Vabadussõda

The Vabadussõda, meaning War of Independence, was fought by Estonia from 1918 to 1920. It was a conflict for the re-establishment of Estonia's sovereignty following the collapse of the Russian Empire. The war began on November 28, 1918, with an invasion by Soviet Russia's Red Army, which aimed to incorporate Estonia back into its sphere of influence. Estonia, having declared its independence on February 24, 1918, was ill-prepared but managed to mobilize its forces with the support of volunteers and limited foreign aid, notably from Great Britain.

The Estonian army, under the command of General Johan Laidoner, engaged in fierce battles against the Red Army. Key engagements took place around Narva and in Southern Estonia. The war also involved other factions, including the German Freikorps and White Russian forces, complicating the geopolitical landscape. The turning point came in early 1919, when Estonian forces, with the assistance of Finnish and Danish volunteers, successfully repelled the Red Army and pushed them back towards the Russian border.

Despite continued skirmishes and attempts by Soviet Russia to regain territory, Estonia maintained its defenses. The war officially concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Tartu on February 2, 1920. This treaty recognized Estonia's independence and established its borders, marking a significant victory for the young nation and securing its place as a sovereign state in interwar Europe. The Vabadussõda is a foundational event in Estonian national identity and history.