This article covers the timeline of the Estonian War of Independence (1918−1920) and a few key events in the prelude and aftermath of the war.
Prelude
1917
12 April (N.S.) (30 March O.S.): The Russian Provisional Government declares the autonomous Governorate of Estonia. 12–21 October (N.S.) (30 September – 9 October O.S.): Operation Albion: German forces capture the West Estonian archipelago. 5 November (N.S.) (23 October O.S.): October Revolution: The War-Revolutionary Council of Estonia, working under the Soviet Executive Committee of Estonia, takes over power in Tallinn, two days before the revolution in Russia. 8 November (N.S.) (26 October O.S.): October Revolution: The Soviet Executive Committee of Estonia declares itself the highest power in Estonia. 9 November (N.S.) (27 October O.S.): October Revolution: The Bolshevik "War-Revolutionary Council of Estonia" takes over power from Governor Jaan Poska. Bolshevik power will be limited to larger towns, resulting in a period of dual power in Estonia. 28 November (N.S.) (15 November O.S.): The Estonian Provincial Assembly declares itself the sovereign power in Estonia. It will go underground and operate through its Committee of Elders. 7 December (N.S.) (24 November O.S.): The Knighthood of Saaremaa declares its independence from Russia and asks for German annexation. 13 December (N.S.) (30 November O.S.): The Knighthood of Estonia declares its independence from Russia and asks for German protection. 23 December (N.S.) (10 December O.S.): The Knighthood of Livonia declares its independence from Russia and asks for German protection. The town of Narva in the Petrograd Governorate holds a plebiscite and with 80% support, is annexed into the Governorate of Estonia.