtosaurusrex 5 років тому +5

    Still amazing as always

  • @Heikinnen0301
    @Heikinnen0301 3 місяці тому +2

    Never forget the Heroes who fought for Freedom 🇫🇮💪🇪🇪🇱🇹🇱🇻

  • @NeedsMoreSubs
    @NeedsMoreSubs 5 років тому +2

    Um... I'm here to support history on UA-cam. Uh... thank you to everyone involved in this thing. I'm feeling more well informed by the hour.

  • @lithuanianinbound589
    @lithuanianinbound589 4 роки тому +4

    Im a lithuanian and i wanna say we ware forced to join the SSSR

  • @eglunasklimavicius9771
    @eglunasklimavicius9771 10 місяців тому +3

    ❤Aciu. Thank you!!!

  • @vikstankus1743
    @vikstankus1743 Рік тому

    Well done, showing the unbreakable human spirit to not give up, and to achieve freedom.

  • @RachaelMarieNewport
    @RachaelMarieNewport 4 роки тому

    This is so cool 💖

  • @SiiriRebane
    @SiiriRebane Рік тому +1

    correction: phosphorite was mined in Estonia already before those plans. near Tallinn whole villages were destroyed. just this new mining plan was expanded to very sensitive areas where they might've had very bad results in local waters and all region's water system, bc around there where biggest mining was planned, are beginnings of many rivers. and rumor has, this phosphorite was not even very good as fertilizer. so those plans were made essentially, just to eff up Estonian land, bc they can. could. did not, in fact.

  • @Galaxia7
    @Galaxia7 3 роки тому

    Omg I was confused at first what the video would be about but then you said your first words and I remembered ESTONIA (must have learned that from geography now)

  • @enrikas__4944
    @enrikas__4944 5 місяців тому +1

    The 14 deaths of January 13th, 1991 you mentioned, actually happened after the declaration of independence in March 11th 1990

  • @Auri713Real
    @Auri713Real 4 роки тому +3

    Its been 30 years form that time
    Greethings from Lithuania:)

  • @eldermoose7938
    @eldermoose7938 5 років тому +1

    that's so wholesome

  • @KutsugeMindUrmoks
    @KutsugeMindUrmoks 2 роки тому +1

    Feels great to see our little countries mentioned

  • @laurisolups6563
    @laurisolups6563 4 роки тому +1

    I was at the Baltic Way and also Riga Barricades, at the age of 4 and 6 respectively, and I still remember that.

  • @flagsmaster6783
    @flagsmaster6783 5 років тому +3

    Now, It's time for me to sing!

  • @imweird3363
    @imweird3363 2 роки тому +1

    I remember my dad telling me he didn't know what is mozzarella or rucola untl 1992

  • @YZhou-mq1bw
    @YZhou-mq1bw Рік тому +2

    Thank you for sharing. The Baltics are great people, anyone as a human should be proud of them.

  • @whyamihere832
    @whyamihere832 5 років тому +2

    Cool!

  • @hollyhock9638
    @hollyhock9638 4 роки тому +2

    I am so proud of these beautiful countries

  • @DisneyMBTVCNetwork
    @DisneyMBTVCNetwork Рік тому +2

    The Singing Revolution Between 1987 and 1991 led to the restoration of the independence of the Baltic Countries which also led to the Dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 marking the end of the Cold War.

  • @trashboat2687
    @trashboat2687 5 років тому +4

    This guy is genius with the UA-cam name. I thought it said Mr. Beast

    • @shannonbeat
      @shannonbeat 5 років тому +2

      ChrisENT Just his name. :)

  • @thegabas
    @thegabas 5 років тому +8

    Very cool! I'm a lithuanian myself and i'm very proud of this revolution. :D
    Edit: Thanks for the heart!