The land area that now makes up Estonia was settled immediately after the Ice Age, beginning from around 8500 BC. After being conquered by Danish and German crusaders in 1227, Estonia was ruled initially in the north by Danes, then by German Bishops. Estonia became a part of Kingdom of Sweden from the 16th century to 1721, when it was ceded to the Russian Empire. Throughout this period the Baltic German nobility enjoyed autonomy, where the language of administration and education was German. In 1918, Estonia declared independence. An independance war ensued on two fronts between the newly proclaimed state and Bolshevik Russia to the east and German forces to the south, resulting in the Tartu Peace Treaty recognising Estonian independence in perpetuity. Prior to the Second World War, Estonia was occupied and illegally annexed by the Soviet Union as a result of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. During the war Estonia was occupied by Nazi Germany, then reoccupied by the Soviet Union in 1944. Estonia regained independance in 1991 after the collapse of the USSR and joined the European Union in 2004. Variations in CO2, temperature and dust from the Vostok ice core over the last 400 000 years For the animated movie, see Ice Age (movie). ... (10th millennium BC – 9th millennium BC – 8th millennium BC – other millennia) Beginning of the Neolithic time period of the Holocene epoch. ... Anthem God Save the Tsar! The Russian Empire in 1914 Capital Saint Petersburg Language(s) Russian Religion Russian Orthodoxy Government Monarchy Emperor  - 1721–1725 Peter the Great  - 1894–1917 Nicholas II History  - Accession of Peter I May 7, 1682 NS, April 27, 1682 OS²  - Empire proclaimed October 22, 1721 NS... The Baltic Germans (German: Deutsch-Balten, Deutschbalten, sometimes incorrectly Baltendeutsche), were ethnically German inhabitants of the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea which forms today the countries of Estonia and Latvia. ... Combatants  Estonia, Finnish and Scandinavian volunteers, White Russians Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic Commanders Johan Laidoner Jukums Vācietis Sergei Kamenev Strength 74,500 (Estonian Army), ca 3000 Finnish volunteers, White Russians, about 200-400 Scandinavians  ?? Casualties 5,600 killed 15,000 wounded 667 captured  ? killed  ? wounded 10,000 captured... The Treaties of Tartu were treaties between Bolshevist Russia on one side and the newly independent Estonia and Finland, previously belonging to Imperial Russia, on the other. ... Mushroom cloud from the nuclear explosion over Nagasaki rising 18 km into the air. ... Molotov signs the German-Soviet non-aggression pact. ... Nazi Germany, or the Third Reich, commonly refers to Germany in the years 1933–1945, when it was under the firm control of the totalitarian and fascist ideology of the Nazi Party, with the Führer Adolf Hitler as dictator. ...

Pre-history

The Mesolithic Period

Neolithic period

The region has been populated since the end of the last glacial era, about 10.000 B.C. The earliest traces of human settlement in Estonia are connected with Kunda Culture. The Early Mesolithic Pulli settlement is located by the Pärnu River. It has been dated to the beginning of the 9th millennium BC. The Knuda Culture received its name from the Lammasmäe settlement site in northern Estonia, witch dates from earlier than 8500. ^[1] Bone and stone artefacts similar to those found at Kunda have been discovered elsewhere in Estonia, as well as in Latvia, northern Lithuania and southern Finland. Download high resolution version (1320x663, 100 KB)Map of the second half European Middle Neolithic at the apogee of Danubian and Mediterranean expansion (c. ... Download high resolution version (1320x663, 100 KB)Map of the second half European Middle Neolithic at the apogee of Danubian and Mediterranean expansion (c. ... The Mesolithic (Greek mesos=middle and lithos=stone or the Middle Stone Age[1]) was a period in the development of human technology between the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods of the Stone Age. ... Pulli is a settlement on the east bank of the Parnu River. ... County Pärnu County Mayor Mart Viisitamm Area 32. ...

Until the early 1980's the arrival of Finnic peoples, the ancestors of the Estonians, Finns, Livonians on the shores of Baltic sea around 3000 B.C. was associated with the Comb Ceramic Culture^[2] However , such a linking of archaeologically defined cultural entities with linguistic ones cannot be proven and it has been suggested that the increase of settlement finds in the period is more likely to have been associated with an economic boom related to the warming of climate. Some researchers have even argued that a Uralic form of language may have been spoken in Estonia and Finland since the end of the last glaciation. ^[3] To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... The Comb Ceramic Culture was a North-East European stone age culture, ca 4200 BC - 2000 BC. The name is derived from the most common decoration on the ceramic finds that look like the imprints of a comb. ...

The Neolithic Period

The beginning of the Neolithic period is marked by the ceramics of the Narva culture, appear in Estonia at the beginning of the 5th millennium. The oldest finds date from around 4900 B.C. The Narva type ceramics are found throughout almost the entire Esonian coastal region and on the islands. The stone and bone tools of the era have a notable similarity with the artifacts of the Kunda culture. The beginning of the Late Neolithic Period about 3200 B.C. is characterized by the appearance of Comb Ceramic with corded decoration and well-polished stone axes (s.c. boat-shape axes). Evidence of agriculture is provided by charred grain of wheat on the wall of a corded-ware Comb Ceramic vessel found in Iru settlement. Osteological analysis show an attempt was made to domesticate the wild boar. ^[4] The Neolithic, (Greek neos=new, lithos=stone, or New Stone Age) was a period in the development of human technology that is traditionally the last part of the Stone Age. ... The Comb Ceramic Culture was a North-East European stone age culture, ca 4200 BC - 2000 BC. The name is derived from the most common decoration on the ceramic finds that look like the imprints of a comb. ... The Comb Ceramic Culture was a North-East European stone age culture, ca 4200 BC - 2000 BC. The name is derived from the most common decoration on the ceramic finds that look like the imprints of a comb. ...

