Estonian War of Independence animated

Summary

In November 1918, amidst the chaos of the Russian Civil War, Estonia fought for its independence against the Bolsheviks and Red Army. Despite initial setbacks, Estonian forces, aided by British arms and Finnish support, managed to push back the Red Army, eventually signing the Treaty of Tartu with Soviet Russia in 1920, securing Estonia's independence.

Takeaways

• 🏳️ November 1918 marked the beginning of the Estonian War of Independence amidst the backdrop of Russia's defeat and internal turmoil, with the Bolsheviks gaining control and civil war ensuing.
• 🛡 The Western Borderlands, including Estonia, were initially under German occupation but were left vulnerable as Germany faced defeat and began to withdraw its forces.
• 🔴 The Red Army, including pro-Bolshevik elements, assembled near Estonia's borders, leading to the attack on Narva and the start of the war for Estonian independence.
• 📈 Estonia faced challenges with a weak and newly formed government, low morale, and a lack of faith in victory among its troops, leading to desertions and early defeats.
• 🛳 The British Navy's intervention in December brought much-needed arms and support, including the capture of Red Fleet ships, bolstering Estonia's naval capabilities.
• 🔄 Despite initial setbacks and retreats, Estonian forces gradually improved in morale and strength, eventually halting the Red Army's advance near Tallinn.
• 🤝 International support played a crucial role in Estonia's resistance, with aid coming from the British Navy and neighboring Finland, helping to balance the forces on the front.
• 🛤️ The Estonian forces, with better equipment and strategic advantages, began a counterattack, pushing the Red Army back and retaking key territories like Voru and Valga.
• 🔄 The war saw a series of back-and-forth battles, with both sides experiencing advances and retreats, highlighting the fluctuating fortunes of war.
• 🏰 The Northern Corps, comprised of former officers of the Russian Imperial Army, executed a successful offensive, penetrating deep into Soviet lines and causing significant disruption.
• ✍️ The Tartu Peace Treaty, signed in February 1920, officially ended the Estonian War of Independence, bringing a close to the conflict and establishing Estonia's sovereignty.

Q & A

What was the situation in Russia in November 1918?

In November 1918, Russia had been defeated in the Great War and had suffered two revolutions. The Bolsheviks had taken control of most of the country, but their power was being contested by political opposition and remnants of the Russian Imperial Army, who formed the White Guard. Many areas of the country were engulfed in a brutal Civil War.

What was the status of the Western Borderlands of the Russian Empire during this time?

The Western Borderlands of the Russian Empire had been taken over by Imperial Germany. However, with Germany's defeat in the west, they were forced to abandon these territories. The German Army was preparing to leave the occupied territories as the Red Army gathered its forces to take over.

What challenges did Estonia face during the Estonian War of Independence?

Estonia faced numerous challenges during the Estonian War of Independence. The Estonian government had been in power for only a couple of weeks and was struggling to gather its forces. The Red Army, including pro-Bolshevik Red Estonian Riflemen and the Red Fleet, was assembling near the border. Estonian forces were weak and morale was low, with many men deserting the ranks.

How did the British Navy support Estonia during the war?

On December 12, the British Navy arrived in the Estonian capital, Tallinn, bringing much-needed arms, including Lewis and Maxim guns, which were unfamiliar to the Red Army. They also captured two Red Fleet destroyers and transferred them to the Estonian Navy.

What was the significance of the battle at Narva?

The battle at Narva marked the beginning of the Estonian War of Independence. The Red Army attacked Narva, and despite Estonian forces being weak, they managed to hold the line initially. This battle was crucial in setting the stage for the conflict that would follow.

How did the Red Army's strategy evolve during the war?

The Red Army initially relied on its numerical superiority to push the Estonian forces back. However, as the war progressed, they faced challenges due to low morale, desertions, and the strengthening of the Estonian forces. The Red Army also attempted to reassign units from Estonia to other fronts, but the balance of power slowly shifted in favor of the Estonian side.

What role did Finland play in supporting Estonia during the war?

Finland provided significant support to Estonia during the war. By the start of January, the numbers of the Estonian forces and Red Army troops had become equal on the front, and Estonian forces were better equipped, partly due to help from their northern neighbor, Finland.

What was the outcome of the battles at Yandova and Narva?

The Estonians and Finnish volunteers pushed the Soviets back in heavy fighting at Yandova and managed to retake the town. Meanwhile, the Finnish volunteers broke into the town of Narva, leading to the surrender of the encircled Soviet units at the front.

How did the conflict between Estonia and Germany affect the war?

The conflict between Estonia and Germany was significant as it saw the Estonians, who had high morale and numbers, face off against the well-equipped but less motivated German forces. The Estonians managed to repel the German advance and eventually forced them to sign an Armistice, restoring the nationalist government in Latvia and securing a more advantageous border.

What were the terms of the Tartu Peace Treaty that concluded the Estonian War of Independence?

The Tartu Peace Treaty, signed on February 2, 1920, officially concluded the Estonian War of Independence. The treaty established peace between the Republic of Estonia and Soviet Russia, marking the end of the fighting in northeastern Europe.