The generic term Baltic States to describe Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania is misleading as it inaccurately describes a sense of togetherness that does not accurately reflect existing differences. Throughout its eventful history, the Baltic States formed neither a politically nor a legally homogeneous unit. In fact, the legal development over the last eight centuries was overwhelmingly heterogeneous. The one thing these countries all have in common is that they have all seen significant influences from abroad. These influences are identified by the author and described using specific examples. Original primary sources are cited and used as a basis of comparison. German text.