The Bronze Age

The beginning of the Bronze Age in Estonia is dated to approximately 1800 B.C. The development of the borders between the Finnic peoples and the Balts was under way. The first fortified settlements, Asva and Ridala on the island of Saaremaa and Iru in the Northern Estonia began to be built. The development of shipbuilding facilitated the spread of bronze. Changes took place in burial customs, a new type of burial ground spread from Germanic to Estonian areas, stone cist graves and cremation burials became increasingly common aside small number of boat-shaped stone graves. ^[5] The Bronze Age is a period in a civilizations development when the most advanced metalworking has developed the techniques of smelting copper from natural outcroppings and alloys it to cast bronze. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... http://www. ...

The Iron Age

The Pre-Roman Iron Age began in Estonia about 500 B.C. and lasted until the middle of the 1.st century A.D. The oldest iron items were imported, although since the first century iron was smelted from local marsh and lake ore. Settlement sites were located mostly in places that offered natural protection. Fortresses were built, although used temporarily. The appearance of square Celtic fields surrounded by enclosures in Estonia date from the Pre-Roman Iron Age. The majority of stones with man-made indents, witch presumably were connected with magic designed to increase crop fertility, date from this period. A new type of grave, quadrangular burial mounds began to develop. Burial traditions show the clear beginning of social stratification. A map of the area covered by the Pre-Roman Iron Age, ca 500 BC-1 AD The Pre-Roman Iron Age (also called the Celtic Iron Age) (ca 600 BC or 500 BC - ca 1 AD) designates the earliest part (i. ... Celtic fields are a popular name for the traces of early agricultural field systems found in the British Isles. ...

The Roman Iron Age in Estonia is roughly dated to between 50 and 450 A.D., the era that was affected by the influence of the Roman Empire. In material culture this is reflected by few Roman coins, some jewellery and artefacts. The abundance of iron artefacts in Southern Estonia speaks of closer mainland ties with southern areas while the islands of western and northern Estonia communicated with their neighbors mainly by sea. By the end of the period three clearly defined tribal dialectical areas: Northern Estonia, Southern Estonia, and Western Estonia including the islands had emerged, the population of each having formed its own understanding of identity.^[6] Roman Bronze figurine, Öland, Sweden The Roman Iron Age (1-400) is the name that Swedish archaeologist Oscar Montelius gave to a part of the Iron Age in Scandinavia, Northern Germany and the Netherlands. ... Motto Senatus Populusque Romanus (SPQR) The Roman Empire at its greatest extent. ... Amber jewellery in the form of pendants Jewellery (also spelled jewelry, see spelling differences) is a personal ornament, such as a necklace, ring, or bracelet, made from jewels, precious metals or other substance. ...

Early Middle Ages

Europe in 9th century

The name of Estonia occurs first in a form of Aestii in the first century AD by Tacitus, however, it might have indicated Baltic tribes living in the area. In Northern Sagas (9th century) the term started to be used to indicate the Estonians. ^[7] Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1477x1164, 301 KB) Summary Europe 814 From The Public Schools Historical Atlas edited by C. Colbeck, published by Longmans, Green, and Co. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1477x1164, 301 KB) Summary Europe 814 From The Public Schools Historical Atlas edited by C. Colbeck, published by Longmans, Green, and Co. ... The Roman historian Tacitus in his book Germania mentions a Aesti or Aestii people. ... Gaius Cornelius Tacitus Publius (or Gaius) Cornelius Tacitus (c. ...

According to the fifth-century Roman historian Cassiodorus the people known to Tacitius as the Aestii were the Estonians. The extent of their territory in early medieval times is disputed but the nature of their religion is not. They were known to the Scandinavians as experts in wind-magic, as were the Lapps (known at the time as Finns) in the North. ^[8] Cassiodorus at his Vivarium library ( in Codex Amiatinus, 8th century). ...

The Chudes as mentioned by a monk Nestor in the earliest Russian chronicles, were the Ests or Esthonians ^[9]. According to Nestor in 1030 Yaroslav I the Wise invaded the country of the Chuds and laid the foundations of Yuriev, ^[10] (the historical Russian name of Tartu, Estonia). According to Old East Slavic chronicles the Chudes where one of the founders of the Rus' state. ^[9] The Chudes (Chuds, Chud) are people mentioned in Russian chronicles and folk-tales, assosiated with several peoples speaking Baltic Finnic languages, in particular with minority peoples speaking the Veps language in the Russian federation. ... Mikhail Gerasimovs reconstruction of Yaroslavs appearance, based on his examination of Yaroslavs skull Yaroslav I the Wise (c. ... County Tartu County Mayor Laine Jänes Area 38. ... Old East Slavic, traditionally known as Old Russian (Russian: древнерусский), is a name for a vernacular literary language used between the 10th and 14th centuries by East Slavs in Kievan Rus and other states formed by that ethnic group. ...

In the first centuries AD political and administrative subdivisions began to emerge in Estonia. Two larger subdivisions appeared: the parish (kihelkond) and the county (maakond). The parish consisted of several villages. Nearly all parishes had at least one fortress. The defense of the local area was directed by the highest official, the parish elder. The county was composed of several parishes, also headed by an elder. By the 13th century the following major counties had developed in Estonia: Saaremaa (Osilia), Läänemaa (Rotalia or Maritima), Harjumaa (Harria), Rävala (Revalia), Virumaa (Vironia), Järvamaa (Jervia), Sakala (Saccala), and Ugandi (Ugaunia).^[11] Saare County, or Saare maakond, is a county or maakond of Estonia. ... Capital Haapsalu Governor Sulev Vare Area 2,383. ... Harju County or Harjumaa (Estonian Harju maakond or Harjumaa) is a County or maakond of Estonia on the south coast of the Gulf of Finland. ... Dannebrog falling from the sky during the Battle of Lyndanisse in Revelia. ... National motto: None Vironia corresponded to the present territory of Lääne-Viru maakond & Ida-Viru maakond. ... Järva County or Järvamaa (Estonian: Järva maakond or Järvamaa) is one of the counties of Estonia. ... sakala (word) -- a Sanskrit word meaning all, everything; Sakala (district) -- ancient district in Estonia, now Viljandimaa; Sakala (heights) -- hills in Viljandimaa; Sakala (academic corporation) -- an Estonian academic corporation founded in Tartu 1909, named after Sakala (district); Sakala (newspaper) -- a newspaper founded by Carl Robert Jakobson in 1878. ... National motto: None Ugaunia corresponded roughly to the present territory of Tartu, Põlva, Võru and a half of Valga maakond. ...

