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History is one of the cornerstones of Latvian identity. Latvians take pride in their
history, although it is filled with such contrasting experiences bright periods of peace,
prosperity and joy, as well as dark times of war and conflict, when the territory of
Latvia was devastated and the Latvian people faced the brink of annihilation. Latvias
history is an integral part of world history, because Latvians alone did not shape the
events that affected their lives. Latvias strategic geopolitical situation and its location
along important trading routes by the Baltic Sea have always made it an object of keen
interest to foreign peoples and powers.
In this richly illustrated booklet you will find a brief, but fact-filled look into the
most important periods of Latvias history from the Ice Age and the first settlers of
Latvian land, to the beginning of the 21st century, when Latvia became an inseparable
part of European and global socio-economic processes. You will learn how the German
Crusaders, the Swedish, Polish and Russian empires, the German Third Reich and the
Soviet occupation influenced Latvia. You will also gain insights into Latvias first period
of independence, from 1918 until 1940, as well as the end of the Soviet occupation and
restoration of sovereignty in 1991.

Page

9000 BC-13th century

12th century-1914

1914-1939

Ancient History of the Latvians

The Age of German, Polish, Swedish, and

Russian Rule in Latvia

The Fight for Independence and the Republic of

Latvia

22

The Loss of Independence, Second World War and

Soviet Era in Latvia

Loss of Independence

The Second World War in Latvia

The Soviet Era in Latvia

32

1939-1980s

From the 1980s

Reinstating Independence and Modern Latvia

42

ry

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Amber long ago this was considered

to be Baltic gold.

Pots from Srnate, Middle Neolithic,

reconstruction.

The territory known today as Latvia has been inhabited since 9000 BC. In the first half of 2000
BC, the proto-Balts or early Baltic peoples arrived. They were the forefathers of the Latvian
people. At the time when the proto-Balts arrived on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea,
ancient Finnic peoples had already long inhabited this territory. They are considered to be
the early ancestors of contemporary Estonians, Finns and Livs.
At the beginning of this era the territory known today as Latvia became famous as a
trading crossroads. The famous route from the Vikings to the Greeks mentioned in ancient
chronicles stretched from Scandinavia, through Latvian territory along the river Daugava to
ancient Russia and the Byzantine Empire. The Balts of this time actively participated in this
trading network. Across the European continent, Latvias coast was renowned as a place for
obtaining amber. Up to and during the Middle Ages, amber was more valuable than gold
in many places. Amber from the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea was known as far away as
ancient Greece and the Roman Empire.

A Neolithic wooden sculpture an

anthropomorphic god of the ancient Balts.

Bone arrowheads from the Middle

Neolithic settlement on an island in
Lake Lubns, 3500-2000 BC. Since then,
the geography of lakes and rivers has
changed.

In the AD 900s, the ancient Balts began to establish definable

tribal realms. Gradually, four individual Baltic tribal cultures
developed: Couronians, Latgallians, Selonians, Semigallians
(kuri, latgai, si, and zemgai). The largest of them was the
Latgallian tribe, which had the most advanced socio-political
development.
In the 1100s and 1200s, the Couronians were aggressive people,
engaged in raiding, looting and pillaging. Located on the west
coast of the Baltic, they became known as the Baltic Vikings.
Their contemporaries, the inland Latgallians, Selonians and
Semigallians, were known as peace-loving and prosperous
farmers. The Latgallians had the most advanced state-like
formations (civitates in medieval Latin chronicles): Atzele, Jersika,
Koknese and Tlava.
4

Ancient Latgallians and their clothing, 11-13th centuries.

GULF OF FINLAND

FINNO-UGRIANS
EASTERN SLAVS
LIV

LIVS

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RIGA

CO
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RO

NIA

LATGALLIANS
SEMIGALLIANS

SELIANS

BALTS

Most people worked the land and supplemented their diet through
hunting, fishing, and bee-keeping.
Couronians, Latgallians, Selonians, and Semigallians all spoke
Baltic languages that belonged to the family of Indo-European
languages. Livs (lbiei), who spoke a Finno-Ugric language,
and lived in the territories adjoining todays Gulf of Rga, were
linguistically unique in this otherwise Baltic region.
The beliefs of the ancient Latvians included a heavenly
father called Dievs (God). The word Dievs has Indo-European
connections, since similar words can be found in other
Indo-European languages (Dyaus in Indo-Aryan, Zeus in
Greek, Deus in Latin, etc.) There were other mythological
figures as well, for example: Prkons (Thunder), Dieva

Bronze jewellery of ancient Balts,

10th-12th centuries, reconstruction.

raii a reconstructed lake-dwelling

settlement of ancient Balts, 9th century.

Jewellery of the ancient Balts, 6-11th

centuries: crossbow brooches, bracelet.

A Namejs ring, named after the

legendary 13th century Semigallian
leader, Namejs. Historical information
suggests that this identifying symbol
was worn by ancient Semigallian
nobility. Today it is worn as an assertion
of Latvian identity.

dli (Sons of God), Laima (Fate or Fortune) and other deities, mainly maternal figures
female patronesses of some specific activities or places (Mother of the Sea, Mother of the
Forests etc.). One of the most important gods was the god of thunder and storms, Prkons,
who fertilised the earth and cleared it of the power of evil. Prkons was imagined as a stern,
bearded and powerfully built man who traversed the sky in a fiery chariot drawn by swift
horses, or as riding a fiery horse. His head was crowned with a wreath of flames. In one hand
he held lightning bolts, and in the other, a heavy stone axe. Historical records and Baltic
folklore have preserved the names and functions of about 200 Baltic gods and goddesses.
Written sources of the 13th century list the names of some of the greatest leaders or kings
of the Baltic and Finno-Ugrian tribes: Lamekins among the Couronians, Tlivaldis among the
Latgallians, Namejs (Nameisis) and Viestarts among
the Semigallians, and Ako and Kaupo among the Livs.
The most renowned leader was Semigallian Namejs,
almost a mythical figure in modern Latvian literature.
He is believed to have attempted a significant military
campaign in 1286, of allied Baltic tribes against the
invading German military contingent known as
the Livonian Order (Latin: Fratres militiae Christi de
Livonia).

A village of the 11-13th centuries (reconstruction).

14
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Because of its strategic geographic location, the Latvian territory was frequently
invaded by neighbouring nations, largely defining the fate of Latvia and its people.
By the late 12th century, Latvia was increasingly visited by traders from Western
Europe who used Latvias longest river, the Daugava, as a trade route to Russia.
Compared with other countries around Europe, Christianity arrived in the territory of
Latvia relatively late. German traders appeared at the close of the 12th century, bringing
with them missionaries who attempted to convert the pagan Baltic and Finno-Ugrian
tribes to the Christian faith. Out of loyalty to their ancient pantheistic beliefs, the Balts
resisted the imposition of a foreign religion, especially the ritual of christening.

A fragment of the Latin text of the

Heinricus Livonian Chronicle (Heinrici
Chronicon Livoniae), which depicted
events in the territory of Latvia between
1180 and 1227. In this fragment, from a
17th century copy of the chronicle, the
foundation of Rga in 1201 is described.
The emblem of the Livonian Brothers

In 1198 Pope Innocent III proclaimed a crusade against the Baltic peoples, without any
significant results. In 1199 Albert of Buxhoeveden (c.1165-1229) was named as a Bishop
of Ikile also where the first western church in the territory of Latvia was located. He
convinced Innocent III to proclaim a second Baltic crusade. In the spring of 1200, twenty-three
8

of the Sword, later called the Livonian

Order.
The seal of Bishop Albert, the founder
of Rga, 1225.

A battle between the Couronians and the German crusaders near

the coast of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, 18 April 1210. It was the
greatest victory of the ancient Latvians over the crusaders in the
Baltic Sea.

The stamp of Rga city in 1225.

ships and five hundred armed German soldiers

were hired to assist the Christian missionaries in
a campaign to forcibly convert the people of the
region. In 1201 Bishop Albert began building the
city of Rga near the mouth of the river Daugava,
where Liv villages were located on the Rdzene
River. Rga became the largest and most powerful
city on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea. The
founding of Rga was the beginning of urban history
in the whole Baltic area.

An image of Pope Innocent III (who

was Pope 1198-1216) from a medieval
document. A papal bull issued by
Innocent III began the second crusade in
the Baltic territory.
Structure of the Holy Roman Empire.
Illustrations from the Nuremberg
Chronicle (Die Schedelsche Weltchronik),
by Hartmann Schedel (1440-1514).

As the German soldiers of the Livonian Order seized control of the region, the development
of separate tribal realms and state-like formations in ancient Latvia came to an end.
Among religious orders, Cistercians and Dominicans played the most important role in
Livonia. The Cistercians established the first monastery in Daugavgrva (German: Dnamnde)
in 1205-1207 which became a sort of Western diplomatic centre in the Baltics. In the1200s,
a confederation of feudal nations was developed under German rule and named Livonia.
The territory included todays Latvia and Estonia. The confederation of Livonia remained
an important factor in the politics of Northern Europe until the second half of the 16th
century. Livonia was the part of a mainly Germanic conglomeration of lands of the Holy
Roman Empire.
9

Walter von Plettenberg (c.1450-1535),

Master of the Livonian Order (1494
1535) and one of the greatest leaders of
the Livonian knights.

The coat of arms of Rga 1349.

In 1282, Rga and later Csis, Limbai, Koknese, Kuldga, and Valmiera were included in the
northern German trading organisation, the Hanseatic League (Hansa). Rga subsequently
became an important centre not only for east-west trade, but for the entire eastern Baltic
region, developing close cultural contacts with Western Europe.
The stamp of Rga city in 1368.

The 16th century was a time of great change for the inhabitants of Latvia, notable for the
Reformation and the collapse of the Livonian nation.

A map of Hansa cities from 1539 (Carta

marina et Descriptio septemtrionalium
terrarum ac mirabilium rerum in eis
contentarum, diligentissime elaborata
Anno Domini 1539 Veneciis liberalitate
Reverendissimi Domini Ieronimi Quirini).

10

In the late 15th and early 16th centuries, relations with Russia became strained. In 1501
Walter von Plettenberg (c.1450-1535), the Master of the Livonian Order, managed to gather
the forces of Livonia to successfully fight the invading Russians. He captured several Russian
strongholds, including Pskov, Ostrov, Izborsk and Ivangorod, and besieged Novgorod, but
failed to protect Livonia against devastating Russian raids. Plettenberg made an alliance with
the Lithuanian Grand Prince Alexander against the Russians. He even tried to convince the

Pope Alexander VI to issue a crusading bull against the Russians. Finally he made peace with
Grand Prince Ivan III of Muscovy in Pskov in 1503, but with no territorial changes. Plettenberg
can be considered one of the most gifted political leaders of Livonia.
After Martin Luther posted his theses in 1517, Lutheran ideas began to emerge in Livonia. In
the early 1520s Rga became an important centre of Reformation ideas in Northern Europe.
By the mid-16th century Lutheranism had become dominant among ruling elites.
After the so-called Livonian War (1558-1583) a lengthy military conflict between Russia
and its western neighbours for control of present-day Latvia and Estonia Latvian territory
came under Polish-Lithuanian rule. The confederation of Livonia ceased to exist. The ones to
benefit most from the new political situation were the knights of the of the Livonian Order. In
1562 the Order was secularised, and its last master Gotthard Kettler (1517-1587) became the
duke of a new province called Courland-Semigallia (abbreviated Courland, today KurzemeZemgale).

Free city of Rga 1 Schilling, 1570.

An old map of Livonia, first
published in 1573.
An old map of Livonia, first
published in 1573.

The coat of arms of Rga, 1586.

11

Luthers Small Catechism (Enchiridion),

published in Latvian in 1586 one
of the first books to be published in
Latvian.

12

The Lutheran Reformation and Catholic CounterReformation in Livonia stimulated the consolidation
of the Latvian nation and emergence of the written
Latvian language. The first books in the Latvian
language were published. The two churches competed
for membership by publishing texts in Latvian.
Following the Catholics printing of the Cathechismus
Catholicorum in 1585, the Lutheran church printed its
own catechism, the Enchiridion, in 1586. The Lutheran
faith was accepted in Kurzeme (Courland), Zemgale
(Semigallia) and Vidzeme (Livland), but the Roman
Catholic faith maintained its dominance in the eastern
territory of Latvia Latgale (Inflanty or Polish Latgale,
Latgallia). It remains so to this day.
In the 1600s, the Duchy of Courland, once a part of

The economy of Courland flourished,

especially in ship-building and
metallurgy, under the rule of Jacob
Kettler in the mid-1600s.
Jacob Kettler (1610-1682), the Duke of
Courland (Kurzeme).

A map of James Island in the Gambia

River estuary and Tobago Island
colonies of Courland in the 17th
century.
The naval flag of the Duchy of Courland
with the Duchys symbol a lobster.

Livonia experienced a notable economic boom. The most successful ruler in the Duchy was Duke Jacob Kettler (1610-1682). During
the period of his rule (1642-1682) Kurzeme became a regional power to be reckoned with. He established two colonies: an island
in the estuary of the Gambia River in Africa and Tobago Island in the Caribbean Sea. Both were successful ventures until the end of
Jacobs reign, when the Duchys navy fell apart, but the Couronian place names from this period are still evident there today.
13

Rga in 1612.

However, during this time, the Duchy of Courland remained an object of interest for both
Sweden and Poland. In 1621, during the Polish-Swedish war (1600-1629), Latgale remained
under Polish control, but Vidzeme and Rga came under Swedish rule, overshadowing
Stockholm as the largest and most developed city in the Swedish kingdom. Rga was
economically and culturally part of a growing urban network linking the major states and
cultures of Western, Eastern and Northern Europe. During this period the region of Vidzeme
was known as the Swedish bread basket because it supplied the larger part of the Swedish
kingdom with wheat.
Awareness of the Latvian identity began in the 17th century. The Couronians, Latgallians,
Selonians, Semigallians and part of the Livs began to identify as a culturally unified nation
the Latvians (latviei). Most of the Latvian population were farmers and by the second half of
the 17th century, most of them were serfs.
In the early 18th century, the Great Northern War broke out, largely as a result of the Russian
Empires desire to expand its territorial claims to the strategically important territory of Latvia.
One of its key goals was to secure and control the wealthy and prestigious city of Rga.

14

The Port of Rga in 1650 loading of

herring.

The Great Northern War in the territory

of Latvia. The King of Sweden, Karl XII,
and his army fording the Daugava River
near Rga, July 1701.

15

Dome Cathedral in Rga, 1780s.

The first Bible in the Latvian

language (New and Old Testaments)
was translated by Johann Ernst Glck
(1654-1705), a Lutheran priest of
German origin, and was published in
Rga in 1689.

16

In 1710, the Russian Tsar, Peter I, conquered Vidzeme. The combination of Vidzeme and
Rga provided Russia with a clear passage to Europe via the Baltic Sea. In 1772 the Russian
Empire as a result of First Polish partition gained Latgale. In reorganising its new territories,
the Russian government abolished Latgale as a separate unit and divided it into separate
districts in the Russian-dominated Polotsk province. After the Great Northern War the Russian
imperial influence steadily grew in the Duchy of Courland. By the end of the 18th century, all
of Latvias territory was under Russian rule Courland became part of the Russian Empire
in 1795.

Latvian celebration of wedding (18th century drawing),

which since ancient times has been associated with an
abundance of food and drink. It is hard to imagine a
Latvian wedding without the ancient festive dishes
prgi (bacon rolls), sweet platter breads and beer.

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Krijnis Valdemrs (1825-1891), main ideologue of

the New Latvian movement and the most prominent
social and political figure of the time; publicist,
editor of the Peterburgas Awizes. Valdemrs ideas
have been very influential in the development of
national romanticism and the history of Latvian
public opinion. He also played a large role in the the
development of Latvian seafaring.

Barquentine Anna Wictoria, built in 1878 in Ainai. The first

two Latvian peasant-built ships were built in 1857: the Peter
Sofia in Mangai and the Victoria in Pabai.
The first newspapers printed in the
Latvian language from the 1800s:
Latweeschu Awizes (Latvian Newspaper,
est. 1824), Peterburgas Awizes
(St Petersburg Newspaper, est. 1862) and
literary magazine Austrums (est. 1885).

Industry spread quickly in the late 1700s, bringing with it a major population growth. Vidzeme
and Kurzeme became Russias most developed provinces, but conditions for peasants
became worse: they were poor, and noblemens power was unlimited after the annexation
to the Russian Empire. Despite this, however, political preconditions and the developing
economy caused serfdom to be abolished in Vidzeme in 1817, in Kurzeme in 1819, and in
Latgale in 1861.

Krijnis Barons (1835-1923), promoter

In the mid-19th century, with the rise of national consciousness throughout Europe, ethnic
Latvians experienced a powerful awakening of national identity. The first newspapers in the
Latvian language were printed, and active cultural development took place. The first Latvian
National Song Festival was held in 1873 the beginning of a long-standing tradition with
strong national overtones.

of the Latvian national awakening of the

19th century; collector, compiler and
researcher of Latvian folksongs (dainas)
some dating back hundreds of years;
editor of the newspaper Peterburgas
Awizes.

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The latter half of the 19th century marked a period of national rebirth the most active
members of Latvian social and cultural life, the so-called New-Latvians (jaunlatviei),
demanded the same rights long-enjoyed by other nations. Starting from 1862, the weekly
Latvian language newspaper Peterburgas Awizes parodied and criticised Baltic German claims
to cultural and political superiority.

At the end of the 19th century, Rigas appearance was dominated by the expressive,
colourful and imaginative flourishes of Jugendstil (Art Noveau) architecture. Many of Rgas
most impressive Jugendstil buildings can be found in the city centre. Today, Rga is looked
upon as Europes distinctive Jugendstil metropolis.

Rga the most modern city of the Russian Empire. Industry

in the Latvian territory flourished rapidly at the turn of the
20th century.

19

New political undercurrents penetrated Latvian society in the late 19th

century and became increasingly distinct at the beginning of the 20th
century. Latvia was introduced to Marxism in the 1890s, which was
propagated by the socialist movement New Current (Jaun strva). The
New Current is considered the predecessor of the Latvian Social Democrats.
The movements political activities were associated with protests against
capitalistic exploitation, general demands for democratisation of the political
establishment and belief in the victory of the working class, which would lead
to general prosperity for the people. The first Latvian political party, the Latvian
Social Democratic Workers Party (Latvijas Socildemokrtisk strdnieku partija
or LSDSP), was founded in Rga in 1904. The newly founded party began to
demand improvements in workers social conditions and turned against the
existing social order in the Baltic provinces of the Russian Empire. At that time,
rights for the people were still embedded in a range of duties and rules which
were rigidly structured by social class.
The constant curtailment of civic rights and freedoms in Russia, the landless
condition of the peasants, the privileges of the landed gentry and attempts
to Russify the local population all led Latvians to be dissatisfied with the

Rainis (real name Jnis Pliekns,

1865-1929) and his wife Aspazija (real
name Elza Rozenberga, 1865-1943).
Rainis was New Current activist and
the most prominent Latvian Social
Democrat. Rainis is considered the most
distinguished Latvian writer and poet of
the 20th century. Aspazija is considered
one of the most popular female writers
in Latvia.

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A monument dedicated to
the 1905 Revolution.

A rally in Dundaga (western Latvia) in October 1905.

social and political situation. On 13 January 1905, the LSDSP declared a general strike. About
20,000 factory workers participated in a demonstration on the streets of Rga. A widespread
movement took hold, and demands were made for improved social conditions and more
political rights. In rural areas the movement was aimed against the local aristocrats the
German landed gentry who owned most of the land and who had usurped local power.
In the eyes of many Latvians the 1905 Revolution was largely directed against the Baltic
German aristocracy, and many manors in the countryside were destroyed, prompting the
government authorities to send punitive expeditions to Baltic provinces.
Later, in history books, these events of 1905 were called the Latvian Revolution. During this
revolution several nationally oriented Latvian Social Democrats publicly voiced, for the first
time, the necessity to unite all Latvian-inhabited regions into an autonomous state Latvia.
This idea was especially popularised by Mielis Valters (1874-1968), the nationally oriented
leading ideologue of the Social Democratic Union, who opposed the lack of rights and
undemocratic socio-political order of the Russian Empire.
The decade after the 1905 Revolution displayed a mix of old and new political realities. The
Baltic German aristocracy agreed to a modest reform of their self-government, but it was
already too late. Many Latvians now called for democratisation and the idea of national
autonomy arose.

Mielis Valters (1874-1968), originator

of the idea of independent Latvian
statehood and one of the founders of
the Republic of Latvia.

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39

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In the early 20th century and up until the First World
War (1914-1918), the conditions were not favourable
for Latvians to establish their own independent
country. Latvians were also not convinced that this was
possible. The territory of present-day Latvia was divided
into a number of provinces that belonged to the Russian
Empire. The Latvian people lived in the Russian provinces
(gubernia in Russian) of Kurzeme (Courland), Vidzeme
(Livonia) and Vitebsk. The Baltic German aristocracy had
traditionally made up the political and economic ruling class
in this region. Latvian participation in the political process was
restricted.
The First World War caused significant events with far-reaching
consequences in Baltic area. As the First World War spread to the
Latvian territory in the spring of 1915 and directly affected the
entire Latvian population, a powerful pro-autonomy movement
developed. The Latvian intelligentsia supported the Russian war
effort, grouping local Baltic Germans with Germany, as enemies of
the Empire.
22

Courageous Latvian Riflemen (latvieu strlnieki) fought on the

Tsarist Russian side during the war, and earned recognition for their
bravery across Europe. The notion that the Latvian Riflemen would
be fighting in the name of the Latvian people and for their future
freedom had become widespread. The biggest and bloodiest
battles of the Latvian Riflemen took place on the outskirts of Rga
on 23 December 1916 (Old Style calendar). The battles began
shortly before Christmas, and have thus entered history as the
Christmas Battles. During these battles the Latvian Riflemen
displayed tremendous courage, which was widely reflected in the
foreign press.
The First World War in Latvia. The Latvian
Riflemen positioned in Latvian and Russian
territory, 1915-1916.

23

German army in Rga, autumn 1917.

In September 1917 in German-occupied Rga, Latvian political parties formed a coalition,

the Democratic Bloc (Demokrtiskais bloks). At the beginning of December in Valka, northern
Latvia, Latvian organisations finished forming the Latvian Provisional National Council
(Latvieu pagaidu nacionl padome), which at that time became the most extensive
representative institution of the Latvian people. At a session on 30 January 1918, the
Latvian Provisional National Council decided to establish a sovereign and democratic Latvia
that would encompass all Latvian-inhabited regions. Post-war confusion enabled proindependence forces to consolidate their efforts and pursue their dream.

The Act of the Proclamation of

Independence, Rga, 18 November
1918.

24

The national coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia

was affirmed in this format on June 15, 1921. The
The first Cabinet of Ministers of
independent Latvia headed by Krlis
Ulmanis, November 1918.

national coat of arms combines symbols of Latvian

national statehood as well as symbols of ancient
historical districts. The sun in the upper part of the
coat of arms symbolises Latvian national statehood.
A stylised depiction of the sun was used as a symbol
of distinction and national identity by Latvian
Riflemen recruited into the Russian imperial army
during the First World War. The three stars above the
coat of arms embody the idea of the inclusion of
historical districts (Vidzeme, Latgale and combined
Kurzeme-Zemgale) into a united Latvia.

Jnis akste, President of the

Constitutional Assembly (1920-1922)
and first President of Latvia (1922-1927).

Krlis Ulmanis, the Prime Minister of

Latvia (1918-1921; 1931; 1934-1940),
and the President of Latvia (1936-1940)
before the Soviet occupation.

On 17 November 1918, the Latvian Provisional National Council and the Democratic Bloc
agreed to jointly form a provisional parliament, the Latvian Peoples Council (Tautas padome),
which resolved to found an independent and democratic republic. On the following day, 18
November 1918, on the basis of the previous days resolutions, the independent Republic of
Latvia was proclaimed at a ceremonious meeting at the National Theatre in Rga. The lawyer
Jnis akste (1859-1927) was elected chairman of the Latvian Peoples Council, and the
agronomist Krlis Ulmanis (1877-1942) became leader of the government.

Article announcing the Proclamation

of Independence on the front page of
the largest Latvian daily newspaper
Jaunks Zias, 19 November 1918.

25

Article on the front page of the Latvian

daily newspaper Brv Zeme ('Free
Land') announcing the victory over the
Bermont-Avalovs troops, 11 November
1919.
A unit of Latvian independence fighters
in mid-1919.

Unfortunately, the end of the war did not bring long-awaited peace for Latvia. At the end
of 1918 the existence of the newly established government of independent Latvia was
threatened with attack by the Russian Red Army, which also included conscripted Latvian
Riflemen. Within a short span of time, the Bolsheviks succeeded in conquering almost the
entire territory of Latvia, thereby leaving only a small area around Liepja under the control of
the Ulmanis government. The Bolsheviks, under the leadership of Pteris Stuka (1865-1932),
declared Soviet rule in the occupied territory of Latvia.
The government, headed by Ulmanis, rushed to form a national army in order to recapture
the lost territory. Meanwhile, the position held by the Latvian government in Liepja
was threatened by remaining German militarists and the local Baltic Germans, who had
established their own armed formation (Landeswehr in German). They deposed the Ulmanis
government, which they considered anti-German, and created a cabinet under the leadership
of the pastor Andrievs Niedra (1872-1942). Headed by local Germans and volunteers from
the German army, this government recaptured Rga from the Bolsheviks on 22 May 1919.
After capturing Rga, the German military and political leadership saw an opportunity to
establish a more German-oriented political regime in Latvia, and they turned their weapons
against the Latvian national armed forces. Nevertheless, Estonian national armed forces
together with Latvians gained victory over the Germans on 23 June 1919, near by Csis,
and the Latvian-founded Ulmanis government was able to return to Rga. However, German
ambitions in the Baltics did not diminish. In the autumn, volunteers from the German army
united under the leadership of the Russian adventurer Pavel Bermont-Avalov, whose intent
was to renew the Russian Empire. Independent Latvia was their first object of attack. In early
26

A fragment of the Freedom Monument

in Rga, which depicts Independence
War in Latvia (1918-1920). The Freedom
Monument, or Brvbas piemineklis, in
the capital city Rga has become an
undisputed symbol of independence.
It was built from 1931 until 1935 from
donated funds.

The Independence Battles. A unit of

the Latvian National Army in Rgas Old
Town, autumn 1919.

October 1919 Bermont-Avalovs troops attacked Rga. The Latvians thwarted this intrusion
on the banks of the Daugava River, and by 11 November the Bermontians were driven out of
Rga. By the end of November they had been expelled from the Latvian territory altogether.
At the beginning of 1920, Bolshevik armed forces were forced from the area around Latvias
eastern border. On 11 August 1920, Latvia signed a peace treaty with Soviet Russia, in which
Russia acknowledged Latvias sovereignty and willingly gave up claims to the Latvian territory
for all time. Soviet Russia was the first to recognise Latvias independence. However, future
actions proved that these had been empty promises.
The Lplsis Military Order

Peace, for which Latvia had waited so long, had finally arrived, and the work of building a
new nation could begin. Deeply disillusioned by the Bolshevik totalitarian regime, Latvian
refugees who had fled to Russia during the First World War continued to return to Latvia until
1927. Repatriates included Latvian Riflemen and former opponents of Latvian independence
more than 200,000 people overall.

(established in 1919) is the first and

highest military award in the Republic
of Latvia. The military award was
conferred on soldiers of Latvias Army
and the former Latvian Riflemen
Regiments for merit in military action

On 26 January 1921, the victors of the First World War (Great Britain, France, Italy and Japan,
collectively known as the Allies) officially recognised Latvias independence. This was also
a signal to other countries to recognise Latvias sovereignty. On 22 September 1921, Latvia
and the other two Baltic countries were admitted to the most prominent international
organisation of that time the League of Nations. In the period between the world wars
Latvia endeavoured to pursue a neutral foreign policy which was oriented toward close
mutual co-operation between the Baltic countries and the League of Nations.

as well as on foreigners who had

taken part in the struggle for the
liberation of Latvia or given other type
of contribution to the founding and
development of the state of Latvia. Over
nine years (since 1919) 2146 Lplsis
Military Orders of all three classes were
awarded.

27

A scene from the film Latvian Wedding in Nca (Latvieu kzas Nc), produced in 1931.

The Latvian national currency, a twenty

lat bill, 1925.

Once the situation stabilised and the country was liberated from foreign troops, the
Constitutional Assembly (Satversmes Sapulce) convened and on 15 February 1922, adopted
the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia. From here on the Constitution accorded the
highest power in Latvia to the parliament, the Saeima, which was to elect the president
and approve the Cabinet of Ministers. Jnis akste was elected first President of Latvia. The
most influential political parties in Latvia after the war were the LSDSP and the civic-oriented
Latvian Farmers Union (Latvieu Zemnieku savienba). National minorities in Latvia (Germans,
Jews and Russians) were also actively involved in the political process.
One of the most important tasks now was the revival of the economy, which had suffered
tremendously during the war. The Latvian national monetary unit, the lat, was issued
in 1922. That same year the state began to implement agrarian reform, which called
for the distribution of state property and land that had once been held by the Baltic
German landed gentry. Agrarian changes averted social tension in the country by
making land available to former landless peasants and small farmers. This was a
return to historic justice, as now the land belonged to those who actually lived
and farmed on it. Latvian agriculture was fully able to supply the country with food, and
also introduced wide possibilities for the export of agricultural products (butter, bacon, flax,
etc.) Agriculture was the largest sector of the economy, and it employed about two-thirds
of the work force.

28

Latvian production in the late 1930s the

VEF Minox photo camera, the smallest
photo camera in the world at that time; a
Latvian-produced aeroplanes, cars, and a
radio receiver.

Latvian industry rapidly revived and

was oriented chiefly towards food
production, textile manufacturing
and timber processing. The
electronics sector developed in the
1930s. Latvias largest electronics
factory, VEF, manufactured modern
radios, photo cameras and even
aeroplanes. In the second half of
the 1930s Latvia began to produce
automobiles and trucks. With the
help of foreign investment, Latvia
built a modern high-voltage
hydroelectric power plant.

29

In the 1930s Latvia achieved one of the highest standards of living in Europe. The country
adopted a progressive social insurance system. Already in the 1920s, Latvia became known
throughout the world as a country that took special care of the rights of national minorities.
With financial support from the government, Latvias national minorities created their own
autonomous school system. Latvia was often mentioned abroad as an example to other
countries of the protection of minority rights.
The worldwide economic crisis of the early 1930s did not leave Latvia unscathed. The
global crisis created political and economic tension in Latvian society. More radically
inclined political circles thought that under these circumstances, the constitutionally
defined party system was not sufficiently effective. The Latvian Farmers Union began
drafting a bill to amend the Constitution, although the changes received no support
from the other political parties. A coup detat took place on 15 May 1934. Parliament
was dismissed and the activities of the political parties were suspended. Power was
seized by the Prime Minister and member of the Latvian Farmers Union, Krlis Ulmanis
(who had also been leader of Latvias first government). By then, similar coups had
already taken place in the majority of European countries, including the other two
Baltic countries Lithuania (December 1926) and Estonia (March 1934).

30

The colour photo of the President of

The opening ceremony of the Brothers'

Latvia Krlis Ulmanis during the Latvian

Cemetery (Military Cemetery) in Rga

Song Festival in 1938 (the German Agfa

in 1936. The Brothers' Cemetery (Bru

became the first company to market in

kapi) is a memorial to and burial ground

Latvia colour film since 1937).

for thousands of Latvian soldiers

Virsaitis, flagship of the Latvian Navy

and submarines Spdola and Ronis (early
1930s). During the Second World War, all

who were killed between 1915 and

1920 in the First World War and the
Independence War.

warships of independent Latvia that were

taken over by Soviet occupation forces
were destroyed.

Due to increased prosperity during the second half of the 1930s, there was little public
opposition to the authoritarian rule of Krlis Ulmanis, although the political parties that
had gone underground were devising plans to bring back a parliamentary republic. During
this time, international tension increased, and Latvias national security was weakening. The
League of Nations demonstrated its inability to prevent international conflicts, and Germany
was becoming more powerful. The leader of the German National Socialists, Adolph Hitler,
had been plotting vague plans to annex the Baltic territory to the Third Reich. The USSR
and its communist dictator, Stalin (Josif Dzhugashvili), were also scheming to get the Baltic
countries under their control. The interests of Moscow and Berlin intersected in the Baltic
States and momentarily united these ideological opponents.

Zigfrds Anna Meierovics (1887-1925)

first Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs
since proclamation of independence
until 1925. He had to overcome western
governments desires that Russia should
remain undivided and originated idea
of the Union of the Baltic States.

31

1939-198

0s

The Loss of I
n
d
ependence,
Second Wor
l
d
Soviet Era in War and
Latvia
Loss of Independence
On 23 August 1939, the Soviet Union and the German Third Reich
signed a treaty of non-aggression, which contained a secret
protocol concerning the division of Eastern Europe into spheres
of influence. This treaty is usually referred to as the MolotovRibbentrop Pact after the two statesmen who signed it. As a
result of this criminal treaty and other documents that were later
signed between Moscow and Berlin, Latvia and the other Baltic
countries became part of the Soviet sphere of influence. The 23
August treaty provided Germany with a chance to commence
aggression against Poland on 1 September, which triggered the
Second World War, while the Soviet Union found an opportunity
to subdue the Baltic States.
German Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Joachim von Ribbentrop, Soviet leader
Joseph Stalin and Soviet Commissar for
Foreign Affairs Vyacheslav Molotov after
the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop
pact in Moscow on 23 August 1939.

32

On 5 October Moscow presented Latvia with an ultimatum, thereby forcing Latvian statesmen
to sign the so-called treaty of mutual assistance, which called for the deployment of Soviet
military bases in Latvia (a treaty of this nature had already been signed by Estonia on 28
September and would be signed by Lithuania on 10 October). Approximately 30 000 Red
Army soldiers were garrisoned in ten army bases in Latvia, which was equivalent to the total
number of troops in the Latvian Army at the time. In addition, ships from the Russian fleet
were stationed in the ports of Ventspils and Liepja. As a result, the total number of foreign
troops in Latvia exceeded the number of soldiers in the Latvian Armed Forces. Latvia found
itself in a very difficult situation. The governments freedom to act was severely restricted,
and Latvias independence was threatened.

In response to an incentive from the German Third Reich, about 80% of Latvias German
minority (the Baltic Germans) moved to German territory in late 1939 and early 1940. At that
point in time, Germans constituted the third-largest national minority in Latvia, after Russians
and Jews, and made up more than 3% of the total population.
The Latvian government discerned a threat to its independence and empowered the Latvian
ambassador in London with special authority to represent the country in case Latvias
sovereignty was lost.
In May 1940 the Soviet press in Russia began to voice regular unsubstantiated accusations
against the Baltic countries regarding alleged activities against Moscow. On 16 June 1940, an
official memorandum was issued to Latvia by the Soviet Union, in which Moscow demanded
the formation of a new government and the stationing of additional Soviet military units.
The memorandum was a continuation of the Soviet Unions illegal actions against the
Baltic countries, which began on 23 August 1939. This was an act of blatant interference
in the internal affairs of a sovereign country, and its goal was the dissolution of Latvias
independence.
The secret protocol of the Molotov-

Unfortunately, Western countries showed no desire to assist the Baltic countries in averting
their dismal fate. Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia were left under the domination of the USSRs
aggressive tendencies. In an attempt to avoid bloodshed (war against the USSR), the Latvian
government decided to fulfil Moscows peremptory demands. As a result, 100 000 Soviet
Army troops occupied Latvia on 17 June 1940. Red Army units immediately seized control of
all strategically important positions, thereby taking control of the entire country.

Ribbentrop Pact, which determined the

tragic fate of the Baltic countries.

33

The Soviet occupation regime regularly

used a variety of propaganda techniques
to influence society. Depicted here

Occupation of Latvia by the Soviet forces

is a Soviet poster that was produced

Russian tanks in Rga on 17 June 1940.

immediately after the occupation in 1941

Soviet government headed by Augusts Kirhenteins

Proletariat of the world unite! Stand

led Latvia into the USSR. The annexation was

proud beneath the international flags of

formalized on 5 August 1940.

Marx-Engels and Lenin-Stalin!.

With the help of various agents and the Red Army, Moscow introduced political changes
that were favourable to the Soviet regime immediately after Latvias occupation. The
formation of a new government was announced on 20 June. A government was
assembled of social and political activists who were favourably inclined toward
Moscow, led by Professor Augusts Kirhenteins (1872-1963). A political charade was
organised on 14 and 15 July 1940 elections were held for the new parliament
(the so-called peoples parliament), in which the Soviet regime allowed
only pro-communist candidates to run for office. As a result, on 21 July
the newly elected Soviet puppet parliament voted to make Latvia a
part of the USSR.

Soviet repressions against Latvian

citizens deportation of a Latvian
family. Large-scale deportations were
carried out in all three Baltic States
simultaneously on 13-17 June 1941.

34

The Sovietisation of Latvia began rapidly. Unlawful resolutions were

adopted regarding the nationalisation (confiscation from its owners)
of land, buildings, banks, and various types of commercial and
industrial enterprises. Moscow began to terrorise those Latvian social
strata that it considered threatening to Soviet power. Thus, the period from the
summer of 1940 until June 1941 has entered history as the Year of Terror. On 14 June 1941,
over 15 000 Latvians were deported in cattle cars to Siberia, where most of them perished.
Those deported constituted Latvias elite: teachers, scientists, the intelligentsia, businessmen,
politicians, and army officers.

The Second World War in Latvia

The German occupation forces enter

Soviet subjugation of Latvia was interrupted by the beginning of the German-Soviet War and
the rapid invasion of the Latvian territory by Nazi Germanys armed forces. By 10 July 1941,
German armed forces had occupied all of Latvias territory. Latvia became a part of Germanys
Reichskomissariat Ostland the Province General of Latvia. Just as during the year under
Soviet rule, Latvia was again an occupied territory. Anyone who disobeyed the German
occupation regime, as well as those who had cooperated with the Soviet regime, were killed
or sent to concentration camps. German authorities did not permit Latvias
sovereignty or even the possibility of autonomy.

Rga on 1 July 1941. A painting from

that period accurately depicts the
march of German troops through a
devastated Rga (in the background,
St Peters church in flames).

In violation of international rights, both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union
unlawfully conscripted Latvians into their armed forces. During the Second
World War more than 200 000 Latvian soldiers ended up in the rank and file
of both occupation forces; approximately half of them were killed on the
battlefield.
The Soviet Union included in its army some former military units of
independent Latvia, as well as those Latvians who had ended up in Russia as
a result of warfare or those who had formerly lived there. The authorities of Nazi Germany
also mobilised former soldiers of the independent Latvian army. Initially, German authorities
organised volunteer recruitment campaigns, but when the desired results were not obtained,
soldiers were forcefully conscripted into the so-called Latvian SS Volunteer Legion
from 1943.

