Here is the rewritten article with added details while maintaining the original semantics:
The Baltic States, including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, located along the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea, often escape widespread recognition. Bordering countries include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Despite their combined area of just 174,000 square kilometers, approximately the size of China's Guangdong Province, these countries hold strategic significance.
The Soviet Union's relentless pursuit of these small nations stemmed from centuries-long ambitions, notably their quest for a year-round ice-free port. Positioned advantageously as natural outlets to the sea, the Baltic States became invaluable to the Soviets.
Starting from 1721, the Russian Empire gradually occupied the Baltic States. However, following World War I, circumstances shifted. While Lithuania fell under German control, Estonia and Latvia remained in Russian hands. With the collapse of the two empires, Lenin introduced the principle of national self-determination, leading to the subsequent independence of the Baltic States.
Given that the Soviet Union had allowed these nations to gain independence, why did it later annex them? How did the Soviet Union proceed step-by-step in capturing these three countries? The natural ice-free port was a resource too valuable for the Soviet Union to relinquish easily. Although the Soviet Union signed treaties in 1920 granting independence to these states, its new regime was unstable. International recognition and support were needed before reclaiming this strategic asset.
The Soviet Union declared protective rights over the Baltic States, promising military intervention against any external threats. Furthermore, internal unrest or pro-German governments would prompt Soviet military action. The Baltic States, crucial as ice-free ports, were not to be easily surrendered to foreign occupation.
Frustrated by the Soviet ultimatums, the Baltic States rejected Soviet authority. This defiance was anticipated by the Soviet Union, prompting further actions. Troops were amassed near the borders, instilling fear in these countries. Military exercises and occasional artillery fire were used to intimidate them. However, under their governments' leadership, the Baltic populations vowed to resist Soviet control, a development the Soviet Union had not anticipated.
However, the Soviet Union perceived this defiance as manageable. With international support, the Soviet Union aimed to incorporate the Baltic States into its sphere of influence. Therefore, starting in 1939, the Soviet Union proposed in international meetings to include the Baltic States within its protective sphere, seeking global endorsement. Essentially, it sought approval for its annexation.
Clearly, the Soviet plan was unachievable. In April 1939, Estonia sought German support against direct Soviet aggression. The Baltic States lobbied heavily against Soviet proposals with countries like Britain and France. Eventually, the Soviet plan failed, as Britain, France, and even Germany opposed the Soviet Union's demands, potentially leading to German retaliation.
Ultimately, the Soviet Union opted to collaborate with Germany, successfully annexing the Baltic States. This turn of events caught the Baltic States off guard, betrayed by Germany. Despite this, Finland remained unoccupied by the Soviet Union. Initially, Finland's resistance and the Baltic States' appeasement policy provided the Soviet Union with an opportunity to capitalize.
This revised version enhances the original narrative with additional details while preserving its core meaning and historical context.
