Treaty of Tartu (Estonia-Russia)
Tartu, Estonia
What happened
Estonia, represented by Jaan Poska, and Soviet Russia, represented by Adolf Joffe. In the university city of Tartu, the two sides signed a peace in which Russia recognised Estonia's independence and gave up all claims to it 'voluntarily and forever'. The treaty also set the border and returned Estonian property taken to Russia during the war.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the first official recognition of Estonia as an independent country, so it is often called the republic's 'birth certificate'. It was also an early diplomatic success for Soviet Russia.
What came next
The Soviet Union occupied Estonia in 1940 and again from 1944 to 1991. Estonia restored its independence in 1991.
Did you know?
Tartu is home to the University of Tartu, founded in 1632, the country's oldest university.
Timeline
- 1632The University of Tartu is founded.
- 2 February 1920The Treaty of Tartu is signed.
- 30 March 1920Ratifications are exchanged in Moscow.
- 1940The Soviet Union occupies Estonia.
- 1991Estonia's independence is restored.