Johannes Sikkar facts for kids

Johannes Sikkar (born October 15, 1897 – died August 22, 1960) was a very important person for Estonia. He was the first leader of the Estonian government in exile. This was a special government that worked outside of Estonia when the country was occupied by other powers. Johannes Sikkar served as the Acting Prime Minister from 1953 until his death in 1960. He helped keep the idea of a free Estonia alive during a difficult time.

Johannes Sikkar's Life and Role

Johannes Sikkar was born in a place called Kõnnu, in Tartu County, Estonia. He was a brave young man who fought in the Estonian War of Independence. This war was fought against Soviet Russia to make Estonia a free country. Johannes served as an officer on an armored train. For his service, he received a farm, which he kept until 1944.

He was also very smart and studied economics at Tartu University. He graduated with high honors in 1936. In 1920, he married Hilda Vilhelmine Truus. They had a son and a daughter together.

Johannes Sikkar was active in Estonian politics. He was a member of the National Assembly for many years, from 1926 to 1937.

When Estonia was occupied by Soviet and German forces in 1940 and 1944, Johannes Sikkar bravely took part in the resistance movement. To escape the occupation, he moved to Sweden on September 12, 1944.

While in Sweden, he continued to work for Estonia's freedom. On April 20, 1952, he was chosen by August Rei, a former Estonian leader, to be a minister. Then, on January 12, 1953, Johannes Sikkar became the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior for the Estonian government in exile.

At that time, political activities for Estonian exiles were not allowed in Sweden. Because of this, the members of his government had to take on their roles in Oslo, Norway. Johannes Sikkar passed away in Stockholm, Sweden.

Johannes Sikkar's Government Team

Johannes Sikkar led a team of ministers who worked with him in the government in exile. Here are some of the key people who served in his government:

• Johannes Sikkar (until August 22, 1960) – He was the Acting Prime Minister and also the Minister of Interior. The Minister of Interior usually handles things like public safety and local government.
• Aleksander Warma – He was the Minister of Foreign Affairs. This role involves dealing with other countries and representing Estonia to the world.
• Tõnis Kint (from January 14, 1953) – He served as the Minister of Agriculture. This minister looks after farming and food production. After Johannes Sikkar passed away, Tõnis Kint also became the Acting Prime Minister from August 22, 1960.
• Mihkel Truusööt (January 14, 1953 – September 10, 1956) – He was the Minister of Economic Affairs, dealing with money and business matters.
• Aksel Mark (from September 21, 1956) – He served as a Minister.
• Arvo Horm (from September 21, 1956) – He also served as a Minister.
• Oskar Lõvi (from May 25, 1957) – He became the Minister of Economic Affairs later on.
• Peeter Panksep (from May 25, 1957) – He served as a Minister.