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After 47 years under Soviet occupation a new national awakening began in Estonia in 1987. Protests against the Soviet system became more open and frequent. In October and November of 1988, more than 860,000 people signed a petition protesting amendments to the USSR constitution that would have increased centralised power. Finally, on 16 November 1988 the Supreme Soviet of the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic (ESSR) passed a declaration of sovereignty. In May 1990, the ESSR was officially renamed the Republic of Estonia, leading to a rapid succession of dramatic events in 1991 that culminated with the re-establishment of independence in Estonia and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Estonia declared independence on 20 August 1991 and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) recognised Estonian independence on 24 August. In addition, the United States renewed diplomatic ties shortly thereafter on 2 September. The United Nations (UN) accepted the Baltic States as new members on 17 September 1991. The first president of the re-established republic was chosen by parliament in October 1992. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]