The Middle Ages

Dannebrog falling from the sky during the Battle of Lyndanisse, 1219.

Main article: Estonian Crusade

Estonia remained one of the last corners of medieval Europe to be Christianized. In 1193 Pope Celestine III called for a crusade against pagans in Northern Europe. Northern Crusades from Northern Germany established the stronghold of Riga (in modern Latvia). With the help of the newly converted local tribes of Livs and Letts, the crusaders initiated raids into part of what is present-day Estonia in 1208. Estonian tribes fiercely resisted the attacks from Riga and occasionally themselves sacked territories controlled by the crusaders. In 1217 the German crusading order the Sword Brethren and their recently converted allies, won a major battle in which the Estonian commander Lembitu was killed. The period of the several Northern Crusade battles in Estonia between 1208 and 1227 is also known as the period of Estonian ancient fight for independence. Dannebrog falling from the sky during the Battle of Lyndanisse, June 15, 1219. ... Dannebrog falling from the sky during the Battle of Lyndanisse, June 15, 1219. ... The Dannebrog. ... The Battle of Lyndanisse took place in 1219. ... // Events Saint Francis of Assisi introduces Catholicism into Egypt, during the Fifth Crusade The Flag of Denmark fell from the sky during the Battle of Lyndanisse Ongoing events Fifth Crusade (1217-1221) Births Christopher I of Denmark (died 1259) Frederick II of Austria (died 1246) Guillaume de Gisors, supposedly the... Combatants Livonian Order Denmark Sweden Estonian elderships Commanders Albert of Riga Anders Sunesen Caupo of Turaida † Theoderich von Treyden Volquin Wenno William of Modena Lembitu of Lehola † Vyachko † The Estonian Crusade was undertaken in the 13th century by the Livonian Order, the Kingdom of Denmark, and their allies against the... Christianity percentage by country, purple is highest, orange is lowest Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch... Pope Celestine III (Rome, c. ... Look up pagan, heathen in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Northern Europe Northern Europe is the northern part of the European continent. ... The Teutonic knights in Pskov in 1240. ... Coordinates: Founded 1201 Government  - Mayor Jānis Birks Area  - City 307. ... The Livonians are the indigenous inhabitants of a large part of what is today the Republic of Latvia. ... Latvians or Letts (Latvian: latvieÅ¡i), the indigenous Baltic people of Latvia, occasionally refer to themselves by the ancient name of Latvji, which may have originated from the word Latve which is a name of the river that presumably flowed through what is now eastern Latvia. ... Livonian Brothers The Livonian Brothers of the Sword (Latin Fratres militiae Christi, literally the brothers of the army of Christ), also known as the Christ Knights, Sword Brethren or The Militia of Christ of Livonia, was a military order organized in 1202 by Albert of Buxhoeveden, bishop of Riga (or... Lembitu (year of birth unknown; died on September 21, 1217) was one of the best-known Estonian leaders in the fight against the conquest of German Sword Brethren in the beginning of the 13th century. ... January 31 - Inferior Swedish forces defeats the invading danes in Battle of Lena. ... January 11 first mention of city of Požega in a charter of Andrew II of Hungary March 19 - Pope Gregory IX succeeds Pope Honorius III as the 178th pope. ...

Danish Estonia

Main article: Danish Estonia

Livonia in 1260.

Northern Estonia was conquered by Danish crusaders led by king Waldemar II, who arrived in 1219 on the site of in an Estonian town of Lindanisse ^[12] (Now Tallinn) at (Latin) Revelia (Estonian) Revala or Rävala, the adjacent ancient Estonian county. The Danish Army defeated the Estonians at Battle of Lyndanisse. Estonia was a dominion of Denmark during Middle Ages. ... Image File history File links Confederation_of_Livonia_1260. ... Image File history File links Confederation_of_Livonia_1260. ... Baltic Tribes, ca 1200 CE This article is about the region in Europe. ... The magnificent Cathedral of Chartres was dedicated in 1260. ... Valdemar II (1170–1241), called Valdemar the Conqueror or Valdemar the Victorious, was the King of Denmark from 1202 until 1241. ... // Events Saint Francis of Assisi introduces Catholicism into Egypt, during the Fifth Crusade The Flag of Denmark fell from the sky during the Battle of Lyndanisse Ongoing events Fifth Crusade (1217-1221) Births Christopher I of Denmark (died 1259) Frederick II of Austria (died 1246) Guillaume de Gisors, supposedly the... County Area 159. ... The Battle of Lyndanisse took place in 1219. ...

Estonians of Harria started a rebellion in 1343 (St.George's Night Uprising). The province was occupied by the Livonian Order as a result. In 1346, the Danish dominions in Estonia (Harria and Vironia) were sold for 10 000 marks to the Livonian Order. Capital Tallinn Governor Jaan Mark Area 4,333 km² (2nd) Population (as of 2004)  - Density 521,410 (1st) 120. ... Events Magnus II of Sweden abdicates from the throne of Norway in favor of his son Haakon VI of Norway. ... St. ... The Livonian Brothers of the Sword (Latin Fratres militiae Christi, literally the brothers of the army of Christ), also known as the Christ Knights, Sword Brethren or The Militia of Christ of Livonia, was a military order started in 1202 by Albert von Buxhövden, bishop of Riga (or Prince... // Events Serbian Empire was proclaimed in Skopje by Dusan Silni, occupying much of the South-Eastern Europe Foundation of the University of Valladolid Foundation of Pembroke College, University of Cambridge August 26 Battle of Crecy after which Edward the Black Prince honored the bravery of John I, Count of Luxemburg... Capital Tallinn Governor Jaan Mark Area 4,333 km² (2nd) Population (as of 2004)  - Density 521,410 (1st) 120. ... Vironia is the oldest Estonian national fraternity, founded in Riga on November 26, 1900. ... The mark was originally a unit of weight for gold and silver common throughout western Europe, and was equal to 8 troy ounces. ... The Livonian Brothers of the Sword (Latin Fratres militiae Christi, literally the brothers of the army of Christ), also known as the Christ Knights, Sword Brethren or The Militia of Christ of Livonia, was a military order started in 1202 by Albert von Buxhövden, bishop of Riga (or Prince...

Swedish coastal settlements

The first written mention of the Estonian Swedes comes from 1294, in the laws of the town of Haapsalu. Estonian Swedes are one of the earliest known minorities in Estonia. They have also been called Coastal Swedes, or according to their settlement area Ruhnu Swedes, Hiiu Swedes etc. They themselves used the poetic expression aibofolke — Island People. The Estonian Swedes, Estonia-Swedes, or Coastal Swedes (Swedish: Estlandssvenskar, or Estonia Swedes, colloquially Aibofolke, or Island People, Estonian: Rannarootslased) are a group of ethnic Swedes residing in the coastal areas and islands of what is now western and northern Estonia. ... For broader historical context, see 1290s and 13th century. ... Haapsalu (Swedish & German: Hapsal) is a resort town on the west coast of Estonia. ...

The ancient areas of Swedish settlement in Estonia were Ruhnu Island, Hiiumaa Island, the west coast and smaller islands (Vormsi, Noarootsi, Sutlepa, Riguldi, Osmussaar), the north-west coast of the Harju District (Nõva, Vihterpalu, Kurkse, the Pakri Peninsula and the Pakri Islands) and Naissaar Island near Tallinn. The towns with a significant percentage of Swedish population have been Haapsalu and Tallinn.

In earlier times Swedes have also lived on the coasts of Saaremaa, the southern part of Läänemaa, the eastern part of Harjumaa and the western part of Virumaa.

Livonian Confederation

Estonia in Livonian Confederation from 1228 to the 1560s. Coat of arms Capital Walk Language(s) Low German Religion Roman Catholicism Political structure Confederation Legislature Landtag Historical era Middle Ages  - Conquest of Estonia 1208–27  - Established 1228  - Reval (Tallinn) gains Lübeck Rights 1248  - Reval joins Hanseatic League late 13th century  - Landtag formed 1419  - Livonian War 1558–82  - Wilno...

In 1227 the Sword Brethren conquered the last indigenous stronghold in the Estonian island of Saaremaa. After the conquest, all remaining local pagans of Estonia were ostensibly Christianized. This article is about the island. ... Christianity percentage by country, purple is highest, orange is lowest Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch...

Livonian Confederation in the 15th century

The territory was then divided between the Livonian branch of the Teutonic Order, the Bishopric of Dorpat (in Estonian: Tartu piiskopkond) and the Bishopric of Oesel-Wiek (in Estonian: Saare-Lääne piiskopkond). The Northern part of Estonia - more exactly Harjumaa and Virumaa districts (in German: Harrien und Wierland) - was a nominal possession of Denmark until 1346. Tallinn (Reval) was given the Lübeck Rights in 1248 and joined the Hanseatic League at the end of the 13th century. In 1343 the people of northern Estonia and Saaremaa (Oesel) Island started a rebellion (St. George's Night Uprising) against the rule of their German-speaking landlords. The uprising was put down, and Vesse, the rebel King of Saaremaa, was hanged in 1344. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1000x900, 2286 KB) Beschreibung: Historische Karte von Livland, vermutlich 15. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1000x900, 2286 KB) Beschreibung: Historische Karte von Livland, vermutlich 15. ... (14th century - 15th century - 16th century - other centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 15th century was that century which lasted from 1401 to 1500. ... The Livonian Brothers of the Sword (Latin Fratres militiae Christi, literally the brothers of the army of Christ), also known as the Christ Knights, Sword Brethren or The Militia of Christ of Livonia, was a military order started in 1202 by Albert von Buxhövden, bishop of Riga (or Prince... Teutonic Knights, charging into battle. ... The Bishopric of Dorpat was a medieval principality 1234-1558 in what are now Tartu, Põlva, Võru and Jõgeva counties in Estonia. ... Bishopric of Oesel-Wiek (in Estonian Saare-Lääne) was a semi-independent principality in what is now Saare and Lääne counties of Estonia. ... County Area 159. ... Lübecks law was from the 13th century in the Middle Ages the foundation for municipal laws in many neighbouring cities on the Baltic Sea. ... Carta marina of the Baltic Sea region (1539). ... Events Magnus II of Sweden abdicates from the throne of Norway in favor of his son Haakon VI of Norway. ... St. ...

Despite local rebellions and Muscovian invasions in 1481 and 1558, the local Low German-speaking upper class continued to rule Estonia and from 1524 preserved Estonian commitment to the Protestant Reformation. Muscovy (Moscow principality (княжество Московское) to Grand Duchy of Moscow (Великое Княжество Московское) to Russian Tsardom (Царство Русское)) is a traditional Western name for the Russian state that existed from the 14th century to the late 17th century. ... Low German (also called Niederdeutsch, Plattdeutsch or Plattdüütsch) is a name for the regional language varieties of the West Germanic languages spoken mainly in Northern Germany where it is officially called Niederdeutsch (Low German), and in Eastern Netherlands where it is officially called Nedersaksisch (Low Saxon). Low refers to... The Baltic Germans (German: , Deutschbalten; literally German Balts) were ethnically German inhabitants of the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, which today forms the countries of Estonia and Latvia. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      For other uses, see...

Livonian War

Main article: Livonian War

Main article: Ducatus Ultradunensis

Main article: Kingdom of Livonia

Main article: Principality of Estland

The Reformation reached Livonia in the 1520s. ... Ducatus Ultradunensis (Latin for Transdunian Duchy; Duna is an ancient name of the Daugava River) was the name given to part of Livonia by Zygmunt II August in 1566, after the dissolution of the Livonian Confederation. ... Livonia in 1561. ... The Principality of Estland was located on the former territory of Danish Estonia (above) except the city of Reval. ...

The Reformation Period

The Reformation in Europe began in 1517 with Martin Luther (1483-1546) and his 95 Theses.

The Reformation resulted in great change in the Baltic. Ideas entered the Livonian Confederation very quickly and by the 1520’s they were well known. Language, education, religion, and politics were greatly transformed. The Church services were now given in the local vernacular, instead of Latin, as was previously used. ^[13]

Division of Estonia

During the Livonian War in 1561, northern Estonia submitted to Swedish control, while southern Estonia briefly came under the control of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the 1580s. In 1625, mainland Estonia came entirely under Swedish rule. Estonia was administratively divided between the provinces of Estonia in the north and Livonia in southern Estonia and northern Latvia, a division which persisted until the early twentieth century. The Reformation reached Livonia in the 1520s. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Baltic Tribes, ca 1200 CE This article is about the region in Europe. ... (19th century - 20th century - 21st century - more centuries) Decades: 1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s As a means of recording the passage of time, the 20th century was that century which lasted from 1901–2000 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar (1900–1999...

Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth

Outline of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth

Formation of the Swedish Empire, 1560-1660

during 1582–83 southern Estonia (Livonia) became part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1973x1556, 717 KB) LEGEND: 1 - The Crown (Kingdom of Poland), 2 - Duch of Prussia - Polish fief, 3 - Grand Duchy of Lithuania, 4 - Duchy of Courland - Livonian fief, 5 - Livonia. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1973x1556, 717 KB) LEGEND: 1 - The Crown (Kingdom of Poland), 2 - Duch of Prussia - Polish fief, 3 - Grand Duchy of Lithuania, 4 - Duchy of Courland - Livonian fief, 5 - Livonia. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Baltic Tribes, ca 1200 CE This article is about the region in Europe. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ...

Estonia in Swedish Empire

Main article: Swedish Estonia

Estonia placed itself under Swedish rule in 1561 to receive protection against Russia and Poland as the Livonian Order lost their foothold in the Baltic provinces. Territorially it represented the northern part of present day Estonia. Estonia was a dominion of Sweden from 1561 until 1719, when it was ceded to Russia in the Treaty of Nystad, following the outcome in the Great Northern War. ... // Events The Edict of Orleans suspends the persecution of the Huguenots. ... Livonian Brothers The Livonian Brothers of the Sword (Latin Fratres militiae Christi, literally the brothers of the army of Christ), also known as the Christ Knights, Sword Brethren or The Militia of Christ of Livonia, was a military order organized in 1202 by Albert of Buxhoeveden, bishop of Riga (or...

Livonia was conquered from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth by 1629 in the Polish-Swedish War. By the Treaty of Oliva between the Commonwealth and Sweden in 1660 following the Northern Wars the Polish-Lithuanian king renounced all claims to the Swedish throne and Livonia was formally ceded to Sweden. Swedish Livonia represents the southern part of present-day Estonia and the northern part of present-day Latvia (Vidzeme region) Livonia was a dominion of Sweden from the 1620s until 1721. ... Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Events March 4 - Massachusetts Bay Colony is granted a Royal charter. ... In 1625, the Swedes quickly occupied all of Livonia and Courland by the years end. ... Treaty of Oliwa. ... // Events January 1 - Colonel George Monck with his regiment crosses from Scotland to England at the village of Coldstream and begins advance towards London in support of English Restoration. ... King Charles X of Sweden The Northern Wars (1655-1661) is a name sometimes used for the series of conflicts between Sweden and its adversaries Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (The Deluge, 1655-1660), Russia (1656-1661), Brandenburg-Prussia (1657-1660), the Holy Roman Empire (1657-60) and Denmark (1657-1658, 1658... The Vasa Coat of Arms The House of Vasa was the Royal House of Sweden (1523-1654) and of Poland (1587-1668). ... Livonia (Latvian: Livonija; Estonian: Liivimaa; German: Livland; Polish: Inflanty; Russian: Лифляндия or Liflandiya) once was the land of the Finnic Livonians, but came in the Middle Ages to designate a much broader territory controlled by the Livonian Order on the eastern coasts of the Baltic Sea in present-day Latvia and...

In 1631, Gustavus II Adolphus of Sweden forced the nobility to grant the peasantry greater autonomy, and in 1632 established a printing press and University in the city of Tartu. Gustav II Adolph Gustav II Adolph (December 9, 1594 - November 6, 1632) (also known as Gustav Adolph the Great, under the Latin name Gustavus Adolphus or the Swedish form Gustav II Adolf) was a King of Sweden. ... Nobility is a traditional hereditary status (see hereditary titles) that exists today in many countries (mainly present or former monarchies). ... An autonomous (subnational) entity is a subnational entity that has a certain amount of autonomy. ... The printing press is a mechanical device for printing many copies of a text on rectangular sheets of paper. ... The University of Tartu (Estonian: ; German: ) is a classical university in the city of Tartu Estonia. ... County Tartu County Mayor Laine Jänes Area 38. ...

