Vabadusvõitluse

Vabadusvõitluse is a term used in Estonian historiography and political discourse to describe organized efforts aimed at achieving freedom or national sovereignty from foreign domination. The word is formed from vabadus (freedom) and võitlus (struggle); vabadusvõitluse is the genitive form used in phrases such as vabadusvõitluse pärand (the legacy of the freedom struggle). It denotes a broad concept that can apply to historical and contemporary campaigns, and can encompass armed struggle, nonviolent resistance, diplomacy, and civil society mobilization in pursuit of independence, autonomy, or civil liberties.

Historically, in Estonia the concept is closely associated with the struggle for independence in the early 20th century, most notably the Estonian War of Independence (1918–1920), when Estonian forces fought to establish a sovereign state after the collapse of the Russian Empire. The term is also used more broadly to describe liberation movements in other countries or periods, including anti-occupation or anti-colonial campaigns, as well as nonstate resistance movements and guerrilla activities.

In discourse, vabadusvõitluse is often used to frame national memory, education, and commemorations, including monuments, museums, and anniversaries that reflect on sacrifice, resilience, and the pursuit of self-determination. As a generic descriptor, it conveys the idea of a collective effort across political, military, and cultural dimensions to achieve or defend freedom.