return to World Statesmen.org >

 
 
 

Estonia  
 
[Flag of Sweden]
            15 Jun 1561 - 10 Oct 1710
 
 
 
[Russian flag]
           10 Oct 1710 - 24 Feb 1918
 
 
 
[Estonian Flag]
            24 Feb 1918 - 12 Apr 1918; 
            12 Nov 1918 - 21 Jul 1940; 
        Sep 1941 - 22 Sep 1944 (unofficial) 
 
[Baltic State/Duchy unofficial flag 1918]
         12 Apr 1918 - 11 Nov 1918 (unofficial)
                    Baltic State/Duchy
 
Estonian Workers Commune of 1918
                  29 Nov 1918 -  5 Jun 1919 
                 Estonian Workers' Commune
 
[Flag of USSR]
                     6 Aug 1940 - Jul 1941;
                    22 Sep 1944 - 20 Aug 1991
 
[Estonian Flag]
              Re-adopted 7 Aug 1990
 


Map of Estonia
Hear National Anthem
"Mu Isamaa, Mu Onn
Ja Room"
(My Native Land,
My Pride and Joy)
Text of National Anthem
Adopted 1920-1940, 1990
Constitution
 (28 Jun 1992)
----------------------
Constitution 1938
(1938-21 Jul 1940)
Capital: Tallinn
(Revel 1219 - 1917)
Currency: Estonian Kroon
(EEK) 
National Holiday: 24 Feb (1918)
Independence Day
Population: 1,315,912 (2007)
1,117,361 (1934)
GDP: $26 billion (2006)
Exports: $9.6 billion (2006)
Imports: $12 billion (2006)
Ethnic groups: Estonian 67.9%, Russian 25.6%,
Ukrainian 2.1%, Belarusian 1.3%, Finnish 0.9%,
other 2.2% (2000) 
Total Armed Forces: 5,510 (2003)
Merchant marine: 35 ships (2006)
(170 ships [1937])
Religions: Evangelical Lutheran 13.6%, Orthodox 12.8%,
other Christian (including Methodist, Seventh-Day Adventist,
Roman Catholic, Pentecostal) 1.4%, unaffiliated 34.1%,
other and unspecified 32%, none 6.1% (2000) 
International Organizations/Treaties: 1918-1941: ICRM, ILO, IOC, ITU, League of Nations, LORCS, PCIJ, UPU; from 1990: AG, ANT, APM, BA, BIS, BTWC, CBSS, CE, CTBT, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, KP, MIGA, NATO, NIB, NPT, NSG, OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFCC, UNHCR, UPU, WCO, WEU (associate partner), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Estonia Index
Chronology
 
1030 - 1061                Russian occupation of Dorpat (Tartu).
1211                       Estonian Bishopric, also called Bishopric of Leal
                             (Lihula) (after the nominal seat of the bishop)
                             established by the Bishop of Riga (confirmed by
                             the Holy See 31 Oct 1213), originally without
                             any temporal authority.
1216                       Southern part of present-day Estonia invaded by
                             the Swordbrothers Order, who establish a 
                             standing presence there (occasional raids
                             started from 1208, occupation of Estonian
                             lands completed by Feb 1227).
Jun 1219                   Danish rule (Estonian Duchy) in Reval (Tallinn) 
                             and northern part of present-day Estonia.
Feb 1227                   Danish duchy of (N-) Estonia was conquered by
                             Swordbrothers
21 Jul 1224                Estonian bishop takes temporal authority over the
                             southern part of present-day Estonia as a 
                             sovereign prince-bishop of the Holy Roman Empire
                             (formally from 6 Nov 1225), Bishop gives part of
                             his possessions as a fief to the Swordbrothers 
                             Order, and cedes the western part of the 
                             Estonian mainland (including Leal) to the bishop
                             of Riga (24 Jul 1224) and chooses Dorpat (Tartu)
                             as his new capital (Aug 1224). The Estonian
                             Bishopric thereafter renamed as Bishopric
                             of Dorpat, but bishops continues to use
                             the style of bishop of Leal to 8 Jan 1235.
12 May 1237                Swordbrothers Order incorporated into the Teutonic
                             Order as a separate branch or province, 
                             informally known as the Livonian Order.
 7 Jun 1238                After joining the Teutonic Order, lands of
                             Revalia, Hargia (Harjumaa) and Wironia 
                             (Virumaa) were retroceded to Denmark, but 
                             "Gierwia" (a landlocked area in central
                             Estonia, now Järvamaa) remained possession of
                             the Teutonic Order until 29 Aug 1346.
1285                       City of Reval (Tallinn) becomes a member of the
                             Hanseatic League and is later joined by 3 other 
                             cities in present-day Estonia: Dorpat (Tartu), 
                             Pernau (Pärnu), and Fellin (Viljandi).
 1 Nov 1346                Estonian Duchy, having been sold by Denmark (on 
                             29 Aug 1346), is handed over to the Grand Master
                             of Teutonic Order and by the later (on 7 Jun
                             1347) given up in a pledge and administration 
                             to the Land-Master of the Livonian Order
                            (Grand Master relinquishes rights 14 Jan 1525).
 6 Jun 1561                City of Reval and vassals of the Order in 
                             (4 Jun 1561) make an oath to Sweden (on 15 Jun 
                             1561) these territories are annexed by Sweden
                             but annexation is not recognized by the Livonian
                             Order or the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
                             until 13 Dec 1570. This part of Estonia, 
                             controlled by Sweden (until 1584) called 
                             Swedish Livonia.
 5 Mar 1562                Territories of the Livonian Order become part of
                             the Lithuanian principality of Livonia.
15 Jan 1582                Russia withdraws from Dorpat (occupied in 1558)
                             and transfers it to the Polish-Lithuanian
                             Commonwealth. 
20 Mar 1584                Territories annexed by Sweden are organized as the
                             Duchy or Province of Estonia (Estland in Swedish
                             and German), originally (to the 17th cent.) 
                             formally Estonian Duchy. The King of Sweden 
                             takes the style of "Duke of Estonia", 
                             originally "Estonian Duke" (Hertig af Esthen).
10 Oct 1710                Estonia is annexed by Russia and autonomous
                             province or government of Revel (Russian: 
                             Namestichestvo Revel'skaya) is established 
                             (formally from in 8 Aug 1713). Estonia called 
                             thereafter in semi-official local use Duchy
                             (rendered Principality in Russian) of Estonia 
                             (until 1783), the Russian Tsar uses the style 
                             of "Prince of Estonia" until 1917.
10 Sep 1721                Duchy of Estonia formally ceded by Sweden 
                             to Russia by the Treaty of Nystad.
1775 - Nov 1917            Subordinated, with some interruptions, to 
                             governors-general, or other overall 
                             administrations, of the Baltic Provinces
                             (see under Latvia).
14 Jul 1783                Province of Estonia, local autonomy is abolished.
28 Nov 1796                Limited local autonomy for Estonia restored 
                             (confirmed by all successive Emperors of Russia
                             on their accession before 1881, thereafter
                             gradually extinguished).
Nov 1917                   Bolshevik government abolishes autonomy.
28 Nov 1917                Estonian Provisional Province Assembly proclaimed
                             itself as supreme power in Estonia and 
                             authorized its Council of Elders to act as 
                             emergency body (this meeting of Province 
                             Assembly was dismissed by communists). The 
                             Council of Elders authorized, in 19 Feb 1918, 
                             the Estonian Liberation Committee to act as 
                             temporary supreme power.
24 Feb 1918                Estonian Liberation Committee (literally:
                             Salvation Committee of Estland) appointed by
                             the Provisional Government of Estonia declares 
                             independence (Republic of Estonia).
25 Feb 1918 - 11 Nov 1918  Occupied by Germany, part of the Baltic State
                            (Apr-Nov 1918; German occupation of the islands
                             of Hiiumaa, Muhu, and Saaremaa from 12 Oct
                             1917)(for Baltic State see Latvia).
11 Nov 1918                Provisional government of Estonia founded on 
                             28 Feb 1918 is restored (Republic of Estonia 
                             [restored]).
29 Nov 1918 - 24 May 1919  Estonian Conciliar ("Soviet") Republic (in
                             Russian-occupied territory [from 4 Feb 1919
                             in name only]).
17 Jun 1940                Occupied by the Soviet Union.
21 Jul 1940                Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic
 6 Aug 1940                Incorporation into Soviet Union (not 
                             internationally recognized).
 7 Jul 1941 - 18 Sep 1944  Occupied by Germany, part of Reichskommissariat 
                             of Ostland (see under Latvia)(on Hiiumaa, Muhu,
                             and Saaremaa islands to 24 Nov 1944).
18 Sep 1944 - 22 Sep 1944  Brief restoration of the Republic of Estonia.
22 Sep 1944                Re-incorporation into the Soviet Union (not 
                             internationally recognized).
 8 May 1990                Republic of Estonia
20 Aug 1991                Independence declared.
 6 Sep 1991                Independence recognized by Soviet Union.
Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic
(1940-1990)
Pro-Soviet
Resistance
(1941-1944)
Republic in Exile
(1940-1992)
 Ösel Island
(1228-1783)
Bishopric of Dorpat
(1211-1558)
Historical Maps
of Estonia
 Estonian
Constitution 1920
(20 Dec 1920 -
24 Jan 1934)
Estonian
Evangelical
Lutheran Church
Estonian Orthodox
Church
 
