Nationalisation of youth organisations The case of Estonia Marti Taru, Eli Pilve

The case of Estonia Youth organisations, youth work methods have been used in the context achieving political and social goals Entrepreneurial mindset, employment, behaviour control, national identity, health behaviour, … Youth organisations used by state: Germany, SU, Romania, Portugal, Poland, Hungary, … Youth organisations with natsionalist emphasize

“More European culture! Be Estonian but remain European!” Estonia was incorporated into Russian Empire. Organisational activism in general was banned, except temperance societies and church related societies. National awakening in the middle of 19th century: German example, (tho estonias vs Germans) national idendity, school teachers, different educational classes. In the end of 19th century, national awakening as a reaction to Russification Development of economy, heavy industry, transport  socialist ideas and youth organisations Proclamation of independence in 1918 Churches: Sunday schools, boarding schools, societys for boys and girls, legal Temperance societies, Sports groups, Choirs, orchestras, theatrical groups handicraft rings, reading and discussion, literature societies, self-education societies focusing on skills necessary in agrarian societies

Youth activities in the beginning of independence By early 1920s 4 types of youth organisations BY ADULTS, FOR YOUTH, SCHOOL-BASED: Pupils’ hobby rings in schools, Under supervision of teachers , temperance societies, red cross chapters BY ADULTS, FOR YOUTH, ORGANISATION-BASED: religioos organisations, youth chapters o Farmer societies, BY YOUTH, FOR YOUTH. Youth started and youth led organisations outside school, focus on self-development, learning BY YOUTH, FOR YOUTH, WITH ADULT SUPPORT: scouts, young blacksmiths Legally based on educational acts, starting from mid 1920s on a NGO act. Noorsepad – scouting organisations with nation-building emphasize, separated from scouts in early 1920s.

Defence League youth corps 1925: Defence League should have its own youth chapter In the longer time perspective, young people should be contributing to nation’s development 1928: DL established youth corps’: boys’ corps Noored Kotkad / Young Eagles, girls’ corps Kodutütred No members yet…

Defence League youth corps 1929: negotiations between Defence League and Young Blacksmiths Young Blacksmiths as potentially the first chapter of Defence League youth corps 1930: Young Blacksmiths became Young Eagles, Defence League girls’ corps started 1933: scouts and guides should be integrated into Defence League youth corps

Coup d'état in 1934 President Konstantin Päts: nation was sick of democracy and different opinions, people need unified leadership, people need peace, people need purpose and goals, nation needs be cured. Political parties banned Authoritarian era: President ruled the country by his orders and decrees. „Silent era“

Unification of youth organisations 1934: the need to unify all youth organisations Their larger contribution to nation-building expected The number of organised youth needs be increased (up to 100%) 1936: Youth Organisation Act Youth organisations as a tool for supporting achievement of national / nation-building goals

Unification of youth organisations 1938: amendments to the YOA: President become patron of the YO Supreme commander of the Defence Forces became the head of the YO YOs could be registered only with permission from the Minister of Education Legal structure to exercise state control over youth organisations was established At that time, YOs virtually the only form of youth work

Unification of youth organisations No serious critique or protests from youth organisations „Eesti Noored“ / „Youth of Estonia“ - 1940 Youth of Estonia Act to be adopted in 1939 (May) More significant things started to happen: WWII Soviet Union troops moved in to Estonia in October 1939

Youth of Estonia, 1940

Youth of Estonia 1942 German version 1938 Presedents spesific instruction: Estonian Youth is going to start working in 1940 1940 Soviet occupation 1941 German occupation 1942 Estonian Youth established = same name, different ideology Estonians only, no jews allowed. Not sure about Russians, rather not a problem. Ivo Grossbergi mälestused

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