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The Estonian War of Independence (1918–1920), also called the Estonian Liberation War, was Estonia's struggle to defend its newly declared independence. The conflict followed World War I and involved Estonia’s fight against Soviet Russia and pro-German forces, particularly the Baltische Landeswehr. The war culminated in Estonia securing its sovereignty and was concluded with the Treaty of Tartu in 1920.
Background
Estonia’s path to independence began during the Russian Revolution of 1917, when the provincial legislature, the Maapäev, declared itself the highest authority in Estonia. In February 1918, the Maapäev’s Salvation Committee issued the Estonian Declaration of Independence on 23–24 February 1918. However, this independence was short-lived as German forces occupied Estonia the very next day. The Germans did not recognize Estonia's provisional government or its independence.
Following Germany’s defeat in World War I in November 1918, German forces withdrew, and the Estonian Provisional Government regained control of the country. By mid-November, Estonia began organizing its army and defenses under the leadership of Konstantin Päts and General Johan Laidoner. However, Estonia faced immediate threats from Soviet Russia, which sought to reclaim the Baltic territories.
Course of the War
In late November 1918, Soviet forces launched a westward offensive aimed at Estonia. On 28 November 1918, the Soviet Red Army attacked the border town of Narva, marking the beginning of the Estonian War of Independence. Initially, the under-equipped and outnumbered Estonian forces were forced to retreat, and by the end of 1918, the Soviets controlled much of the country.
However, in January 1919, Estonia’s fortunes turned. The Estonian army, bolstered by Finnish volunteers, British naval support, and new equipment, went on the counter-offensive. They liberated key towns such as Tapa, Rakvere, and Narva, and pushed Soviet forces out of Estonia by February 1919. In southern Estonia, the Battle of Paju was a pivotal victory, which led to the liberation of Valga and consolidated Estonian control over its territory.
Map of the Estonian War of Independence. © Reimgild
War Against the Baltische Landeswehr
While Estonia successfully repelled Soviet forces, a new conflict arose with the Baltische Landeswehr, a German military unit operating in Latvia. The Landeswehr War began in June 1919 when German forces attempted to expand their influence in the region. Estonia’s 3rd Division, led by Colonel Krišjānis Berķis, defeated the Landeswehr in the Battle of Cēsis on 23 June 1919, a victory celebrated annually in Estonia as Victory Day.
Final Campaigns and the Treaty of Tartu
After defeating the Landeswehr, Estonian forces launched offensives into Latvia and Russia, capturing Pskov and supporting the White Russian Northern Corps in their fight against the Bolsheviks. However, by the end of 1919, the White Russian forces were defeated by the Red Army, and Estonian forces withdrew to defend their own borders.
Peace negotiations between Estonia and Soviet Russia began in December 1919, culminating in the Treaty of Tartu, signed on 2 February 1920. The treaty recognized Estonia’s independence, and Russia renounced all territorial claims to Estonia. This officially ended the war and secured Estonia's status as a sovereign state.