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Today in History: Two Million Form 675-km Human Chain for Independence

8/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 23 August 1989, about two million Estonians, Latvians and Lithuanians formed a 675-kilometre human chain—the Baltic Way—linking hands across the three Soviet republics. The peaceful demonstration, a centerpiece of the Singing Revolution, publicly demanded the restoration of Baltic independence after decades of Soviet annexation and repression.

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Story summary

On 23 August 1989, about two million Estonians, Latvians and Lithuanians formed a 675-kilometre human chain—the Baltic Way—linking hands across the three Soviet republics. The peaceful demonstration, a centerpiece of the Singing Revolution, publicly demanded the restoration of Baltic independence after decades of Soviet annexation and repression.