 

Elders
- in Vironia (Virumaa), NE Estonia -
.... - 12..                Kyriavan
12.. - af.1220             Thabelin of Pudiviru               (d. af.1220)
- Sakala, SW Estonia -
1212                       Meme
1212? - 21 Sep 1217        Lembitu (in Leole/Lõhavere)        (d. 1217)
12.. - 21 Sep 1217         Wottele                            (d. 1217)
12.. - 21 Sep 1217         Maniwalde                          (d. 1217)
21 Sep 1217 - 12..         Unnepewe
Danish Governors (styled Capitaneus or Hauptmann)
1219 - 1221                Andreas Sunonis,                   (b. c.1167 - d. 1228)
                             Archbishop of Lund
1248 - 1249                Saxo Aginsun                       (d. c.1249)
1249                       Stigot Agison
1254 - 1257                Saxo
1259                       Jakob Ramessun
1262                       B. ....
1266                       Woghen Palissun
1270                       Siverith
1275 -  5 Mar 1279         Eilard von Oberch                  (d. 1279)
1279 - 1281                Odewart (Lode?)
c.1285                     Letgast
Mar 1287                   Friedrich Moltike
1287                       A. ....
1288                       Johann Sialanzfar
1296                       Nils Axelsson
1298                       Nikolaus Ubbison
1304                       Johann Saxesson
1310                       Johannes Canne (nuntius)
1312 - 1313                Ago Saxisson
1313 - 1314                Heinrich Bernauer
1323                       Johannes Kanna
1329                       Heinrich Spliit
1332 - 1335                Marquard Breide                    (d. 1335)
Jul 1340 - May 1343        Konrad Preen
May 1343                   Bertram von Parembeke (acting)     (d. 1343?)
16 May 1343 - 1344         the Grand Masters of the Teutonic Order
16 May 1343 - 1344         Goswin von Herike 
1344 -  1 Nov 1346         Stigot Andersson 
1344 - 15 Jun 1561         the Grand Masters of the Teutonic Order
15 Jun 1561 -  2 Aug 1561  .... (acting)
Swedish Governors
 2 Aug 1561 - 27 Feb 1562  Lars Ivarsson Fleming zu Sundholm, (b. af.1520 - d. 1562)
                             friherre af Nynäs
Aug 1651 - Aug 1651        Klaus Christiern Horn friherre
                             af Amyne (acting)
27 Feb 1562 - Jun 1562     Henrik Klasson Horn zu Kanas       (b. 1513 - d. 1595)
                             (1st time)
30 Jun 1562 - 27 Jul 1564  Swante Stenson Sture               (b. 1517 - d. 1567)
1564 - 1565                Hermann Pederson Fleming zu        (b. c.1520 - d. 1583)
                             Lechtis
30 Jan 1565 - 1568         Henrik Klasson Horn zu Kanas       (s.a.)
                             (2nd time)
Nov 1568 - 1570            Gabriel Kistiernsson, friherre     (b. 1520 - d. 1585)
                             Oxenstierna af Mörby
 9 Oct 1570 - 1572         Hans Björnson zu Lepas 
 6 Nov 1572 - 1574         Claes Åkeson Tott                  (b. c.1530 - d. 1590)
 4 Jun 1574 - Dec 1575     Pontus de la Gardie                (b. 1520 - d. 1585)
Jan 1576 - May 1578        Karl Henriksson Horn zu Kankas     (b. c.1550 - d. 1601)
                             (1st time)
19 Apr 1576 - 1577         Nilsson Hans Erikson Finne zu      (d. 1577)
                             Brinkala (acting)
 1 Aug 1577 - 1580         Göran Boije af Gennäs (1st time) 
1580 - 1581                Swante Erikson Stolarn zu Kyala
25 Apr 1582 - 1583         Göran Boije af Gennäs (2nd time) 
1583 -  5 Nov 1585         Pontus, friherre de la Gardie      (b. 1520 - d. 1585)
 8 Nov 1585 - 1588         Gustaf Gabrielson Oxenstierna      (b. 1551 - d. 1597)
Jul 1588 - 13 Oct 1588     Hans Wachtmeister (acting)         (d. 1590)
13 Oct 1588 - 1590         Gustaf Axelson Banér zu Djurshom   (b. 1547 - d. 1600)
1590 - Jul 1592            Erik Gabriel Oxenstierna af Lindö
1592 - Jun 1600            Göran Boije af Gennäs (3rd time) 
1600 - 30 Jan 1601         Karl Henriksson Horn zu Kankas     (s.a.)
                             (2nd time)(acting)
1601 - Oct 1602            Moritz Stensson Leijonhufvud       (b. 1559 - d. 1607) 
                             greve Raseborg
Oct 1602 - May 1605        ....
10 May 1605 - Jun 1605     Nils Turesson Bielke

