A TIMELINE OF ESTONIA
By Tim Lambert
1208 The Germans invade Estonia
1227 The Germans control all of Estonia
1343-46 The Estonians rebel against German rule but they are crushed
1582 The Swedes conquer Estonia
1632 Tartu University is founded
1695-97 Estonia is struck by famine
1710 Tallinn is struck by plague
1721 The Swedes cede Estonia to the Russians
1816 Serfdom is abolished in Estonia
1917 A parliament meets in Estonia
1918 Estonia becomes independent. At the end of the year the Russians invade Estonia.
1920 After a war the Russians agree to recognise Estonian independence
1934 President Pats becomes virtual dictator of Estonia
1938 Pats introduces a new constitution and gives up some of his powers
1940 The Russians invade Estonia
1941 The Germans capture Estonia
1944 The Russians invade Estonia again
1947-1952 Farming is collectivised
1949 Thousands of Estonians are deported
1991 Estonia becomes independent
1994 The last Russian soldiers leave Estonia
2011 Estonia joins the Euro