Jaotusperiood

Jaotusperiood is a historical era in Estonia that spanned from the aftermath of World War I until the end of World War II. The term, literally translating to "partition period" in Estonian, refers to the era when Estonia was divided between various occupying powers. The Estonian Interwar Period is often used as an alternative term.

Following Estonia's declaration of independence from the Russian Empire in 1918, the country fought a brief but fierce war against German and Soviet forces. The Tartu Peace Treaty of 1920 established Estonia's independence and set its borders. However, this peace was short-lived, as Estonia was occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940, following an ultimatum that forced the Estonian government to accept Soviet annexation.

Later, in 1941, Nazi Germany occupied Estonia, and the country was forcibly incorporated into the Reich. The occupation was marked by atrocities committed by the SS and other Nazi units. Many Estonians were imprisoned, deported, or killed for their resistance or perceived ties to the Jews, Romani people, and other minority groups deemed undesirable by the Nazi regime.

The end of World War II saw the Soviet Union reoccupy Estonia, and the country was subsequently annexed. The annexation was formalized with the transfer of power on September 6, 1944. The Jaotusperiood officially ended with the Soviet annexation, but its legacy continued to shape Estonia's history, politics, and culture for the remainder of the 20th century and beyond.