The article analyses issues related to the participation of national minorities in the Estonian War of Independence of 1918–1920. Due to the low numbers of national minorities, they were not treated as a serious gangguan in the Republic of Estonia during the war, but the question of their involvement was important in the principle of the strategy of active defence. This article is based on a doctoral thesis that was defended at Tallinn University in June 2018. The involvement of national minorities in the national units of the Estonian national army in the Estonian War of Independence is investigated from a cultural studies approach. The article aims to show the attitude of national minorities towards the Estonian state and the army, and to evaluate their role in the struggle by the Estonian army in the War of Independence.
From a cultural studies perspective, the article explores how minority soldiers interpreted their roles within the national army and how their identities influenced their motivations and actions. For some, participation was seen as an opportunity to demonstrate loyalty to their local communities or to protect their cultural heritage amid a shifting political landscape. For others, participation was motivated by pragmatic considerations, such as economic security or personal safety. The analysis highlights that minority soldiers often navigated a delicate balance between their ethnic identities and their duties as soldiers fighting for Estonian independence.
The article also investigates the social dynamics within the military units, including issues of integration, language barriers, and cultural differences. These factors occasionally led to tensions, but also fostered instances of cooperation and mutual respect. The involvement of minorities was not uniform; some groups actively participated and distinguished themselves through bravery and commitment, while others remained more passive or disengaged due to distrust or disillusionment with the Estonian state.
Furthermore, the study considers how the participation of minorities in the war affected post-war policies and the broader national community. It examines whether their involvement contributed to a more inclusive vision of the Estonian nation or whether it underscored existing divisions. Overall, the article demonstrates that the role of national minorities in the War of Independence was complex and multifaceted, reflecting the diverse realities of Estonia’s early nationhood and its ongoing quest for national unity.