Battle of Cēsis
1919 · Cēsis (modern Latvia) · World · Modern
The Estonian army and the Latvian Northern Brigade repulsed the German attack, then counterattacked and closed in on Riga
Belligerents
The Estonian army and the Latvian Northern Brigade
- Commanders
- Ernst Põdder, Johan Laidoner (commander-in-chief)
- Strength
- About 6,000 men, including armored trains
The Baltische Landeswehr and the German Iron Division
- Commanders
- Rüdiger von der Goltz
- Strength
- About 10,000
Background
In the spring of 1919, the German general von der Goltz installed a pro-German government, overthrowing Ulmanis's Latvian provisional government, and pushed north, where he encountered the Estonian army advancing southward.
Course of the battle
- Northward offensiveGerman forces captured the area around Cēsis, seeking to control northern Latvia
- Estonian counterattackThe Estonian army brought up armored trains and reserves and fought side by side with the Latvian Northern Brigade
- Three decisive daysAfter fierce fighting on June 21–23, the German forces were driven back
- PursuitThe Estonian–Latvian forces pursued them to the outskirts of Riga, and the Entente brokered a ceasefire
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1919 |
|---|---|
| Place | Cēsis (modern Latvia) |
| Result | The Estonian army and the Latvian Northern Brigade repulsed the German attack, then counterattacked and closed in on Riga |
| Winner | Estonia and Latvia |
| Casualties | Hundreds of casualties on each side |
| Territorial change | German forces withdrew from northern Latvia, and the Ulmanis government returned to power |
Impact
The Battle of Cēsis secured the independence of Estonia and Latvia, and June 23 is today Estonia's "Victory Day."
See the world in 1919 on the map →