Estonia's Declaration of Independence in 1918

The Estonian Declaration of Independence was proclaimed in Pärnu and Tallinn, marking the establishment of the Republic of Estonia as an independent nation. This declaration was a pivotal moment in the context of World War I and the subsequent political upheaval in Europe. Following the declaration, the Estonian Provisional Government was formed to oversee the transition to independence. However, this period was complicated by the German occupation, which began shortly after the declaration. The German authorities sought to create the United Baltic Duchy, a proposed client state that would encompass Estonia and Latvia, further complicating Estonia's quest for sovereignty. Despite these challenges, the declaration laid the groundwork for Estonia's future as an independent state, fostering a sense of national identity and unity among its citizens. The struggle for independence continued, leading to the Estonian War of Independence, which ultimately solidified Estonia's status as a sovereign nation.