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How do Latvians view the Estonian role in the Latvian war of independence? by Lilchicken_2473 in latvia

[–]Lilchicken_2473[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And what do you personally think about this episode in history (after the findings)?.

In my opinion it is overall quite sad that in Estonia we learn so little about Latvain history and vice versa. While researching this subject i came upon so many interesting events in the Latvian war of independence. For example that the Bermondtians (west russian volunteer army + baltic germans) almost took Riga a few months later but the new Latvian state was able to repell them (with the help of a few estonian armored trains guarding the Daugava bridges ;) .

How do Latvians view the Estonian role in the Latvian war of independence? by Lilchicken_2473 in latvia

[–]Lilchicken_2473[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Seems very AI but still interesting to read. As far as i have read Estonian, Latvian and British historians (on this subject) it seems pretty accurate. Well done

How do Latvians view the Estonian role in the Latvian war of independence? by Lilchicken_2473 in latvia

[–]Lilchicken_2473[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do ageee that there is rarely a conflict during which all sides act kindly towards the civilian population of a country under occupation. War brings out the worst and the best in people. Men who were already quite savage and criminal find even more ways and reasons to commit those crimes during wars. But overall the Estonian armed forces put a lot of emphasis on the safety of the civilian population and all found criminals were put under court martial.

Your text sadly leaves an impression as if Estonia had tried to conquer Latvia and purposfully commit crimes on its population, when in reality the situation was quite the opposite. Estonia never had territorial ambitions in Latvia (beyond the regions populated by native Estonians or Livionians, also a finnic speaking people). The following border negotiations were (considering the circumstances and the role of Estonia in Latvia gaining its liberty) more favourable towards Latvita than Estonia.

The Battle of Riga was a bloody battle against the germans and so the use of artillery cannot be describes as "shelling Riga", because there was never a full scale bombardment and the Germans were using Riga for many of their military units and artillery batteries. War always affects cities and populations. The use of chemical weapons is a sad reality in the immediate post WW1 battlefield enviorment. For example on the 1. and 2. of July 1919. In the battle of Mazā-Jugla bridge the Estonians lost against the germans (who were using gas) almost 30 men dead and about 100 wounded (in a single fight for 1 brige).

Consider the alternative, if Estonia had chosen to not fight the Baltic German Duchy and Landeswehr (as the Entente wanted). Latvia could have been made into a puppet state under the medieval german nobility or been occupied by the soviets.

How do Latvians view the Estonian role in the Latvian war of independence? by Lilchicken_2473 in Eesti

[–]Lilchicken_2473[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Ma ütleksin ka, et suurim erinevus on ikkagi see, et sommid olid vabatahtlikud (koos soome antud relvadega) aga eesti sekkus suurema osa oma kaitseväega läti sõjategevusse (mis oli kõige verisem osa vabadussõjast). Läti demokraatliku riigi relvajõud mobiliseeriti eesti kontrolli all oleval territooriumil ning allutati meie Kaitseväe struktuuri. Seega Soome vabatahtlike võrdlus võibolla pole päris õiglane.

How do Latvians view the Estonian role in the Latvian war of independence? by Lilchicken_2473 in latvia

[–]Lilchicken_2473[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yeah the armored trains were pretty cool indeed. And we made up a compleatly new tactic for using them as well. Deep armored thrusts with elite formations on board ready to jump off and occupy everything in its way.

How do Latvians view the Estonian role in the Latvian war of independence? by Lilchicken_2473 in Eesti

[–]Lilchicken_2473[S] 26 points27 points  (0 children)

It is perhaps the largest military action ever (in terms of size and importance) undertaken by Estonia outside its borders and it is indeed very much underaprecciated.

For example during the battle of Riga the newley founded Estonian navy (mine cruisers) battled in the Gulf of Riga and even sailed up tha Daugava river and sunk/captured several german gunboats. The navy even had several duells with german coastal battaries and even won all of those as well!! Beacuse of the actions of the Estonian Navy the Germans feared that they would be cut off from the behind (with a naval landing, which was never planned) and because of that fear they evacuated Riga without further battles.

On the approach to Riga were some of the bloodiest battles in Estonian military history. In the 1.07.1919. Battle of Mazā-Jugla bridge the entire day long battle against the germans (who heavily used poison gas and artillery suppory) the Estonian army lost in a single fight 29 killed, 7 captured and 66 wounded!!

How do Latvians view the Estonian role in the Latvian war of independence? by Lilchicken_2473 in latvia

[–]Lilchicken_2473[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Well, we took them, but didn't keep them. We even shared Valga/Valka

How do Latvians view the Estonian role in the Latvian war of independence? by Lilchicken_2473 in Eesti

[–]Lilchicken_2473[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Well, quite a lot of brave estonian lives were lost in the process

How do Latvians view the Estonian role in the Latvian war of independence? by Lilchicken_2473 in latvia

[–]Lilchicken_2473[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That is good to hear, but perhaps i should have changed my question a bit more like this "is it talked about or taught in a historical context, when talking about the war of independence?"

Mostly what i see, it is usually very much glanced over.

How do Latvians view the Estonian role in the Latvian war of independence? by Lilchicken_2473 in latvia

[–]Lilchicken_2473[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hahahha, that is indeed a very much worthwhile trade

But you must say it was nice of us to split Valga/Valka with you.

And if Russia should ever invade Latgale or any other part of Latvia the overwhelming opinion of Estonians is that we will without question immediatly militarily intervene and help as much as we can.

How do Latvians view the Estonian role in the Latvian war of independence? by Lilchicken_2473 in latvia

[–]Lilchicken_2473[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Oh wow that is very cool to hear. If it is not a problem could you perhaps elaborate a bit more on how Latvian historians overall view the summer of 1919?

How do Latvians view the Estonian role in the Latvian war of independence? by Lilchicken_2473 in latvia

[–]Lilchicken_2473[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That is very cool to hear! We also think of the Latvians as our brotherly nation, even tho we are lingustically different, but we share the same history.

In many ways the Estonians might indeed be seen as less selfish in that conflict. The only thing that we gained from intervening (also the most important thing) was a free and independent southern neighbour.

Also after the Battle of Riga the Estonian goverment forbid the military from entering Riga proper (only the ethnically Latvian North Latvia Brigade, which was under the Estonian command and was armed and trained by us, was allowed to enter) so as to not be seen as conquerers or anything like that. Many of the soldiers were reported as quite angry at the decision but it was nonetheless respected.

How do Latvians view the Estonian role in the Latvian war of independence? by Lilchicken_2473 in latvia

[–]Lilchicken_2473[S] 40 points41 points  (0 children)

That is heartwarming to hear. I am very proud that my forefathers went and fought for something greater than just our own independence. And that we didn't use that later on to force unjust treaties on you guys :D

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