After the withdrawal of Russian troops

a destroyed Russian BT-7 tank in Rga,
1 July 1941.

35

The first 1000 Latvian men conscripted for military service in the German army (Latvian Legion) on
29 March 1943.

Latvias population perished not only on the battlefield. During the years of Nazi occupation,
special campaigns exterminated approximately 70 000 Jews, 18 000 Latvians and 2 000 Roma
in total about 90 000 people. In the case of the Latvians, these were mostly civilians whose
political convictions were unacceptable to the German occupation force. Jewish and Roma
civilians were eliminated as a result of the inhuman Nazi theory of racial purity. A majority
of Latvian Jewry had been murdered by late 1941, when it is estimated that there were only
around 6000 Jews remaining in Latvia.

A draft order into the so-called Latvian

SS Volunteer Legion, summer of 1943.

anis Lipke (1900-1987)

36

Many Latvians were actively involved in a resistance movement against the persecutions of
the German occupation regime. For instance, anis Lipke (1900-1987) risked his life to save
more than 50 Jews. Civic circles in Latvia were also dissatisfied with the German occupation
regime and secretly plotted to reinstate a democracy. In order to carry out the plan for
independence, an underground organisation was established, the Latvian Central Council,
which published the outlawed publication Brv Latvija (Free Latvia). This notably democratic
periodical propagated the idea of renewing democracy in Latvia after the war.
Nazi Germany began to suffer regular defeats on the eastern front and was pushed back
to the west. In mid-July 1944, the Soviet Army once again crossed Latvias pre-war eastern
border, and by 13 October had already invaded Rga. In mid-October the German army, which
partly also included former soldiers from the Latvian Legion, was besieged in Kurzeme. At
that time, Kurzeme was flooded with refugees from eastern Latvia who were fleeing Soviet
rule, the Red Army and persecution. With no other reprieve in sight, many fled in fishermens
boats and ships to Sweden and Germany, from where they drifted to various parts of the
Western world (mainly North America and Australia). Approximately 150 000 Latvians ended
up in exile in the West.

According to estimates, the population of Latvia decreased by

half a million (25% less than in 1939) as a result of the war. The
war also inflicted heavy losses on the economy many historic
cities were destroyed, as well as industry and infrastructure.
As of 1940, most of the democratic countries around the world
did not recognise the incorporation of Latvia and the other
Baltic States into the Soviet Union. The exception was Sweden,
which surrendered to Moscow the members of the Latvian Legion who had ended up in
Sweden at the end of the war, and handed over to the Soviets the diplomatic representative
offices of the Baltic countries in Stockholm. In contrast, after the war, the United States of
America became the most consistent defender of the Baltic peoples aspirations for renewed
independence. Throughout the entire period of occupation, the diplomatic mission of
independent Latvia continued to function in Washington, DC.

Soviet occupation forces re-entering

Jelgava and Rga, 1944.

After the war, Latvian exiles founded several organisations, including the World Federation
of Free Latvians in 1955 and represented the Latvian people to foreign governments and
international organisations. During the following period of Soviet occupation, the World
Federation of Free Latvians seized every opportunity to remind the world of the need to end
Latvias occupation.
37

The Soviet Era in Latvia

Propaganda poster of Stalins
totalitarian regime, 1950. Slogan on the
flag: Onward towards Communism!.

Whereas the end of the Second World War brought freedom for many countries throughout
the world, for Latvia it brought half a century of Soviet occupation. By 1945, Latvia was once
again under total Soviet occupation and pre-war Soviet rule was reinstated. After the war,
Moscow did everything in its power to quickly establish Russian law and order and to fully
subjugate the population. Immediately following the re-occupation of Latvian territory,
Moscow authorities began to persecute those who had cooperated with German Nazi
forces. People were also arrested for activities during the period of independence, for their
participation in or support for the resistance movement against the Soviet regime, for being
suspected of being politically unreliable, for free thought, etc. The Russification of Latvian
society began.
The forests of Latvia were full of fighters from the national resistance movement (including
former members of the Latvian Legion) who believed that Western countries would come
to Latvias aid and free the country from Soviet oppression. The national partisans, 20 000 in
total, continued to actively resist Soviet rule long after the war had ended, until they were
eliminated by the local Soviet armed forces. The final unit of national partisans surrendered
only in 1956, which marked the end of military resistance to the Soviet regime.

Fighters of the national resistance

movement national partisans (late 40searly 50s).

38

During the post-war occupation period, Latvia was one of fifteen Soviet republics. Power in
Latvia belonged entirely to the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, which also included
the Communist Party of Latvia (Latvijas Komunistisk partija). Other political parties or
movements were prohibited. The first leader of the Communist Party of Latvia during the
post-war period was Jnis Kalnbrzi (1893-1986). Shortly after the end of the Second World
War, the Communist Party and its structures gained control over all of Latvia. No important
official could be confirmed in office without the approval of the communists.

Rga in the 1950s.

On 25 March 1949, more than 44 000 people mostly rural

residents were deported to Siberia in a sweeping repressive
action. Deportees included people who were considered too
wealthy for the Soviet regime, and those who had supported the
anti-Soviet resistance movement the national partisans. Their
property was confiscated, which in many cases was a simple case
of plunder.
Sources of Soviet history, including documents from the USSR
Ministry for State Security (KGB) suggest that around 190 000
people suffered reprisals for being hostile to the Soviet regime
from 1940 to 1953 (Stalins era), which constitutes approximately 10% of Latvias post-war
population. The reprisals subsided following the death of Stalin, and after 1955 some of those
exiled to Siberia could return to Latvia. At home, however, they were still faced with problems:
they could not find work, a place to live, gain an education, or travel abroad. Generally these
people were forced to live with constant insult to their reputation and dignity.

Forced collectivisation. A single-house

farm being included in the collective
farm (kolhoz) in Zemgale, 1951.

An extensive Russification campaign began in Latvia and many administrative obstacles

were created to hinder the use of the Latvian language.
39

Forced industrialisation large

industrial complexes in Soviet Latvia.

Due to its advantageous geographical location, Latvia became Russias military centre in the
Baltic region. The USSR positioned the headquarters of the Baltic War District here: land, sea
and aviation bases. In the late 1950s and early 1960s ballistic nuclear missiles were housed
on Latvian soil. In turn, Soviet military figures gained a large influence in Latvian political life
at the time.
Latvia was forced to adopt Soviet farming practices while the economic infrastructure
that had been developed in the 1920s and 1930s was purposefully destroyed. Rural areas
were forced into collectivisation. Since Latvia still had a well-developed infrastructure and
educated specialists, Moscow decided to base some of the Soviet Unions most advanced
manufacturing facilities in Latvia. To supply the large labour force needed to run these
factories, Soviet workers from Russia and other Soviet republics were flooded into the country,
dramatically decreasing the proportion of Latvian nationals. In 1935 Latvians made up 75.5%
of the population, but according to official Soviet statistics, in 1959 Latvians comprised only
62% of the population, and the proportion of Russians in the population had increased
radically. At this time, the total population of Latvia was a little more than two million (for
comparison, in 1914 the population was more than 2.5 million, and in 2006 just short of
2.3 million).

Propaganda poster of soviet building

industry. Text in Russian: 'We build
excellent!'.

40

The economy in Latvia did nevertheless develop during the Soviet occupation, and a
comprehensive system of education and health care existed. All health care, and education
from primary school to university level was free of charge. Important achievements were
attained in science. Fifteen institutes of scientific research, operating under the Academy
of Science, constituted a significant research centre. Research was conducted in physics,
astronomy, composite mechanics, information technology, chemistry, aquatic biology, the
study of viruses and molecular biology (most of these research fields are being continued
today). A quarter of all medicines that were invented in the USSR were developed in Latvia.
During the Soviet period, 30 000 people (1.2%) were employed in the field of science in
Latvia, which was a very high indicator on a world scale.

