Andres Larka facts for kids
Andres Larka VR I/1 (born March 5, 1879, in Pilistvere, now Põhja-Sakala Parish; died January 8, 1943, in Malmyzh, Kirov, Soviet Union) was an important Estonian military leader during the Estonian War of Independence. He also played a role in Estonian politics.
Contents
Andres Larka's Early Life and Military Career
Andres Larka began his military journey by graduating from the Vilnius Military Academy in 1902. He then took part in the Russo-Japanese War. Later, in 1912, he finished his studies at the Imperial Nicholas Military Academy.
During World War I, Larka fought on the Eastern Front. He was involved in battles against the German Empire in places like East Prussia, Poland, and Romania.
A Key Figure in Estonia's Independence
After World War I, Andres Larka became the very first Minister of War for the new Republic of Estonia. This meant he was in charge of the country's military. In March 1918, he earned the high rank of Major General.
When Germany occupied Estonia in 1918, Larka helped organize the Estonian Defence League. This group was important for protecting Estonia. When the Estonian War of Independence began in 1918, Larka moved from Minister of War to become the Chief of Staff.
In February 1919, he became the Undersecretary of the Minister of War. He held this job until early 1925. In this role, he was responsible for getting soldiers ready for duty and organizing reserve units. After the war, he also helped with sending soldiers home. He retired in 1925 due to health problems.
Later Life and Political Challenges
In 1930, Andres Larka became the official leader of the Vaps Movement, also known as the League of Liberators. He was their candidate for president in April 1934. However, on March 12, 1934, it looked like Larka might win the election. To prevent this, Konstantin Päts and Johan Laidoner took control of the government.
The presidential elections were stopped. Larka and about 400 of his supporters were put in prison. A new, stricter government was then set up. Larka was imprisoned two times: first from 1934 to 1935, and again from 1935 to 1937. In 1940, when the Soviet Union took over Estonia, Soviet authorities arrested Larka. He died while in prison in 1943.
Awards and Recognition
Andres Larka was honored with the Latvian military Order of Lāčplēsis, 2nd class. This award recognized his bravery and service.
See also
- Estonian War of Independence
- Freikorps in the Baltic
- League of Liberators
