iseseisvusvõitlus

Iseseisvusvõitlus translates from Estonian to English as "struggle for independence" and generally refers to Estonia's fight for sovereignty in the early 20th century. Following the collapse of the Russian Empire in 1917, Estonia, which had been under Russian rule since the early 18th century, declared its independence on February 24, 1918. This declaration marked the beginning of a complex period of struggle.

The nascent Estonian state faced immediate threats from both the retreating Russian Red Army and invading German forces. The Estonian War of Independence, also known as the Estonian liberation war, commenced shortly after the declaration. This conflict involved Estonian troops, assisted by foreign volunteers and later by British naval support, fighting against Bolshevik Russia and remnants of the German army. The war was characterized by intense battles and significant territorial shifts.

Through determined military action and diplomatic efforts, Estonia successfully repelled its adversaries. The Tartu Peace Treaty, signed on February 2, 1920, between Estonia and Soviet Russia, officially recognized Estonia's independence. This treaty was a pivotal moment, solidifying the nation's sovereignty and establishing its borders. The iseseisvusvõitlus was a defining event in Estonian history, shaping its national identity and its path as an independent nation for the next two decades until the Soviet occupation in 1940.