Estonia in Russian Empire

Europa in 19th century

Sweden's defeat by Russia in the Great Northern War in 1721 resulted in the Treaty of Nystad, and Russian rule was then imposed on what later became modern Estonia. Nonetheless, the legal system, Lutheran church, local and town governments, and education remained mostly German until the late 19th century and partially until 1918. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 725 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (3111 × 2574 pixel, file size: 1. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 725 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (3111 × 2574 pixel, file size: 1. ... Combatants Sweden Ottoman Empire (1710–1714) Ukrainian Cossacks Russia Denmark-Norway Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth Saxony after 1718 Prussia Hanover Commanders Charles XII of Sweden Ahmed III Ivan Mazepa Peter the Great Frederick IV of Denmark Augustus II the Strong Strength 77,000 in the beginning of the war. ... The Treaty of Nystad (1721), signed at the present-day Finnish town of Uusikaupunki (Swedish Nystad), ended the Great Northern War, in which Russia received the territories of Estonia, Livonia and Ingria, as well as much of Karelia and Tsar Peter I of Russia replaced King Frederick I of Sweden... The Lutheran movement is a group of denominations of Protestant Christianity by the original definition. ...

By 1819, the Baltic provinces were the first in the Russian empire in which serfdom was abolished, the largely autonomous nobility allowing the peasants to own their own land or move to the cities. These moves created the economic foundation for the coming to life of the local national identity and culture as Estonia was caught in a current of national awakening that began sweeping through Europe in the mid-1800s. The Baltic Provinces were the provinces of the Russian Empire on the territory which is now Baltic States. ...

Age of Enlightenment

Estophile Enlightenment Period (1750-1840)
Educated German immigrants and local Baltic Germans in Estonia, educated at German universities introduced Enlightenment ideas of rational thinking, ideas that propagated freedom of thinking and brotherhood and equality. The French Revolution provided a powerful motive for the enlightened local upper class to create literature for the peasantry. ^[14] The freeing of the peasantry from serfdom on the nobles estates in 1816 in Southern Estonia:Governorate of Livonia (Russian: Лифляндская губерния) and 1819 in Northern Estonia: Governorate of Estonia (Russian: Эстляндская губерния) by Alexander I of Russia gave rise to a debate as to the future fate of the former enslaved peoples. Although Baltic Germans at large regarded the future of Estonians as being a fusion with the Baltic Germans, the Estophile educated class admired the ancient culture of the Estonians and their era of freedom before the conquests by Danes and Germans in the 13 century. ^[15] The Estophile Enlightenment Period formed the transition from religious Estonian literature to newspapers written in Estonian for the mass public. The Baltic Germans (German: , Deutschbalten; literally German Balts) were ethnically German inhabitants of the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, which today forms the countries of Estonia and Latvia. ... The Age of Enlightenment (French: ; German: ) was an eighteenth century movement in European and American philosophy, or the longer period including the Age of Reason. ... The French Revolution (1789–1815) was a period of political and social upheaval in the political history of France and Europe as a whole, during which the French governmental structure, previously an absolute monarchy with feudal privileges for the aristocracy and Catholic clergy, underwent radical change to forms based on... Capital Riga History  - Established (de facto) July 28, 1713  - Established (de jure) September 10, 1721  - Renamed 1796  - Divided 1917  - Disestablished April 12, 1918 Riga Governorate (Russian: , Latvian: ) was a governorate of the Russian Empire. ... A fragment of a 1790 map showing borders of Estonia. Capital Reval History  - Established (de facto) June 9, 1719  - Established (de jure) September 10, 1721  - Renamed 1796  - Autonomy granted April 12, 1917 Reval Governorate (Ревельская губерния or Revel guberniya) was a governorate of the Russian Empire. ... Aleksandr I Pavlovich (Russian: Александр I Павлович) (December 23, 1777–December 1, 1825?), was Emperor of Russia from 23 March 1801-1 December 1825 and Ruler of Poland from 1815–1825, as well as the first Grand Duke of Finland. ...

National Awakening

Main article: Estonian Age of Awakening

A cultural movement sprang forth to adopt the use of Estonian as the language of instruction in schools, all-Estonian song festivals were held regularly after 1869, and a national literature in Estonian developed. "Kalevipoeg", Estonia's national epic, was published in 1861 in both Estonian and German. Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwald reads the manuscript of Kalevipoeg. ... Illustration to Kalevipoeg by Oskar Kallis Kalevipoeg is an epic poem by Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwald held to be the Estonian national epic. ...

1889 marked the beginning of the central government-sponsored policy of Russification. The impact of this was that many of the Baltic German legal institutions were either abolished or had to do their work in Russian - a good example of this is the University of Tartu. To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... The Baltic Germans (German: Deutsch-Balten, Deutschbalten, sometimes incorrectly Baltendeutsche), were ethnically German inhabitants of the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea which forms today the countries of Estonia and Latvia. ... The University of Tartu (Estonian: ; German: ) is a classical university in the city of Tartu Estonia. ...

As the Russian Revolution of 1905 swept through Estonia, the Estonians called for freedom of the press and assembly, for universal franchise, and for national autonomy. Estonian gains were minimal, but the tense stability that prevailed between 1905 and 1917 allowed Estonians to advance the aspiration of national statehood. ‹ The template below (Expand) is being considered for deletion. ... Freedom Freedom of the press (or press freedom) is the guarantee by a government of free public press for its citizens and their associations, extended to members of news gathering organizations, and their published reporting. ... Group of women holding placards with political activist slogans: know your courts - study your politicians, Liberty in law, Law makers must not be law breakers, and character in candidates photo 1920 Freedom of assembly is the freedom to associate with, or organize any groups, gatherings, clubs, or organizations that one... Elections Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      Suffrage (from the Latin suffragium, meaning vote) is the civil right to vote, or the exercise of that right. ...

