Sovietisation of Estonia (156)

Michael Zdanowski was born and raised in the UK, but his interest with the Cold War goes back generations. His grandfather having emigrated from Poland to the United Kingdom during the second world war and was a distinguished member of the RAF in the battle against Germany. Michael’s interest in the Cold War prompted him to pursue a doctorate focused around the Sovietisation of Estonia post-WW2, which he researched over a number of years. His findings indicated a wholesale imperialistic strategy that centered around language, culture and moving large numbers of Russians into Estonia. However, his findings also demonstrate a great deal of Estonian resistance to these efforts, with the local population finding ways of celebrating their local culture and heritage through covert means. It is a story of attempted social engineering that underestimated the desire of a people to be conquered. If you can spare it I’m asking listeners to contribute at least $3 USD per month to help keep us on the air (larger amounts are welcome too) plus you can get a sought after CWC coaster as a monthly financial supporter of the podcast and you bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ Co-host Peter Ryan conducts our chat and I am delighted to welcome Michael Zdanowski to our Cold War conversation… There’s further information on this episode in our show notes, which can also be found as a link in your podcast app here. https://coldwarconversations.com/episode156/ If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook. Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye. Help Support the podcast by shopping at Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/bestsellers/books/12447630031/ref=pd_zg_hrsr_books&tag=cwcp-21 Help support the podcast with a CWC mug or maybe a t-shirt? https://www.redbubble.com/people/Coldwarpod/shop?asc=u Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations 0:00 Introduction and Michael Zdanowski's family history 2:41 Interview with Michael Zdanowski about his interest in the Cold War 10:55 Michael's university studies and encounters with Cold War era tutors 16:48 Discussion on Soviet migration and cultural imperialism in Estonia 29:18 Resistance of Estonians against Soviet rule and preservation of culture 34:56 Independence movements in Soviet Socialist Republics 39:11 Influence of Western culture in Estonia during the Cold War 41:42 Enduring impact of the Soviet era on Estonia 45:27 Rapid fire discussion on Cold War themed books and films 52:23 Imaginary dinner party with Cold War personalities 53:51 Additional resources and donations Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices