Jaan Soots facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jaan Soots
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| Born | 12 March 1880 Livonia, Russian Empire |
| Died | 6 February 1942 (aged 61) |
| Allegiance | Russian Empire Estonia |
| Years of service | 1900–1920 |
| Rank | Major general |
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Jaan Soots (born March 12, 1880 – died February 6, 1942) was an important Estonian military leader. He played a key role during the Estonian War of Independence. Later, he also became a well-known politician.
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Who Was Jaan Soots?
Jaan Soots was born in a small village called Linna, which is now part of Valga County in Estonia. He grew up in a place that was then part of the Russian Empire.
Early Life and Military Training
Jaan Soots decided to join the army when he was 20 years old, in 1900. He studied at the Vilnius Military Academy from 1901 to 1904. This training prepared him for a military career.
He fought in the Russo-Japanese War, which took place between 1904 and 1905. After that, he continued his studies at the Imperial Nicholas Military Academy from 1910 to 1913. This was a very important school for military leaders.
Role in the Estonian War of Independence
When the Estonian War of Independence began, Jaan Soots was a top military planner. He was the Chief of Operative Staff. This meant he helped plan how the army would move and fight.
In February 1919, he became the Chief of Staff for the Commander-in-Chief. This was a very high position. It meant he was in charge of all the military staff and helped lead the entire army. In the same year, he earned the rank of Major General. This is a very high rank in the army.
Jaan Soots also took part in the Tartu peace conference. This meeting helped end the war between Estonia and Russia. He retired from the army in 1920 after the war ended.
Life After the War
After his military career, Jaan Soots became involved in politics. He served as the Minister of War two times. This role meant he was in charge of Estonia's defense.
He was also a member of the State Assembly, which is like Estonia's parliament. He helped make laws for the country. Later, he became the Mayor of Tallinn, Estonia's capital city. He even held the title of Lord Mayor (ülemlinnapea).
In 1938, Jaan Soots met Herbert Hoover. Hoover was a former President of the United States. He visited Estonia as an honorary citizen of Tallinn.
Sadly, in 1940, the Soviet authorities took control of Estonia. Jaan Soots was arrested by them. He died in a prison camp in 1942. The camp was called Ussollag, located in Russia.
Awards and Recognition
Jaan Soots received several important awards for his service. He was given the Estonian Order of the White Star, 1st class. He also received the Latvian military Order of Lāčplēsis, 2nd class. These awards show his bravery and leadership.
See also
- Estonian War of Independence
- Freikorps in the Baltic
