Vabadussõja

The Vabadussõda, or Estonian War of Independence, was a defensive war fought by Estonia to maintain its independence from Soviet Russia and the Baltic Landeswehr. The conflict began on November 28, 1918, when Soviet forces invaded Estonia, just days after Estonia had declared its independence from the Russian Empire. The Estonian army, initially small and poorly equipped, was able to repel the initial Soviet advances with the help of volunteers and foreign military aid, particularly from Finland and Great Britain.

The war saw several phases of fighting. In early 1919, Estonian forces, under the command of General Johan Laidoner, launched a counteroffensive pushing the Red Army back across the border. The conflict then shifted to a southern front where Estonian troops fought against the German Freikorps and White Russian forces of the Baltic Landeswehr. With significant support and combined efforts, Estonia managed to defeat these forces as well.

After a period of intense fighting and shifting front lines, an armistice was signed on January 3, 1920, leading to the Treaty of Tartu. This treaty formally recognized Estonia's independence and established its borders with Soviet Russia. The Vabadussõda was a crucial event in Estonian history, solidifying its sovereignty and national identity. The war resulted in significant casualties on both sides and had a profound impact on the political and social landscape of Estonia.