Moscow issued orders for the construction of large-scale industrial plants

in Latvia. Manufacturing in the chemical and electronics industries was
widely developed. The necessary labour force for these enterprises was
imported from Russia. Many factories manufactured material for the
needs of Russias armed forces.
During the 1980s the inability of the Soviet planned economy to
compete with the free market economy of the democratic world
became progressively apparent. Thus, increasingly larger circles of the
social and political elite agreed that it was necessary to convert to a
Western-style economy.
Opposition to the occupation regime persisted throughout the entire
post-war occupation period. There existed various outlawed groups of people who held
similar views, read prohibited anti-communist literature, disseminated tracts and displayed
the forbidden red-white-red Latvian national flag.

An enormous strategic surveillance

radio telescope that was built for the
needs of the Soviet occupation army
in Irbene (near Ventspils). Following

Latvian culture became a form of collective opposition. Culture

and intellectuals in Latvia were apportioned unprecedented
significance during the era of Soviet occupation. Official
national offices were founded creative unions which
were responsible for Latvian cultural issues. During the time of
occupation, Latvian cultural traditions manifested themselves
most strongly in the tradition of the Song Festival, which
allowed people to feel a sense of national unity and identity.
However, this tradition was also subjected to Soviet ideology.

Propaganda poster of soviet armed forces. Text in Russian:

'Long live the armed forces of the Soviet Union!'.

the renewal of Latvias independence,

the radio telescope was donated to
Latvian science for the detection of radio
frequencies in distant galaxies.

During the Soviet occupation

schoolchildren were submitted to
ideological training. Most students were

The Soviet era in Latvia. The annual Soviet military power

made to join the Pioneer movement,

demonstration in Rga (held 1945-90). Soviet forces left

which was identifiable by red kerchiefs

Latvia on 31 August 1994.

and school uniforms.

41

0s
From the 198

Reinstating
e
c
n
e
d
n
e
p
e
Ind
a
i
v
t
a
L
n
r
e
and Mod
A liberalisation within the communist regime of the USSR, known as glasnost, began
in the mid-1980s. During the latter half of the 1980s, the process of perestroika
(restructuring) began in the Soviet Union, which was led by new Soviet communist
leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

Propaganda poster of
perestroika (in Russian).
Perestroika ('restructuring')
is the Russian term for the
economic reforms, infusion of
democratic elements into the
Soviet Union's single-party
government, introduced in
June 1985 by the soviet leader
Mikhail Gorbachev.

42

In 1986 it became widely known to the public that the

USSR was planning to build another hydroelectric power
plant on Latvias largest river, the Daugava, and a subway
in Rga. Both of these projects, planned by Moscow,
would lead to the destruction of Latvias landscape, not to
mention its cultural and historical wealth. These projects
envisaged the importation of a huge number of foreign
workers from other republics of the USSR, to provide labour
for these large building works. This threatened to totally
change Latvias already fragile demographic environment,
by catastrophically reducing the proportion of Latvians to
foreigners. The public reacted immediately and in response
founded the Environmental Protection Club on 28 February
1987. Under the cover of environmental protection, a cause
seemingly harmless to the Soviet authorities, the movement
was also able to turn its attention to current political issues.
During the second half of the 1980s, the Environmental
Protection Club became one of the most influential of a
number of mass movements, all of which simultaneously
began to make demands for Latvias sovereignty.

Soviet soldiers preparing to pull down

a symbol of Soviet military power
tank,1990.

On 14 June 1987, the commemorative day of the 1941 deportations, the human rights group Helsinki-86, which had been founded
one year earlier, organised a flower-placing ceremony at the Freedom Monument (Latvias symbol of independence that was
erected in 1935). This was an unprecedented event that demonstrated the rebirth of national courage and self-confidence in Latvia.
A second, and even larger, demonstration took place on 23 August 1987, the anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.
On 1 and 2 June 1988, the Writers Union held a congress during which the Latvian intelligentsia discussed the democratisation of
society, Latvias economic sovereignty, ending migration from the USSR, the transformation of industry and the protection of Latvian
language rights. Over the course of these days, for the first time in post-war Latvia, the secret protocol of the Molotov-Ribbentrop
Pact, which had determined Latvias fate after 1939 and the decades of occupation, was publicly acknowledged.
The congress of the Writers Union stirred up the public and provided an additional stimulus for the general process of national
revival.
In the summer of 1988 two of the most important organisations of the revival period began to organize themselves: the Latvian
National Independence Movement (Latvijas Nacionls Neatkarbas Kustba or LNNK) and the Latvian Peoples Front (Latvijas Tautas
Fronte or LTF). Soon afterwards, the more radically inclined Citizens Congress (Pilsou Kongress) entered the political arena and called
for complete non-compliance with the illicit Soviet regime. All of these organisations had a common goal the reinstatement
of democracy and independence. On 7 October 1988, there was a mass public demonstration that was dedicated to the issue of
Latvias sovereignty and the establishment of judicial order. The first congress of the Latvian Peoples Front was held on 8 and 9
October. This organisation, which united 200 000 members under the leadership of famous journalist Dainis vns (b. 1955), became
the guiding force of the revival movement in Latvia and the return to independence.

The map displays the locations of

major Soviet military-industrial plants
in the three Baltic States. Almost every
large city had such plants, which
The mass demonstration for

manufactured equipment for the Soviet

independence in early 1991.

armed forces. In Latvia, most were

concentrated in Rga and Liepja.

43

On 23 August 1989, fifty years had passed since the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.
In order to call the worlds attention to the fate of the Baltic countries, on this day the Peoples
Fronts of all three Baltic countries held a grandiose political demonstration The Baltic Way.
The Baltic people made a 600-km-long human chain from Tallinn through Rga to Vilnius. This
was a symbolic demonstration of the Baltic peoples united will for independence.

The Baltic Way a human chain

that demonstrated the unity of the
Baltic nations in their aspirations for
independence. Latvia, 23 August 1989.
Latvian parliamentarians following the
decision to reinstate independence, 4
May 1990.
An article announcing the renewal of
independence was published on the
front page of the Latvian newspaper
Latvijas Jaunatne, 5 May1990.

44

New elections of the Latvian Supreme Soviet took place on 18 March 1990, in which the
supporters of independence gained victory. On 4 May 1990, the new Supreme Soviet of
the LSSR adopted a Declaration of Independence, which called for the renewal of pre-war
Latvia and its 1922 Constitution. Moscow and USSR military circles could not come to terms
with the plans to reinstate Latvias independence. In January 1991 pro-Moscow and procommunist political forces launched an attack. With the use of brutal force, attempts were
made to overthrow the lawfully elected government. The implementation of Moscows
goals was thwarted by the Latvian peoples non-violent, organised resistance, which entered
history as the Days of the Barricades. On 19 August 1991, an unsuccessful attempt at a
coup detat took place in Moscow when a small group of leading Soviet functionaries tried
to usurp power. This event resulted in Latvias moving toward independence at an even
more accelerated pace. On 21 August 1991, the Supreme Soviet of the Latvian Republic
announced that the transition period to full independence that was declared on 4 May 1990
had come to an end. Thus, Latvia proclaimed itself a fully independent nation a nation
whose judicial foundation harked back to the
statehood that existed before the occupation
on 17 June 1940. Latvia, alongside the other
Baltic States, demonstrated to the world that
the renewal of independence of a country can
be achieved in a peaceful manner, without
war and bloodshed. Thus the whole process of
renewing independence since the late 1980s is
known as the Singing Revolution.

