Jüri Vilms facts for kids
Jüri Vilms (born March 13, 1889, in Arkma, Estonia – died May 2, 1918, in Finland) was a very important person in Estonia's history. He was a member of the Salvation Committee. This group helped Estonia become an independent country. Vilms also served as the first Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia.
In 1918, during World War I, Estonia was in a difficult spot. Russian troops were leaving, and German troops were arriving. This created a "power vacuum" where no one was fully in charge. The Salvation Committee, given power by the Maapäev (Estonian Provincial Assembly), used this chance. They issued the Estonian Declaration of Independence on February 24, 1918.
However, the German forces did not recognize Estonia's independence. The Salvation Committee had to go into hiding. Jüri Vilms bravely went to Finland. His mission was to deliver money and instructions to Estonian groups there. These groups were working to get other countries to recognize Estonia as a new, independent nation.
According to the official story, he was captured when he reached the Finnish coast. German troops then executed him in Helsinki. Estonia finally gained its independence later. This happened after German troops left Estonia and the Estonian War of Independence ended with the Peace Treaty of Tartu.
Early Life and Education
Jüri Vilms was born in Kabala, which is now part of Türi Parish in Järva County. He went to Pärnu Gymnasium for his schooling. He was a very good student. Because of his high grades, he did not have to pay for his tuition.
After finishing gymnasium, Vilms continued his studies. He attended the University of Tartu from 1907 to 1911. He studied law there. At the university, he joined the Estonian Students Association. He was even chosen to be the chairman of this group.
Legal and Political Career
In 1911, Jüri Vilms began his career as a lawyer. First, he worked as an associate. Later, he opened his own law firm.
When World War I started, Vilms became very involved in the Estonian National Movement. He wrote articles asking for Estonia to have more autonomy. This meant he wanted Estonia to have more self-rule within the Russian Empire. He disagreed with other political leaders like Jaan Tõnisson and Konstantin Päts. Vilms believed Estonia needed full political self-rule, not just cultural freedom.
In 1917, Vilms started a new political party in Estonia. It was called the Eesti Tööerakond (Estonian Labour Party). This party was considered left-of-center.
Role in Estonian Autonomy
After the Russian February Revolution, Jüri Vilms became a full-time politician. People at the time saw him as a strong supporter of the Estonian people.
He worked with other important figures like Heinrich Koppel, Otto Strandman, and Jaan Raamot. Together, they prepared the legal documents for big changes in how Estonia was governed. These changes led to the creation of the Autonomous Governorate of Estonia. The documents they created became the basis for a decree. This decree was issued by the Russian Provisional Government on March 30, 1917. It officially established autonomy for Estonia.
See also
In Spanish: Jüri Vilms para niños