Road to Republic

Main article: Autonomous Governorate of Estonia

Estonia as a unified political entity first emerged after the Russian Revolution of 1917. With the collapse of the Russian Empire in World War I, Russia's Provisional Government granted national autonomy to an unified Estonia in April. The Governorate of Estonia in the north (corresponding to the historic Danish Estonia) was united with the northern part of the Governorate of Livonia. Elections for a provisional parliament, Maapäev was organized, with the Menshevik and Bolshevik fractions of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party obtaining a part of the vote. On November 5, 1917, two days before the October Revolution in Saint Petersburg, Estonian Bolshevik leader Jaan Anvelt violently usurped power from the legally constituted Maapäev in a coup d'etat, forcing the Maapäev underground. Estland was located approximately on the later territory of Estonia (above, green), declared February 23, 1918. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Anthem God Save the Tsar! The Russian Empire in 1914 Capital Saint Petersburg Language(s) Russian Religion Russian Orthodoxy Government Monarchy Emperor  - 1721–1725 Peter the Great  - 1894–1917 Nicholas II History  - Accession of Peter I May 7, 1682 NS, April 27, 1682 OS²  - Empire proclaimed October 22, 1721 NS... “The Great War ” redirects here. ... The Russian Provisional Government was formed in Petrograd after the deterioration of the Russian Empire and the abdication of the Tsars. ... Estland was located approximately on the later territory of Estonia (above, green), declared February 23, 1918. ... Capital Reval History  - Created June 9, 1719  - Treaty of Nystad 1721  - Collapse of empire 1917  - Estonian independence 24 February 1918 Reval Governorate (Ревельская губерния or Revel guberniya) was a governorate of the Russian Empire. ... Estonia was a dominion of Denmark during Middle Ages. ... Riga Governorate (Рижская губерния or Riga guberniya) was a governorate of the Russian Empire. ... The Maapäev (translated as Day of Land) was the Legislative Assembly of Estonia from 1917—1919. ... Leaders of the Menshevik Party at Norra Bantorget in Stockholm, Sweden, May 1917. ... Bolshevik Party Meeting. ... The Russian Social-Democratic Labour Party, or RSDLP (Росси́йская Социа́л-Демократи́ческая Рабо́чая Па́ртия = РСДРП), also known as the Russian Social-Democratic Workers Party and the Russian Social-Democratic Party, was a revolutionary socialist Russian political party formed in 1898 in Minsk to unite the various revolutionary organizations into one party. ... is the 309th day of the year (310th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1917 (MCMXVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 13-day slower Julian calendar (see: 1917 Julian calendar). ... “Red October” redirects here. ... Saint Petersburg (Russian: Санкт-Петербу́рг, English transliteration: Sankt-Peterburg), colloquially known as Питер (transliterated Piter), formerly known as Leningrad (Ленингра́д, 1924–1991) and... Bolshevik Party Meeting. ... Jaan Anvelt Jaan Anvelt, Eessaare Aadu, Jaan Holm, Jaan Hulmu, Kaarel Maatamees, Onkel Kaak or Н. Альтъ (18 April 1884 Orgu, Võisiku vald, Sakala – 11 December 1937 Soviet Union), was a revolutionary of Estonia, the leader of the Communist Party of Estland, and the first Premier of Soviet Estland, and the...

In February, after the collapse of the peace talks between Soviet Russia and the German Empire, mainland Estonia was occupied by the Germans. Bolshevik forces retreated to Russia. Between the Russian Red Army's retreat and the arrival of advancing German troops, the Salvation Committee of the Estonian National Council Maapäev declared Estonian independence.^[16] in Parnu on February 24, 1918 After the collapse of the short-lived puppet government of the United Baltic Duchy and the withdrawal of German troops in November 1918, an Estonian provisional Government retook office. A military invasion by Red Army followed a few days later, however, marking the beginning of the Estonian War of Independence (1918-1920). The Estonian army cleared the entire territory of Estonia of Red Army by February 1919. On February 2, 1920, the Treaty of Tartu was signed by the Republic of Estonia and Russian SFSR. The terms of the treaty stated that Russia renounced in perpetuity all rights to the territory of Estonia. The Republic of Estonia obtained international recognition and became a member of the League of Nations in 1921. Motto Gott mit Uns (German: God with us”) Anthem Heil dir im Siegerkranz (unofficial) Territory of the German Empire in 1914, prior to World War I Capital Berlin Language(s) Official: German Unofficial minority languages: Danish, French, Frisian, Polish, Sorbian Government Constitutional monarchy Emperor  - 1871–1888 William I  - 1888 Frederick... The Salvation Committee (Estonian: Päästekomitee or Eestimaa Päästmise Komitee) was executive body of Estonian Maapäev that issued Estonian Declaration of Independence. ... The Maapäev (translated as Day of Land) was the Legislative Assembly of Estonia from 1917—1919. ... County Pärnu County Mayor Ahti Kõo Area 32. ... February 24 is the 55th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1918 (MCMXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. ... Official language German Capital Riga Regent Adolf Pilar von Pilchau Area ? km² Population ? Independance 12 April 1918 Admission 22 September 1918 (German State) National anthem ? The United Baltic Duchy (in German: Vereinigtes Baltisches Herzogtum) was a shortlived construct in 1918 made possible through Germanys occupation of Latvia and Estonia... For other organizations known as the Red Army, see Red Army (disambiguation). ... Combatants  Estonia, Finnish and Scandinavian volunteers, White Russians Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic Commanders Johan Laidoner Jukums Vācietis Sergei Kamenev Strength 74,500 (Estonian Army), ca 3000 Finnish volunteers, White Russians, about 200-400 Scandinavians  ?? Casualties 5,600 killed 15,000 wounded 667 captured  ? killed  ? wounded 10,000 captured... is the 33rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1920 (MCMXX) was a leap year starting on Thursday. ... Treaty of Tartu (Estonian: Tartu rahu, literally Tartu peace) between Estonia and Bolshevist Russia was signed in February 2, 1920 after the Estonian War of Independence. ... State motto: Russian: Пролетарии всех стран, соединяйтесь! Translation: Workers of the world, unite! Capital Moscow Official language Russian Established In the USSR:  - Since  - Until November 7, 1917 November 7, 1917 December 12, 1991 (dissolution) Area  - Total  - Water (%) Ranked 1st in the USSR 17,075,200 km² 13% Population  - Total   - Density Ranked 1st in the... The League of Nations was an international organization founded as a result of the Paris Peace Conference in 1919-1920. ...

