Juhan Kukk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juhan Kukk
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Juhan Kukk c. 1923–1939
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| 3rd State Elder of Estonia | |
| In office 21 November 1922 – 2 August 1923 |
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| Preceded by | Konstantin Päts |
| Succeeded by | Konstantin Päts |
| Speaker of the Riigikogu | |
| In office 18 November 1921 – 20 November 1922 |
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| Preceded by | Otto Strandman |
| Succeeded by | Konstantin Päts |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 13 April 1885 Käru, Governorate of Estonia, Russian Empire |
| Died | 4 December 1942 (aged 57) Kargopol, Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russian SFSR, USSR |
| Political party | Estonian Labour Party |
Juhan Kukk (born April 13, 1885 – died December 4, 1942) was an important Estonian politician. He played a big role in Estonia's early years as an independent country. He even served as the head of the Estonian government.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Juhan Kukk was born in a place called Käru, in what was then Wierland County. This area is now part of Väike-Maarja Parish in Estonia.
He went to Tartu High School of Sciences. After that, he studied at the Riga Polytechnical School from 1904 to 1910. He focused on commerce, which is about business and trade. He finished his studies with a top diploma in Germany.
A Career in Estonian Politics
Juhan Kukk was very active in Estonian politics. He helped shape the country's government and economy.
Early Government Roles
From 1917 to 1918, Kukk led the money department for the Estonian Provincial Assembly. This was an early governing body in Estonia.
Later, he became the Minister of Finance and State Property. This was for the Estonian Provisional Government from 1918 to 1919. This government was setting up Estonia's independence.
He continued to serve as the Minister of Finance for the new Republic of Estonia from 1919 to 1920. After that, he was the Minister of Commerce and Industry from 1920 to 1921.
Leading the Parliament
Juhan Kukk was a member of the Riigikogu, which is Estonia's parliament. He was part of the first and second Riigikogu from 1920 to 1926.
He was also chosen to be the Speaker of the Riigikogu. This means he led the meetings of the parliament. He held this position from November 1921 to November 1922.
Becoming State Elder
After being Speaker, Juhan Kukk was appointed State Elder. This was the highest position in Estonia at the time. The State Elder was like both the president and the prime minister.
He served as State Elder from November 1922 until August 1923. After he left the Riigikogu, another politician named Johann Kana took his place.
Promoting Cooperation and Banking
Beyond his government roles, Kukk was a strong supporter of the cooperative movement. This movement helps people work together for shared economic benefits. He was a leader in several cooperative organizations.
Kukk also had a career in banking. In 1920, he became the chairman of the Estonian People's Bank. From 1924 to 1926, he was a director at the Bank of Estonia. This is Estonia's central bank.
Arrest and Final Years
In 1940, the Soviet Union took control of Estonia. Juhan Kukk was arrested by the NKVD, which was the Soviet secret police. He was then sent away to Russia.
He died while in prison in a place called Kargopol, in Russia, in 1942.
Honours
National Honours
Estonia: Cross of Liberty III, 1st class (1920)
