Day of the conclusion of the Treaty of Tartu in Estonia (02/02)

The day of the Treaty of Tartu (Tartu rahulepingu aastapäev) is an important date in the history of the country. The holiday is celebrated every year by hanging the national flag and some events dedicated to the date.

On February 2, 1920, a peace treaty (Peace of Tartu) was signed in the Estonian city of Tartu between Estonia and the communist government of Soviet Russia, which officially ended the Estonian War of Independence. The treaty recognized the sovereignty of the Republic of Estonia and also contained provisions for territorial concessions to Finland.

The conclusion of the treaty in Tartu was preceded by some historical events: the occupation of Tartu by German troops from February to November 1918, the occupation of the city by the Red Army from December 1918 to January 1919, and subsequently — on January 14, 1919 — the liberation of Tartu by Estonian troops.

Immediately after Estonia declared independence, it was forced to wage a war of independence with Soviet Russia in the east and German forces in the south.

During this war, Estonia strengthened its borders and concluded the Treaty of Tartu with Soviet Russia on 2 February 1920.

According to this peace treaty, Estonia was also exempt from any obligations to the RSFSR, and was exempt from debt and other obligations of Tsarist Russia. The parties also pledged not to allow forces hostile to another country to operate on their territory. Russians living in Estonia and Estonians in the RSFSR had the opportunity to return to their homeland.

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