The Baltic Way, also known as the Baltic Chain, was a peaceful political demonstration in which approximately two million people joined hands to form a human chain across the three Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Stretching nearly 600 kilometers, the chain connected the cities of Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius, emphasizing the unity of the nations in their struggle for independence from Soviet rule. The event was staged on August 23, 1989, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which divided Eastern Europe between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union and led to the occupation of the Baltic states.Organized by local independence movements such as the Estonian National Independence Party and Sajudis in Lithuania, the event drew participation from a diverse range of citizens, including families, students, and various groups representing different cultures. Participants sang folk songs, waved national flags, and chanted patriotic slogans, embodying the spirit of solidarity and national identity. The Baltic Way marked a significant moment in the push for independence, illustrating the peaceful and unified stance of the people against the Soviet government.Through this demonstration, the Baltic nations sent a strong message both to the Soviet authorities and the international community, asserting their determination to reclaim their sovereignty. It was a critical turning point leading to the eventual independence of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.