1605 - 1608                Axel Nilsson Ryning 
1608 - 1611                ....
1611 - 1617                Gabriel Bengtsson Oxenstierna

1617 - 1619?               Anders Eriksson Hästehufvud
Jul 1619 - 1622            Jacob de la Gardie 
1622 - Jan 1626            Peder Gustafson Banér af Tussa     (b. 1588 - d. 1644)
1626 - Oct 1628            Johan Pontusson de la Gardie,      (b. 1582 - d. 1640)
                             friherre Eckholm
1628 - 17 Jul 1642         Philipp Scheiding zu Arnö          (b. 1570 - d. 1646)
26 Jul 1642 - 1646         Gustaf Gabrielson Oxenstierna,     (b. 1613 - d. 1648)
                             friherre Kimito 
 9 Sep 1646 - 1653         Erik Axelson Oxenstierna, greve    (b. 1624 - d. 1664)
                             Södermöra
May 1653 - 16 Aug 1653     Wilhelm Ulrich (1st time)(acting) 
16 Aug 1653 - 1655         Heinrich greve von Thurn           (b. 1628 - d. 1683)
1655 - Aug 1655            Wilhelm Ulrich (2nd time)(acting) 
1655 - 1656                Bengt Skytte                       (b. 1614 - d. 1683) 
1655 -  2 Aug 1656         Wilhelm Ulrich (3rd time)(acting) 
 2 Aug 1656 - Nov 1674     Bengt K. Horn                      (b. 1623 - d. 1678)
1656 - 1659                Wilhelm Ulrich (4th time)(acting) 
1674                       Johan Christoph Scheiding (acting)
Governors-general
1674 - 1681                Andreas Lennartson Torstensson 
Apr 1681 - 1687            Robert Johannson Lichton           (b. 1631 - d. 1692)
20 Jan 1687 - 19 Apr 1687  Nils Thuresson Bielke              (b. 1644 - d. 1716)
1687 - Dec 1704            Axel Julius greve de la Gardie af  (b. 1637 - d. 1710)
                             Leckö
Dec 1704 -  6 Jul 1706     Wolmar Anton von Schlippenbach     (b. 1650 - d. 1739)
                             (governor)
 6 Jul 1706 - 23 Oct 1709  Niels Jonsson greve Strömberg af   (b. 1646 - d. 1723)
                             Clästorp
23 Oct 1709 - 10 Oct 1710  Carl Gustaf greve Nieroth          (b. c.1650 - d. 1712)
Russian Governors-general
10 Oct 1710 - Mar 1711     Rudolf Felix Bauer (interim)       (b. 1667 - d. 1717)
 6 Mar 1711 - May 1719     Prince Aleksandr Danilovich        (b. 1673 - d. 1729)
                             Menshikov 
May 1719 - 21 Nov 1728     Fyodor Matveyevich Graf Apraksin   (b. 1661 - d. 1728)
Governors
21 Nov 1728 - 25 Mar 1736  Friedrich Baron von Löwen zu       (b. 1654 - d. 1744)
                             Sever (acting to Sep 1730)
25 Mar 1736 -  6 Aug 1736  Count Platon Ivanovich Musin-      (b. 1698 - d. 17..)
                             Pushkin 
11 Aug 1736 - Aug 1738     Sebastian Ernst von Manstein (acting)
11 Aug 1738 - 22 Mar 1740  Otto Gustag greve Douglas auf      (b. 1687 - d. 1771)
                             Alp og Kuckofer
Mar 1740 -  8 Nov 1743     Woldemar greve von Löwendahl       (b. 1700 - d. 1755)
 8 Nov 1743 - Jul 1753     Peter August Friedrich Herzog von  (b. 1696 - d. 1775)
                             Holstein-Beck
Aug 1753 - Jun 1758        Prince Vladimir Petrovich          (d. 1761)
                             Dolgorukiy 
Jun 1758 - 1762            Peter August Friedrich Herzog von  (s.a.)
                             Holstein-Beck 
Governors-general
1762 -  8 Mar 1775         Peter August Friedrich Herzog von  (s.a.)
                             Holstein-Beck
1775 - 29 Sep 1792         Count George Browne                (b. 1698 - d. 1792)
                             (Georg Graf Braun)
Governors (1775-1876, 1905-1909, 1914-1917, subordinated to the Baltic provinces)
13 Jul 1783 - 11 Oct 1786  Georg Friedrich von Grotenhielm    (b. 1721 - d. 1798)
11 Oct 1786 - 20 Jan 1797  Heinrich Johann Baron von          (b. 1736 - d. 1813)
                             Wrangell
20 Jan 1797 - 19 Feb 1797  ....
19 Feb 1797 - 26 Jun 1808  Andreas von Langell                (d. 1808)
26 Jun 1808 - 1809         ....
Governors-general
19 Aug 1808 - 30 Apr 1809  Peter Friedrich Georg von          (b. 1785 - d. 1812)
                             Holstein-Oldenburg
30 Apr 1809 -  2 Nov 1811  Vacant
 2 Nov 1811 - May 1816     Paul Friedrich August Grossherzog  (b. 1783 - d. 1853)
                             von Holstein-Oldenburg
Governors
1816 - 1819?               Berend Baron Üxküll                (b. 1762 - d. 1827)
 4 Jan 1819 - 10 Aug 1832  Gotthard Wilhelm Baron Budberg,    (b. 1766 - d. 1832)
                             gen. von Bönninghausen
20 Sep 1832 - 1833         Otto Wilhelm von Essen             (b. 1761 - d. 1834)
 8 Nov 1833 - 14 Dec 1841  Paul Friedrich von Benckendorff    (b. 1784 - d. 1841)
14 Jan 1842 -  3 Jan 1859  Johann Christoph Engelbrecht von   (b. 1796 - d. 1862)
                             Grünewaldt
 3 Jan 1859 - 23 Oct 1868  Wilhelm Otto Cornelius Alexander   (b. 1810 - d. 1891)
                             Ulrich
1868 - 1870                Mikhail Nikolaiyevich Galkin-      (b. 1834 - d. 1916)
                            Vraskoy
 7 Oct 1870 - 26 Mar 1875  Prince Mikhail Valentinovich       (b. 1836 - d. 1892)
                             Shakhovskoiy-Glebov-Strezhnev
26 Mar 1875 - 1885         Viktor Petrovich Polivanov         (d. 1889)
1885 - 1894                Prince Sergey Vladimirovich        (d. 1894)
                             Shakhovskoy
 6 Nov 1894 - 11 Ju1 1902  Yefstafiy Nikolaiyevich Skalon 
18 Jul 1902 - 19 Feb 1905  Aleksey Valerianovich Bellegarde   (b. 1861 - d. 1942)
16 Mar 1905 - 1905         Aleksey Aleksandrovich Lopukhin    (b. 1864 - d. 1928)
 2 Dec 1905 - 1906         Nikolay Georgiyevich von Bünting 
 3 Feb 1906 - 1907         Pyotr Petrovich Bashilov
23 Aug 1907 - 1915         Izmail Vladimirovich Korostovetch  (b. 1863 - d. 1933)
 6 Dec 1915 - 19 Mar 1917  Pyotr Vladimirovich Veryovkin 
Province commissioner
19 Mar 1917 -  9 Nov 1917  Jaan Poska                         (b. 1866 - d. 1920)
Chairman of the Military Revolutionary (Communist) Committee
 9 Nov 1917 - 25 Jan 1918  Ivan Vasilyevich Rabchinsky        (b. 1879 - d. 1950)
Chairman of the Executive Committee Estonian Workers' and Soldiers' Soviet
25 Jan 1918 - 24 Feb 1918  Jaan Anvelt                        (b. 1884 - d. 1937)
Chairmen Estonian Provisional Province Assembly (from 24 Feb 1918, Diet)
14 Jul 1917 - 25 Oct 1917  Artur Vallner                      (b. 1887 - d. 1939)
25 Oct 1917 - 27 Nov 1917  Otto August Strandman              (b. 1875 - d. 1941)
27 Nov 1917 -  3 Feb 1919  Ado Birk                           (b. 1883 - d. 1942)
 3 Feb 1919 - 23 Apr 1919  Kaarel Parts                       (b. 1873 - d. 1940)
Heads of State
19 Feb 1918 - 25 Feb 1918  Estonian Liberation Committee 
                           - Konstantin Päts                  (b. 1874 - d. 1956)  EMRL
                           - Konstantin Konik                 (b. 1873 - d. 1936)
                           - Jüri Vilms                       (b. 1889 - d. 1918)
Military governor
25 Feb 1918 - 11 Nov 1918  Franz Adolf Freiherr von           (b. 1857 - d. 1941)  Mil
                             Seckendorff (from 12 Oct 1917, on
                             Hiiumaa, Muhu and Saaremaa islands)
Chairman Council of Estonian Workers' Commune
29 Nov 1918 - 24 May 1919  Jaan Anvelt                        (s.a.)
                             (in Narva; in rebellion to 19 Jul 1919)
Chairman of Constituent Assembly
23 Apr 1919 - 21 Dec 1920  August Rei                         (b. 1886 - d. 1963)  ESDTP
State Elders
21 Dec 1920 - 25 Jan 1921  Ants Piip                          (b. 1884 - d. 1942)  ETE
25 Jan 1921 - 21 Nov 1922  Konstantin Päts (1st time)         (s.a.)               PK
21 Nov 1922 -  2 Aug 1923  Juhan Kukk                         (b. 1885 - d. 1945)  ETE
 2 Aug 1923 - 26 Mar 1924  Konstantin Päts (2nd time)         (s.a.)               PK
26 Mar 1924 - 16 Dec 1924  Friedrich Akel                     (b. 1871 - d. 1941)  ER
16 Dec 1924 - 15 Dec 1925  Jüri Jaakson                       (b. 1870 - d. 1942)  ER
15 Dec 1925 -  9 Dec 1927  Jaan Teemant (1st time)            (b. 1872 - d. 1941)  PK
 9 Dec 1927 -  4 Dec 1928  Jaan Tõnisson (1st time)           (b. 1868 - d.af.1941)ER
 4 Dec 1928 -  9 Jul 1929  August Rei                         (s.a.)               ESTP
 9 Jul 1929 - 12 Feb 1931  Otto August Strandmann             (s.a.)               ETE
12 Feb 1931 - 19 Feb 1932  Konstantin Päts (3rd time)         (s.a.)               Non-party
19 Feb 1932 - 19 Jul 1932  Jaan Teemant (2nd time)            (s.a.)               PKK
19 Jul 1932 -  1 Nov 1932  Karl August Einbund                (b. 1888 - d. 1942)  PKK
                             (from 1935, Kaarel Eenpalu) 
 1 Nov 1932 - 18 May 1933  Konstantin Päts (4th time)         (s.a.)               Non-party
18 May 1933 - 21 Oct 1933  Jaan Tõnisson (2nd time)           (s.a.)               ER
21 Oct 1933 - 24 Jan 1934  Konstantin Päts (5th time)         (s.a.)               Non-party
Head of State
24 Jan 1934 - 24 Apr 1938  Konstantin Päts                    (s.a.)          Non-party;1935 I
                            (acting to 3 Sep 1937;
                             President-regent [Riigihoidja
                             [often translated "state-protector"]
                             3 Sep 1937 - 24 Apr 1938)
Presidents
24 Apr 1938 - 23 Jul 1940  Konstantin Päts                    (s.a.)               PER
23 Jul 1940 - 25 Aug 1940  Johannes Vares "Barbarus" (acting) (b. 1890 - d. 1946)  EKP
                            (not recognized internationally or 
                             by Estonian diplomats abroad)
German Military governor
 7 Jul 1941 -  5 Dec 1941  Franz von Roques                   (b. 1877 - d. 19..)  Mil
                            (rear commander, German Army Group North)
Generalkommissar Estland
 5 Dec 1941 - 17 Sep 1944  Karl Sigismund Litzmann            (b. 1893 - d. 1945)  NSDAP
German Commandant of the Baltic Islands
 7 Sep 1944 – 24 Nov 1944  Hans Schirmer                      (b. 1888 - d. 1955)  Mil

Prime minister acting as President
18 Sep 1944 - 22 Sep 1944  Jüri Uluots                        (b. 1890 - d. 1945)  EVR
Chairman of the Supreme Council
 8 May 1990 -  6 Oct 1992  Arnold Rüütel                      (b. 1928)            R
Presidents 
 6 Oct 1992 -  8 Oct 2001  Lennart Meri                       (b. 1929 - d. 2006)  RK/IERSP
 8 Oct 2001 -  9 Oct 2006  Arnold Rüütel                      (s.a.)             ERt/Non-party
 9 Oct 2006 -              Toomas Hendrik Ilves               (b. 1953)            SDE
 

Ritterschaftshauptleute
 1 Apr 1710 - Feb 1711     Fromhold Johann Freiherr von Taube (d. 1711)
12 Feb 1711 - 23 Feb 1713  Berend Johann von Wrangell
23 Feb 1713 - 19 Feb 1715  Berend Johann von Schulmann
19 Feb 1715 - 18 Jan 1720  Erich Dietrich von Rosen
18 Jan 1720 - 17 Feb 1723  Hans Heinrich von Fersen
17 Feb 1723 - 17 Feb 1724  Gustav Magnus von Rehbinder 
                             Freiherr von Uddrich
17 Feb 1724 - 20 Jan 1725  Jakob Johann von Tiesenhausen
                             Freiherr zu Erlaa
20 Jan 1725 - 16 Jan 1728  Jakob Heinrich von Ulrich
16 Jan 1728 -  1 Feb 1731  Hans Heinrich von Tiesenhausen 
                             Freiherr zu Erlaa
 1 Feb 1731 -  1 Feb 1734  Otto Heinrich von Rehbinder 
                             Freiherr von Uddrich
 1 Feb 1734 - 24 Jan 1737  Gustav von Loewen
24 Jan 1737 - 22 Jan 1740  Christoph Engelbrecht von Kursell
22 Jan 1740 - 21 Jun 1741  Adam Friedrich Freiherr von
                             Stackelberg
21 Jun 1741 -  5 Feb 1744  Berend Heinrich von Tiesenhausen
                             Freiherr zu Erlaa
 5 Feb 1744 - 25 Jan 1747  Magnus Wilhelm von Nieroth
25 Jan 1747 - 15 Feb 1753  Otto Magnus von Stackelberg
15 Feb 1753 - Mar 1770     Friedrich Johann von Ulrich        (d. 1770)
26 Mar 1770 - 24 Mar 1771  Gustav von Ulrich (acting)
24 Mar 1771 - 24 Mar 1772  Fabian Ernst Staël von Holstein    (d. 1772)
25 Mar 1772 -  6 Apr 1774  Berend Heinrich Graf von 
                             Tiesenhausen Freiherr zu Erlaa
                             (acting)
 6 Apr 1774 -  5 Feb 1777  Ernst Johann von Fock
 5 Feb 1777 -  7 Feb 1780  Otto Wilhelm Freiherr von Budberg
                             gen. Bönninghausen
 7 Feb 1780 -  4 Feb 1783  Gustav Friedrich von Engelhardt
 4 Feb 1783 - 22 Oct 1783  Moritz Engelbrecht von Kursell
Chairmen of Provincial Government (elected by Provisional Province Assembly)
 3 Aug 1917 - 24 Oct 1917  Jaan Raamot                        (b. 1873 - d. 1927)
24 Oct 1917 - 22 Nov 1917  Konstantin Päts                    (s.a.)
22 Nov 1917 - 24 Feb 1918  Vacant
Chairman of the Council of Ministers 
24 Feb 1918 - 12 Nov 1918  Konstantin Päts                    (s.a.)               ERML
                             (German prisoner from 11 Jun 1918) 
11 Nov 1918 - 12 Nov 1918  Jaan Poska (acting for Päts)       (s.a.)               EDE
Prime ministers
12 Nov 1918 -  9 May 1919  Konstantin Päts                    (s.a.)               EMRL
                             (imprisoned to 20 Nov 1918)
12 Nov 1918 - 20 Nov 1918  Jaan Poska (acting for Päts)       (s.a.)               EDE
 8 May 1919 - 18 Nov 1919  Otto August Strandmann             (s.a.)               ETE
18 Nov 1919 - 28 Jul 1920  Jaan Tõnisson (1st time)           (s.a.)               ER
28 Jul 1920 - 30 Jul 1920  Ado Birk (did not assume office)   (b. 1883 - d. 1942)  ER
30 Jul 1920 - 26 Oct 1920  Jaan Tõnisson (2nd time)           (s.a.)               ER
                             (acting 29-30 Jul 1920)
26 Oct 1920 - 21 Dec 1920  Ants Piip                          (s.a.)               ETE
21 Dec 1920 - 24 Jan 1934  the heads of state
24 Jan 1934 -  3 Sep 1937  Konstantin Päts                    (s.a.)               Non-party
 3 Sep 1937 - 21 Apr 1938  the head of state
21 Apr 1938 - 12 Oct 1939  Kaarel Eenpalu                     (s.a.)               Non-party
                             (until 1935, Karl August Einbund) 
                             (acting to 9 May 1938)
12 Oct 1939 - 21 Jun 1940  Jüri Uluots                        (s.a.)               PER
21 Jun 1940 - 25 Aug 1940  Johannes Vares "Barbarus"          (s.a.)               EKP
                            (not recognized internationally or
                             by Estonian diplomats abroad)
Erster Landesdirektor (First Land Director)
15 Sep 1941 - 17 Sep 1944  Hjalmar Mäe                        (b. 1901 - d. 1978)  Non-party
                             (to 4 Jan 1945 in Germany exile)
Prime ministers
18 Sep 1944 - 22 Sep 1944  Otto Tief (acting)                 (b. 1889 - d. 1976)  EVR
 8 May 1990 - 30 Jan 1992  Edgar Savisaar                     (b. 1950)            R
30 Jan 1992 - 21 Oct 1992  Tiit Vähi (1st time)               (b. 1947)            EK
21 Oct 1992 -  8 Nov 1994  Mart Laar (1st time)               (b. 1960)            RK
 8 Nov 1994 - 17 Apr 1995  Andres Tarand                      (b. 1940)            Non-party
17 Apr 1995 - 17 Mar 1997  Tiit Vähi (2nd time)               (s.a.)               KMÜ
17 Mar 1997 - 25 Mar 1999  Mart Siimann                       (b. 1946)            KMÜ
25 Mar 1999 - 28 Jan 2002  Mart Laar (2nd time)               (s.a.)               IERSP
28 Jan 2002 - 10 Apr 2003  Siim Kallas                        (b. 1948)            ERK
10 Apr 2003 - 13 Apr 2005  Juhan Parts                        (b. 1966)            Res
13 Apr 2005 -              Andrus Ansip                       (b. 1956)            ERK

Estonian Representatives in Exile

[Estonian flag]

Envoy
17 Jun 1940 - 12 Mar 1971  August Torma (in London exile)    (b. 1895 - d. 1971)
Consul-general in Charge of Legation
12 Mar 1971 - 20 Aug 1991  Ernst Jaakson                     (b. 1905 - d. 1998) 
                             (in Washington, DC exile)

Republic of Estonia in Exile: alternative administration (not internationally recognized)

[Estonian flag]

Presidents
21 Jun 1940 - 18 Jan 1956  Konstantin Päts                    (s.a.)               Non-party
                             (from 30 Jul 1940, Soviet prisoner)
Prime ministers acting as Presidents
21 Jun 1940 -  9 Jan 1945  Jüri Uluots                        (s.a.)               I/EVR
                             (from 22 Sep 1944 in Stockholm, Sweden)
 9 Jan 1945 - 29 Mar 1963  August Rei                         (s.a.)
                            (in Stockholm, Sweden; from 12 Jan 1953 in Oslo, Norway;
                             then in Lund, Sweden; from 1 Jan 1962 in Stockholm)
 3 Mar 1953 - 20 Sep 1954  Alfred Maurer                      (b. 1888 - d. 1954)  PK
                             (in dissidence; in Germany
, later Stockholm, Sweden)
29 Mar 1963 - 23 Dec 1970  Aleksander Warma                   (b. 1890 - d. 1970)
23 Dec 1970 -  1 Mar 1990  Tõnis Kint                         (b. 1896 - d. 1991)  PK
 1 Mar 1990 -  8 Oct 1992  Heinrich Mark                      (b. 1911 - d. 2004)
15 Sep 1992¹- 28 Nov 2003  Mihkel Mathiesen                   (b. 1918 - d. 2003)  MS
                             (in Enebyberg [near Stockholm], Sweden)
28 Nov 2003 -              Kalev Ots (in Nõmme, Estonia)      (b. 1949)            EKKE
 

Acting prime ministers
21 Jun 1940 - 15 Jun 1942  August Jürima                      (b. 1887 - d. 1942)
                             (Soviet prisoner from 5 Oct 1940)
15 Jun 1942 –  1 Oct 1942  Ants Piip                          (s.a.)
                             (acting; Soviet prisoner)
 1 Oct 1942 – 21 Apr 1944  Paul Kogerman                      (b. 1891 – d. 1951)
                             (acting; Soviet prisoner)
21 Apr 1944 - 18 Sep 1944  Alfred Maurer                      (s.a.)               PK
18 Sep 1944 - 12 Jan 1953  Otto Tief                          (s.a.)               EVR
                             (Soviet captive from 10 Oct 1944)
12 Jan 1953 - 22 Aug 1960  Johannes Sikkar                    (b. 1897 - d. 1960)
 3 Mar 1953 -  8 Aug 1978  Johan Holberg                      (b. 1893 - d. 1978)  PK
                             (in dissidence; in Germany to 1952 then Canada, from 1953 U.S.)
22 Aug 1960 -  1 Jan 1962  Tõnis Kint (1st time)              (s.a.)               PK

 1 Jan 1962 - 29 Mar 1963  Aleksander Warma                   (s.a.) 
29 Mar 1963 - 23 Dec 1970  Tõnis Kint (2nd time)              (s.a.)               PK
                             (acting to 2 Apr 1963)
23 Dec 1970 –  8 May 1971  August Koern (acting)              (b. 1900 – d. 1989)
                             (in Copenhagen, Denmark)
 8 May 1971 -  1 Mar 1990  Heinrich Mark                      (s.a.)

 1 Mar 1990 -  7 Oct 1992  Enno Penno                         (b. 1930)
15 Sep 1992¹- 28 Nov 2003  Kalev Ots (in Nõmme, Estonia)      (s.a.)               EKKE
28 Nov 2003 –  7 Dec 2003  Hando Kruuv (acting)               (b. 1937)            PK
                             (in Tartu, Estonia)
 7 Dec 2003 -              Ahti Mänd (in Nõmme, Estonia)      (b. 1958)            EKKE

 ¹The government set up on 15 Sep 1992 declared its intent to "continue to preserve constitutional continuity until the actual end of the occupation," referring to the large number of Russians living in Estonia. Russian troops were present in Estonia until 31 Aug 1994. The previous exile government gave its mandate to the government in Tallinn. The exile government set up on 15 Sep 1992 is not recognized.

Noble titles: Greve/Graf = Count, Friherre/Freiherr = Baron, Herzog = Duke.

Territorial Disputes: Russia recalled its signature to the 1996 technical border agreement with Estonia in 2005, rather than concede to Estonia's appending prepared a unilateral declaration referencing Soviet occupation and territorial losses; Russia demands better accommodation of Russian-speaking population in Estonia; Estonian citizen groups continue to press for realignment of the boundary based on the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty that would bring the now divided ethnic Setu people and parts of the Narva region within Estonia; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Estonia must implement the strict Schengen border rules with Russia

Party abbreviations: EKKE = Eesti Kodanike Keskerakond (Center Party of Estonian Citizens, est.1991, claims complete restitution of pre-WWII Republic, based on citizens in 1940
and their descendants); ERK = Eesti Reformierakond (Estonian Reform Party, liberal, 1994-);
ERt = Eestimaa Rahvaliit (People's Union of Estonia, agrarian; 1994-99 as Eesti Maarahva Erakond [Estonian Country People's Party]); IERSP = "Isamaaliit" Pro Patria Union (merger of RK "Isamaa" and the Estonian National Independence Party [ERSP]); PK = Põllumeeste Kogu (Unions of Farmers, agrarian, restored 1992); Res = Ühendus Vabariigi Eest-Res Publica (Union for the Republic-Res Publica, center-right, populist); SDE = Sotsiaaldemokraatlik Erakond (Social Democratic Party); Mil = Military; 
- Former parties (political parties suspended 20 Mar 1935-1940): EDE = Eesti Demokraatlik Erakond (Estonian Democratic Party, 1917-1918); EK = Eesti Koonderakond (Estonian Coalition Party, liberal); EKP = Eestimaa Kommunistlik Partei (Estonian Communist Party, only legal party 1940-1990); EMRL = Eesti Maarahva Liit (Union of Rural People, replaced 1921 by PK);
ER = Eesti Rahvaerakond (Estonia People's Party, 1932 joined to RKE); ESDTP = Eesti Sotsiaaldemokraatlik Töölispartei (Estonian Workers' Socialist Democrat Party, 1925 joined with another socialist party as ESTP); ESTP = Eesti Sotsialistlik Tööliste Partei (Estonian Socialist Party of Workers); ETE = Eesti Tööerakond (Estonian Labour Party, 1932 joined to RKE); EVR = Eesti Vabariigi Rahvuskomitee (National Committee for the Estonian Republic, anti-German underground resistance Mar 1944-18 Sep 1944); I = Isamaaliit (Fatherland League [National Association], Estonian nationalist, authoritarian, 1935-40); KMÜ = Koonderakond ja Maarahva Ühendus (Coalition Party and Rural Union, 5-party coalition, among them the KE or KMÜ, 1995-99); KRE = Kristlik Rahvaerakond (Christian People's Party, joined to RKE 1932); MS = Moderata Samlingspartiet (Swedish Moderate Coalition Party, conservative); NSDAP = Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (National Socialist German Workers Party, Nazi fascist, authoritarian, German nationalist -only legal party 1941-1944); PER = Põhiseaduse Elluviimise Rahvarinne (Popular Front for Effectuation of Constitution, 1938-40); PK = Põllumeestekogud (Unions of Farmers, merged with another agrarian party 1932 to form PKK, but split again 1933, restored 1992); PKK = Põllumeestekogude ja Põllumeeste, Asunikkude ning Väikemaapidajate Koondis (Combination of the Unions of Farmers, Settlers and Small Farmers, 1932 - 1933); R = Rahvarinne (Popular Front of Estonia, 1989-92); RK = Rahvuslik Koonderakond "Isamaa" (National Coalition Party "Fatherland", christian-democratic, 1992-95)



Bishopric of Dorpat (Tartu)
 

1211                       Estonian Bishopric, also called Bishopric of Leal (Lihula)
                             (after the nominal seat of the bishop) established by
                             the Bishop of Riga (confirmed by the Holy See 31 Oct 1213), 
                             originally without any temporal authority.
21 Jul 1224                Estonian bishop takes temporal authority over the southern part
                             of present-day Estonia as a sovereign prince-bishop of the 
                             Holy Roman Empire (formally from 6 Nov 1225), Bishop gives 
                             part of his possessions as a fief to the Swordbrothers 
                             Order, and cedes the western part of the Estonian mainland 
                            (including Leal) to the bishop of Riga (24 Jul 1224) and chooses 
                             Dorpat (Tartu) as his new capital (Aug 1224). The Estonian
                             Bishopric thereafter renamed as Bishopric of Dorpat, but bishops
                             continues to use the style of bishop of Leal to 8 Jan 1235.
18 Jul 1558                City of Dorpat surrenders to Russian forces.
18 Jul 1558 - 15 Jan 1582  Russian occupation of the former bishopric.
15 Jan 1582                Russia withdraws from Dorpat and transfers it to the 
                             Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Former bishopric is made part
                             of Duchy of Livonia (the southern part of present-day Estonia
                             remains part of Livonia [see Latvia] until 12 Apr 1917).
1704 - 1710                Russians controlled only inland parts of Livonia and Estonia.
 

