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which laid the foundations for Estonia’s independence, was one of the most significant expressions of the desire for self-determination. In WWII, where Estonia was caught between two bad choices, the belief in the restoration of a free Estonian state did not disappear. The memories of resistance to Soviet rule live on in the stories of the Forest Brothers. Throughout the Soviet period, there was resistance in different forms. But the brightest symbol of resistance was the unique, all-uniting power of the Singing Revolution at the end of the 1980s, as a result of which the Republic of Estonia was restored on 20 August 1991. How much the understanding of the good life has changed during the twentieth century! At the beginning of the century, the rural folk could not even dream of the changes which happened in just a couple of decades in the life of contemporary Estonians – home appliances working on electricity, new means of communication, tourism etc. Another good example of “the good life” is the notion of “deficit” during Soviet times, which ended with the decline of the economy in the late 1980s, when inflation operated in days, not weeks. Most Estonians still remember the food coupons which were part of our everyday life just two decades ago and which are now on display at the museum. In addition to history, we need to ask people today what our state means to us. Everybody can answer that question, but the exhibition also illustrates the opinion of young people today – what they think about the state and its purpose.
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LIFE IN ESTONIA 2008 SPRING
What is your own contribution to the creation of freedom? We can only be ourselves when we are free – in Estonia, in Europe, in the world and in ourselves. The exhibition can be considered a success if it makes you think about these questions. For it is the desire for self-determination which carries and inspires us.
“The Will to Be Free. 90 years of the Republic of Estonia” Estonian History Museum, Maarjamäe Palace. The exhibition is arranged into four topics, which open the different levels of self-being – “Power and government”, “Spiritual power”, “Fighting and resistance” and “Good life”. Besides plentiful photo displays one can see unique items and historical materials. Rare movies, audio-visual programmes and interactive details should open the past to all friends of history. The display will be open until 2010. The exhibition is in Estonian, English and Russian. Museum is open Wed-Sun 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.