This day one hundred years ago, on December 1st 1924, a group of communist insurgents backed by the Soviet Union attempted to overthrow the democratic government of Estonia. The uprising began early in the morning when armed communists attacked several central locations, including Riigikogu – the national parliament and residence of the head of state, the main post office, and several military garrisons. The rebels also seized control of the central railway station, killing the Minister of Transportation, Karl Kark.
In response to the crisis, the Estonian government immediately declared martial law and granted additional rights to division commanders to stabilize the situation. After several hours, the government forces regained control of the captured locations in Tallinn and suppressed the uprising. The attempted coup resulted in massive bloodshed, with more than 150 people killed, including 125 pro-communist militants and 26 soldiers of the government forces. While the failed coup lasted only several hours, extensive police raids continued for weeks and led to the detention of 500 people associated with the communist instigators; however, Jaan Anvelt and Rudolf Vakmann, two of the leaders of the uprising, fled to the Soviet Union.
The successful counterattack against the pro-communist rebels was vital for a new democratic state only a few years after gaining its independence from the Russian Empire. Today, December 1st, is celebrated as Internal Security Day in Estonia, commemorating the defense forces who lost their lives defending the national democracy during this critical historical moment.