Births on April 18

Jaan Anvelt, Estonian educator and politician (d. 1937)

Jaan Anvelt, born on April 18, 1884, was a pivotal figure in Estonian revolutionary history, known not only by his birth name but also under a series of aliases such as Eessaare Aadu, Jaan Holm, Jaan Hulmu, Kaarel Maatamees, and Onkel Kaak. In Russian contexts, he was often referred to as Ян Анвельт or Н. Альтъ. His life, deeply intertwined with the tumultuous early 20th century, saw him emerge as an Estonian Bolshevik revolutionary, a prolific writer, and ultimately, a tragic victim of the Soviet purges, dying on December 11, 1937. His journey began in rural Estonia, a country then part of the Russian Empire, where the seeds of social discontent and revolutionary fervor were fertile ground for individuals like Anvelt.

Revolutionary Career and Political Leadership

Anvelt's commitment to the Bolshevik cause led him to play a significant role in the October Revolution and its aftermath. He served the newly established Russian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic (RSFSR) in various capacities, advocating for communist ideals and working towards the establishment of Soviet power in his homeland. As a prominent leader of the Communist Party of Estonia, he championed the Bolshevik vision for Estonia, a vision that starkly contrasted with the aspirations for an independent Estonian Republic. This period was marked by intense political struggle and armed conflict, notably the Estonian War of Independence. During this brief but consequential conflict, Anvelt became the first premier of the Soviet Executive Committee of Estonia and, more famously, the chairman of the Council of The Commune of the Working People of Estonia (Eesti Töörahva Kommuun). This Soviet-backed regime, established in November 1918, aimed to create a Soviet state in Estonia but was ultimately short-lived, collapsing under the pressure of the advancing Estonian forces fighting for national independence. Anvelt’s leadership during this controversial period cemented his place in Estonian history, viewed by some as a heroic revolutionary and by others as an agent of foreign power.

Later Years and Tragic Demise

Following the defeat of the Estonian Commune and the establishment of an independent Republic of Estonia, Anvelt continued his activities within the broader Soviet system. He remained a staunch communist, contributing to the ideological and literary output of the Soviet Union. However, like many Old Bolsheviks and prominent figures of the early revolutionary era, he eventually fell victim to the brutal political repression orchestrated by Joseph Stalin. In 1937, at the height of the Great Purge, a campaign of political repression that saw millions arrested, imprisoned, and executed, Anvelt was apprehended. He was held in the custody of the NKVD, the Soviet secret police, known for its ruthless interrogation methods. Tragically, Anvelt did not survive his imprisonment. He died on December 11, 1937, from severe injuries sustained during a brutal beating by an NKVD officer named Aleksandr Langfang. His death in custody underscores the indiscriminate and violent nature of Stalin's purges, which consumed many of those who had helped build the Soviet state.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was the Commune of the Working People of Estonia?

The Commune of the Working People of Estonia (Eesti Töörahva Kommuun) was a short-lived, Soviet-backed communist regime established in parts of Estonia during the Estonian War of Independence (1918-1920). Led by Jaan Anvelt, it aimed to establish a Soviet Republic in Estonia but was ultimately defeated by forces fighting for Estonian independence.

Why did Jaan Anvelt use so many pseudonyms?

Using pseudonyms was a common practice among revolutionaries, particularly during periods of political repression and clandestine activity. It allowed them to evade authorities, communicate more securely, and publish works under different names without revealing their true identity, thereby protecting themselves and their networks.

What was the Great Purge?

The Great Purge, or the Great Terror, was a campaign of political repression in the Soviet Union orchestrated by Joseph Stalin from 1934 to 1938. It involved widespread arrests, executions, and imprisonment in labor camps (gulags) of perceived enemies of the state, including political opponents, Old Bolsheviks, military officers, and ordinary citizens, leading to millions of deaths.

What was the NKVD?

The NKVD (People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs) was the Soviet Union's main secret police agency from 1934 to 1946. It was responsible for state security, political repression, intelligence, and the administration of the Gulag system, playing a central role in implementing Stalin's purges.

What was Jaan Anvelt's role in the Estonian War of Independence?

Jaan Anvelt was a key figure who opposed Estonian independence and instead sought to establish a Soviet Republic in Estonia. He led the Soviet-backed Commune of the Working People of Estonia, which fought against the provisional government of Estonia during the war. His efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, leading to the establishment of an independent Republic of Estonia.