Bishops of Leal
1211 - 15 Jun 1219         Theodoric (= Dietrich I)               (d. 1219?)
10 Apr 1220 - 21 Jul 1224  Hermann von Buxhöwden                  (d. 1248/54) 
Prince-Bishops of Dorpat
21 Jul 1224 - 1247         Hermann I von Buxhöwden                (s.a.) 
                            (approved on 18 Apr 1220)
1247 - 26 Jul 1251         Vacant?
26 Jul 1251 - 10 Sep 1263  .... [unknown]
10 Sep 1263 - 18 Feb 1268  Alexander                              (d. 1268)
1268 -  4 Dec 1288         Friedrich von Haseldorf                (d. 1288)
1289 - 1302?               Bernhard I
1303 - 1312                Dietrich II Vyshusen                   (d. 1312)
14 Jan 1313 - 1323         Nikolaus
26 Nov 1323 - 18 Oct 1341  Engelbert von Dolen                    (d. 1347)
27 Sep 1342 - 1344         Wescelus                               (d. 1344)
23 Oct 1346 - 1373         Johannes I von Vyfhusen                (d. 1373)
 5 Sep 1373 - 1377         Heinrich I von Velde                   (d. 1377)
 5 Aug 1379 -  2 Jul 1400  Dietrich III Damerow                   (d. af.1408/12)
15 Dec 1400 - 1410         Heinrich II von Wrangel                (d. 1410)
 7 Jan 1411 - 1413         Bernhard II Bulowe                     (d. 1413)
14 Apr 1413 - Mar 1441     Dietrich IV Resler                     (b. 1334? - d. 1441)
17 Mar 1442 - 1459         Bartholomäus Savijerwe                 (d. 1461)
10 Dec 1459 - 23 Mar 1468  Helmich von Mallinkrodt                (d. af.1485)
 5 Dec 1468 - Feb 1473     Andreas Peper                          (d. 1473)
 6 Jun 1473 - Feb 1485     Johannes II Bertkow                    (d. 1485)
18 Jul 1485 - 1498         Dietrich V Hake                        (d. 1498)
20 Mar 1499 - 1505         Johannes III von der Rope              (d. 1505)
22 Dec 1505 - 1513         Gerhard Schrove                        (d. 1513)
1514                       Johannes IV Duesborg
                             (approved before 4 May 1514)
30 Oct 1514 - 15 Apr 1518  Christian Bomhower                     (d. 1518)
14 Jun 1518 -  9 Sep 1527  Johannes V Blankenfeld                 (b. 1478/79 - d. 1527)
                             (also Archbishop of Riga)
16 Aug 1532 - May 1543     Johannes VI Bey                        (d. 1543)
21 Apr 1544 - 18 Apr 1551  Jost von der Recke                     (d. 1567)
                            (abanoned Dorpat 18 Apr 1551,
                             in opposition to 22 Oct 1553)
25 Jun 1554 - 18 Jul 1558  Hermann II Wesel                       (d. 1563) 
                            (deported to Russia 23 Aug 1558)
Administrator
1704 - 1710                Count Boris Sheremetyev



Ösel Island (Saaremaa) 
 
Map of Ösel Island
Capital: Arensburg (Kuressare)
(Leal to c.1251; Perona
c.1251-c.1263; Hapsal
c.1263- c.1381)
Population: 20,000 (1782 est.)
 
Aug 1228                   Bishopric of Ösel (Ösel-Wiek) established, covering the islands
                             of Ösel (Saaremaa), Dagö (Hiiumaa) and Moon (Muhu), and Wiek 
                             (Läänemaa) western part of the Estonian mainland, as a sovereign 
                             principality (prince-bishopric) of the Holy Roman Empire
                             (formally from 1 Oct 1228). Some parts of bishop's possessions 
                             (on the islands and mainland) given as a fief to the
                             Swordbrothers Order (later Livonian Order)(approved by Holy See
                             8 Jan 1235).
1229 - 1234                Ruled by the Bishop of Riga and the Swordbrothers Order.
1241 - 1343                Ösel (Saaremaa) Island an autonomous part of Ösel-Wiek (autonomy
                             renewed 27 Aug 1255).
15 Apr 1560                Bishopric, sold by the last prince-bishop to Denmark, given as an
                             appanage to the brother of the King of Denmark, Magnus Herzog von
                             Holstein (elected to bishop 13 May 1560).
 5 Mar 1562                Territories of the Livonian Order a part of the Lithuanian 
                             principality of Livonia. 
1563                       Sweden occupies Wiek and the island of Dagö (not recognized by
                             Denmark). Denmark cedes Wiek to Lithuania in exchange for the
                             Livonian territories on the islands, including Soneburg.
13 Dec 1570                Denmark and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth recognize Swedish
                             sovereignty over Wiek and the island of Dagö (made part of 
                             the Swedish Duchy of Estonia on 1584).
 9 May 1572                Former prince-bishopric, now covering only the islands of Ösel
                             and Moon, transferred to direct administration of Denmark as 
                             a Danish fiefdom.
13 Sep 1572                Holy Roman Empire recognized Danish rule of Ösel. Denmark
                             reciprocally recognized suzerainty of Empire over the island,
                             which thus remained a nominal part of Empire.
23 Aug 1645                Ösel ceded by Denmark to Sweden and subordinated to the Swedish 
                             governors-general of Livonia. The King of Sweden adopts the 
                             style of "Prince of Ösel."
26 Sep 1710                City of Arensburg (Kuressaare), the capital of Ösel, surrenders 
                             to Russian forces. Occupation of Ösel (Ezel' in Russian)
                             completed (formally ceded by Sweden to Russia 10 Sep 1721).
 8 Aug 1713                An autonomous part of the province of Livonia, directly
                             administered by the governor-general of Livonia to 1781.
14 Jul 1783                Autonomy abolished, remains part of Livonia to 12 Apr 1917.
28 Nov 1796                Limited local autonomy for Ösel restored (confirmed by all
                             successive Emperors of Russia on their accession before 1881,
                             thereafter gradually extinguished).
Prince-Bishops of Ösel (later Ösel-Wiek)
 1 Oct 1228 - 26 Jul 1229  Gottfrid                               (d. af.1257)
         &nbs