The Estonian National Awakening was a cultural and political movement in the 19th century aimed at promoting Estonian identity and independence. It began in the 1860s, fueled by a growing sense of nationalism among the Estonian people, who sought to revive their language, folklore, and traditions. This period saw the emergence of literature, music, and education in the Estonian language. Key figures in this movement included Carl Robert Jakobson and Johann Voldemar Jannsen, who played significant roles in fostering national consciousness. The movement laid the groundwork for Estonia's eventual declaration of independence from Russia in 1918, marking a pivotal moment in the country's history.