A Quest for Independence

For centuries, the Estonian people dreamed of establishing a state free of foreign domination. The 1917 revolution and the generally unstable situation in Russia created the opportunity for Estonia to gain its independence. The impetus for independence was provided by the National Front, Estonia's main ideological movement, which based its ideas on US President Woodrow Wilson's principle of self-determination.

On 8 April 1917, Estonian organisations and military personnel totalling 40 000 people held a demonstration in

Petrograd (St. Petersburg) in support of Estonian selfgovernment.The peaceful demonstration achieved its goal

when, on 12 April, the Russian Provisional Government

signed the Law on Estonian Autonomy, which united the

Livonian counties of Tartu, Võru, Viljandi, Pärnu and

Saaremaa with Estonia. For the first time an Estonian,

Jaan Poska, was appointed as a Provincial Commissioner

of Estonia.

A six-member Provisional National Council, the Maapäev, was formed. The Maapäev appointed a national executive that began to organise and modernise local government and educational institutions. Prior to its forceful dissolution by Bolshevik authorities and the impending invasion by German forces, the Maapäev took a decisive step toward sovereignty by declaring itself the supreme authority in Estonia on 15 November 1917.

Independence Proclaimed

The Estonian Constituent Assembly elections were held on 3-4 February 1918. The parties that supported the idea of national independence gained two-thirds of the popular vote. With Soviet forces hastily retreating and German forces advancing, the Maapäev elected a three-member Salvation Committee (Päästekomitee) and granted it full decision making powers to ensure the continued activity of the Maapäev. The Päästekomitee drafted a declaration of independence.

On 19 February 1918, the elders of the Maapäev approved the manifesto and on 24 February 1918, the Päästekomitee publicly proclaimed Estonia an independent and democratic republic.

After declaring its independence, Estonia was forced to fight a war of independence against Soviet Russia and German forces. During this war, Estonia secured its borders and signed the Tartu Peace Treaty with Soviet Russia on 2 February 1920.

Independence Proclaimed

The Estonian Constituent Assembly elections were held on 3-4 February 1918. The parties that supported the idea of national independence gained two-thirds of the popular vote. With Soviet forces hastily retreating and German

forces advancing, the Maapäev elected a three-member Salvation Committee (Päästekomitee) and granted it full decision-making powers to ensure the continued activity of the Maapäev. The Päästekomitee drafted a declaration of

independence.

On 19 February 1918, the elders of the Maapäev approved the manifesto and on 24 February 1918, the Päästekomitee publicly proclaimed Estonia an

independent and democratic republic.

After declaring its independence, Estonia was forced to fight a war of independence against Soviet Russia and German forces. During this war, Estonia secured its borders and signed the Tartu Peace Treaty with Soviet Russia on 2 February 1920.

Independence Restored

As the hope of restoring the nation's independence grew stronger in the late 1980s, the people began to celebrate Independence Day publicly before the end of the Soviet occupation. Since the restoration of independence on 20 August 1991, Independence Day continues to be a day of celebration and a day of reflection for the Estonian people.

Celebration of the 88th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the State Independence of the Republic of Estonia On 24 February 2006

07.34   The Official Flag Raising Ceremony at Toompea Castle

10.00    Defence Forces Parade at Vabaduse Square

11.30    Service at Kaarli Church

13.00    Awarding of this year's national prizes for science and culture

             in  the Academy of Sciences on Toompea

18.00    Festive Concert followed by a reception hosted by the

             President of the Republic and Mrs Ingrid Rüütel at the Estonian

             National Opera House.