Formation of the Estonian Provisional Government and German Occupation

In early 1918, the Estonian Salvation Committee proclaimed the independence of Estonia, leading to the establishment of the Estonian Provisional Government. This declaration was a pivotal moment in Estonia's quest for self-determination, occurring amidst the backdrop of World War I and the collapse of the Russian Empire. The committee's actions were driven by a desire for national sovereignty and the aspiration to create a democratic state. However, the newly declared independence was short-lived as German forces occupied Estonia shortly after the declaration. This occupation was part of a broader strategy to establish the United Baltic Duchy, which sought to create a client state under German influence. The German occupation significantly impacted Estonia's political landscape and delayed the realization of full independence, as it imposed foreign governance and disrupted the establishment of local authority. The struggle for independence continued, ultimately leading to further conflicts and negotiations in the years that followed, shaping Estonia's national identity and future governance.