Republic of Estonia

The first period of independence lasted 22 years, beginning in 1918. Estonia underwent a number of economic, social, and political reforms necessary to come to terms with its new status as a sovereign state. Economically and socially, land reform in 1919 was the most important step. Large estate holdings belonging to the Baltic nobility were redistributed among the peasants and especially among volunteers in the Estonian War of Independence. Estonia's principal markets became Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, and western Europe, with some exports to the United States and to the Soviet Union. Sovereignty is the exclusive right to exercise supreme political (e. ... A state is a political association with effective dominion over a geographic area. ... The Baltic nobility in Latvia and Estonia has existed continuously since the medieval days of Teutonic Knight state. ... Combatants  Estonia, Finnish and Scandinavian volunteers, White Russians Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic Commanders Johan Laidoner Jukums Vācietis Sergei Kamenev Strength 74,500 (Estonian Army), ca 3000 Finnish volunteers, White Russians, about 200-400 Scandinavians  ?? Casualties 5,600 killed 15,000 wounded 667 captured  ? killed  ? wounded 10,000 captured... Scandinavia is a historical and geographical region centered on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe and includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. ...

The first constitution of the Republic of Estonia, adopted in 1920, established a parliamentary form of government. The parliament (Riigikogu) consisted of 100 members elected for 3-year terms. Between 1921 and 1931, Estonia had 11 governments. A parliamentarian is a specialist in parliamentary procedure. ... The Riigikogu (from riigi-, of the state, and kogu, assembly) is the parliament of Estonia. ...

A mass anticommunist and antiparliamentary Vaps Movement emerged in the 1930s^[17] In October 1933 referendum on constitutional reform initiated by the Vaps Movement was approved by 72.7 percent.^[17] The league spearheaded replacement of the parliamentary system with a presidential form of government and laid the groundwork for an April 1934 presidential election, which it expected to win. However, the Vaps Movement was thwarted by a pre-emptive coup d'état on March 12, 1934, by Head of State Konstantin Päts, who then established his own authoritarian rule until new constitution came to force. Political parties were banned and the parliament was not in session between 1934 and 1938 as the country was ruled by decree by Konstantin Päts. The Vaps Movement was officially banned and finally disbanded in December 1935. On May 6 1936, 150 members of the league went on trial and 143 of them were convicted to long-term prison sentences. They were granted an amnesty and freed in 1938, by which time the league had lost most of its popular support. Vaps Movement [1], (Estonian: Vabadussõjalaste Liit, vabadussõjalased, or colloquially vapsid) the Union of Participants in the Estonian War of Independence [2] was originally an Estonian association of veterans of the Estonian War of Independence (1918-1920), later also non-veterans were accepted as its members. ... 1933 (MCMXXXIII) was a common year starting on Sunday. ... Elections Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      A referendum (plural: referendums or referenda) or plebiscite (from Latin plebiscita, originally a decree of the Concilium Plebis) is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... A presidential system, also called a congressional system, is a system of government where the executive branch exists and presides (hence the term) separate from the legislature, to which it is not accountable, and which cannot in normal circumstances dismiss it. ... // A coup dÉtat (pronounced ), or simply coup, is the sudden overthrow of a government, often through illegal means by a part of the state establishment — mostly replacing just the high-level figures. ... March 12 is the 71st day of the year (72nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1934 (MCMXXXIV) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display full 1934 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Head of State of Estonia (Estonian: Riigivanem) (a literal translation: Elder of State) was the official title of the Estonian Head of State from 1921 to 1937. ... Konstantin Päts VR I/1 and III/1 (February 23, 1874 – January 18, 1956) was a politician and the first President of Estonia. ... Rule by decree is a style of governance allowing quick, unchallenged creation of law by a single person or group, and is used primarily by dictators and absolute monarchs. ... Konstantin Päts VR I/1 and III/1 (February 23, 1874 – January 18, 1956) was a politician and the first President of Estonia. ... 1936 (MCMXXXVI) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar). ... Year 1938 (MCMXXXVIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ...

The independence period was one of great cultural advancement. Estonian language schools were established, and artistic life of all kinds flourished. One of the more notable cultural acts of the independence period, unique in western Europe at the time of its passage in 1925, was a guarantee of cultural autonomy to minority groups comprising at least 3,000 persons, including Jews (see history of the Jews in Estonia). Historians see the lack of any bloodshed after a nearly "700-year German rule" as indication that it must have been mild by comparison. A minority or subordinate group is a sociological group that does not constitute a politically dominant plurality of the total population of a given society. ... History of the Jews in Estonia starts with individual reports of Jews in what is now Estonia from as early as the 14th century. ...

Estonia had pursued a policy of neutrality, but it was of no consequence after the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact on August 23, 1939 in which the two great powers agreed to divide up the countries situated between them (Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland) with Estonia falling in the Soviet "sphere of influence". After the invasion of Poland, Orzeł incident took place when Polish submarine ORP Orzeł looked for shelter in Tallinn but escaped after Soviet Union attacked Poland on September 17. Estonian's lack of will and/or incapability to disarm and intern the crew caused Soviet Union to accuse Estonia of "helping them escape" and claim