The restoration of Estonia's independence was a gradual process that unfolded during the late 1980s and early 1990s, as the Soviet Union weakened. It began with the Estonian Sovereignty Declaration on 16 November 1988, which asserted greater autonomy within the USSR. By 1989, Estonia's political landscape expanded, with new laws promoting economic independence and making Estonian the official language.
Two competing movements emerged: the Popular Front, which favored declaring a new independent republic, and the Estonian Citizens' Committees Movement, which sought to restore the pre-war Republic of Estonia, emphasizing the illegitimacy of Soviet rule. The Citizens' Committees registered citizens of the original Estonian Republic, and by 1990, over 900,000 people had signed up as citizens.
In 1990, two elections were held: one for the Congress of Estonia, representing pre-war citizens, and another for the Supreme Soviet (later renamed the Supreme Council). In March 1991, a controversial referendum on independence was held, allowing all residents, including Soviet-era immigrants, to vote. A strong majority of 64% supported independence.
On 20 August 1991, Estonia officially confirmed its independence during the failed Soviet coup. Russia recognized Estonia's independence on 25 August 1991, followed by the Soviet Union on 6 September. Estonia successfully restored its independence peacefully, avoiding the violence seen in neighboring Latvia and Lithuania.