Blokaadide

Blokaadide, also known as the Siege of Tallinn, refers to the prolonged military blockade and siege of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, during the Estonian War of Independence (1918–1920). The siege took place primarily in the autumn of 1919, when Soviet Red Army forces, supported by German Freikorps units, sought to capture the city from Estonian government troops.

The blockade began after the Estonian Army repelled a Soviet offensive in the summer of 1919, forcing the Red Army to retreat. To prevent reinforcements and supplies from reaching Tallinn, Soviet forces established a naval blockade in the Gulf of Finland, cutting off the city’s sea routes. Land-based units also surrounded the city, restricting movement along the coast and inland roads. The Estonian government, aware of the strategic importance of Tallinn, intensified efforts to defend the capital, relying on local militias, foreign volunteers, and limited reinforcements.

The blockade led to severe shortages of food, ammunition, and medical supplies. Civilians faced hardship as deliveries were disrupted, and the city’s defenses were stretched thin. Despite the challenges, Tallinn held out, and the Estonian Army launched a counteroffensive in late 1919, pushing back Soviet forces. By early 1920, the Red Army had withdrawn from Estonia, ending the siege and securing Tallinn’s position as the capital of an independent Estonia.

The Blokaadide is remembered as a pivotal moment in Estonia’s struggle for sovereignty, demonstrating the resilience of both the civilian population and the military in the face of overwhelming odds. The event is commemorated annually, reflecting its significance in national history.