The renewal of independence brought swift changes in Latvias economic sphere. At the
end of 1991, the country abandoned the planned economy of the Soviet era and switched
to a free market economy. In 1993 the Latvian national currency, the lat, was brought back
into circulation. Latvia became an important transit country for the export of Russias raw
materials. Land and other real estate were returned to their rightful pre-occupation owners
or their heirs.
Following the renewal of independence, Latvia rapidly returned to the international milieu.
On 17 September 1991, Latvia was admitted to the United Nations, and a few days earlier
Latvia had already become a member of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in
Europe (OSCE). In February 1995, Latvia became a member of the European Council.
The renewed Latvian parliament convened for its first session in 1993 and elected as President
Guntis Ulmanis (born 1939), the grand nephew of Latvias pre-war President, Krlis Ulmanis.
A system of political parties began to take shape. The Latvian Social Democratic Workers
Party and the Farmers Union resumed activities. Today, the whole spectrum of Europes
traditional political parties is active in Latvia (leftists, centrists, rightists, greens, etc.).

Days of the Barricades in Latvia, 1991.

45

A twenty lat bill. The Latvian national

currency was renewed in late 1992.

The removal of the Russian Armed Forces (former USSR occupation forces) from the Latvian
territory was completed on 31 August 1994. The last remaining Russian military object
in Latvia and the Baltic countries, the Skrunda radar station (in western Latvia), ceased
operations on 31 August 1998. On 21 October 1999, this final Russian military base in the
Baltic States was handed over to the jurisdiction of Latvian authorities. A total of 850 former
Soviet military installations were destroyed in Latvia.
With the renewal of independence, Latvia moved consistently towards two of its most
important foreign policy goals membership in the European Union and NATO. During
the 1990s, many social, economic and judicial changes were implemented in Latvia in order
to prepare for admittance to these organisations. In close cooperation with the European
Union, a special programme for the integration of immigrants who came to Latvia during
the Soviet period has been developed and is operating successfully. At the end of 1999 in
Helsinki, the heads of the European Union countries invited Latvia to begin negotiations
regarding accession to the European Union.
Latvia also worked towards the privatisation of businesses and real estate. A special
Privatisation Agency was established in order to transfer the large state-owned enterprises
to private ownership.

Destruction of the Russian radar facility

in Skrunda, 4 May 1995.

46

The end of the 20th century in Latvia was unique in the sense that Latvia became the first
country in Central and Eastern Europe to elect a woman as president. In the summer of 1999,
professor of psychology Vaira Ve-Freiberga (born 1937) was elected President of Latvia
(1999-2007) by the parliament.

Latvian peacekeepers in Iraq, 2005.

In 2004 Latvias most important foreign policy goals membership in the European Union
and NATO were fulfilled. On 2 April, Latvia became a member of NATO and on 1 May,
Latvia, together with other two Baltic States (Estonia and Lithuania), became a fully-fledged
member of the European Union.
Since restoration of Latvias independence, many pre-eminent world leaders have embarked
on official visits to Latvia. Due to its advantageous geographical location, Latvia has become
a centre for regional integration on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. The headquarters of
the united land forces of the Baltic States, the Baltic battalion (BALTBAT), is also stationed
here. Latvia hosted many international events. The most major political event the country
has ever staged was the NATO summit in Rga in November 2006. By 2006, Latvia had the
fastest growing economy in Europe, and along with Estonia and Lithuania,
was looked upon as one of the success stories of a united Europe.

Presidents George W. Bush (USA), Vaira

Ve-Freiberga (Latvia) and Vladimir Putin
(Russia) during the UN General Assembly
in New York, 14 September 2005.

47

Main Historical Events

9000 BC

Arrival of the first inhabitants on Latvian soil, after the glacial retreat.

Early 2000 BC

Proto-Balts (forefathers of the modern Latvians) settle Latvias territory.

900 AD-early 1200 AD

Individual Baltic tribes (Couronians, Latgallians, Selonians, and Semigallians) start to form distinct tribal realms.

Latter half of the 1100s-1200s

Arrival of German traders, missionaries and crusaders in Latvia. Tribal territories fall into the hands of the Germans.
Livonia is established.

1201

City of Rga founded.

1500s

Livonian War (1558-1583). Latvian territory under Polish-Lithuanian rule. The Duchies of Courland-Semigallia and
Polish Livonia (Inflanty) are formed.

1600s

Polish-Swedish War (1600-1629). Vidzeme (Livland) and Rga under Swedish rule (1629-1721). Rga is Swedens
largest city. Duchy of Courland experiences an economic boom.

1700s

Great Northern War (1700-1721). Vidzeme and Rga come under Russian rule. Latgale (Latgallia) and the Duchy of
Courland are annexed to Russia.

1850s-1870s

National awakening of the Latvian people. The New Latvians (jaunlatviei) movement occurs.

1905-1907

Latvian Revolution.

18 November 1918

Proclamation of the independence of Latvia.

11 August 1920

Soviet Russia (later the USSR) and the Republic of Latvia sign a peace treaty. Russia acknowledges Latvias
independence and forever withdraws its claims to the territory of Latvia.

23 August 1939

Non-aggression pact between the USSR and Germany (so-called Molotov-Ribbentrop pact): both totalitarian
states divide Eastern Europe between them. According to the secret protocol, Latvia together with Estonia and
later also Lithuania are absorbed within the Soviet sphere of influence.

5 October 1939

Threatening armed intervention, the USSR forces Latvias government to sign an agreement allowing Soviet army
bases on Latvian territory (officially called a mutual assistance agreement).

16 June 1940

Violating all agreements and treaties between the two states, as well as the principles of international law, the
USSR delivers an ultimatum to Latvia. It demands the formation of a new pro-Soviet government and announces
the immediate deployment of Soviet armed forces to Latvia.

17 June 1940

Latvia occupied by USSR troops.

23 July 1940

The USA Foreign Affairs department declares that the occupation of the Baltic countries is illegal and their
incorporation into the USSR is not recognised by the USA.

14 June 1941

15 424 Latvians are deported from Latvia to Siberia: the political and business elite is considered to be hostile
towards the occupation regime. Among the deported are almost 100 infants under the age of 1 and more than
3000 children under the age of 16.

1941-1945

Latvia occupied by the German Third Reich.

March 1943

Germany begins compulsory recruitment of Latvian civilians into its occupation army.

1941-1944

The German occupation regime exterminates over 90 000 Latvian civilians, mainly Jews.

8 May 1945

End of the Second World War. The German occupation army capitulates and the USSR occupation power is reestablished in the territory of Latvia.

1945-1956

Continuous armed struggle of Latvian national partisans against the second Soviet occupation.

25 March 1949

Over 44 000 people are labelled as enemies of the re-established Soviet regime and are deported to Siberia.

14 June and 23 August 1987

First large anti-Soviet and anti-occupation demonstrations in Rga.

4 May 1990

Adoption of a declaration restoring independence with a transition period.

21 August 1991

Complete reinstatement of Latvias independence.

31 August 1994

Last troops of the Russian (former USSR) occupation army leave Latvia.

April-May 2004

Latvia becomes a member of NATO and the European Union.

28-29 November, 2006

Latvia hosts NATO summit.

48

Further reading on the history of Latvia in English

Baltic region: conflicts and co-operation: road from the past to the future (Tallinn: Eurolikool: Ilo, 2004).
Christianization of the Baltic region (Putusk: Wysza Szkoa Humanistyczna im. Aleksandra Gieysztora, 2004).
CHRISTIANSEN E., The Northern Crusades: the Baltic and the Catholic frontier, 1100-1525 (London: Macmillan, 1980).
History of Latvia: a breathtaking journey throughout centuries at the Baltic coast: CD encyclopaedia (Rga: Tilde, 2000).
History of Latvia: the 20th century (Rga: Jumava, 2006).
GIMBUTAS M., The Balts (London: Thames & Hudson, 1963).
Latvia in World War II: materials of an International Conference, 14-15 June, Rga (Rga: Latvijas vstures institta apgds, 2000).
LIEVEN A., The Baltic revolution: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the path to independence (New Haven; London: Yale University Press, 1994).
MISIUNAS R.J., TAAGEPERA R., The Baltic States: years of dependence 1940-1990 (London: Hurst, 1993).
Occupation regimes in Latvia in 1940-1959: research of the Commission of the Historians of Latvia (2002) (Rga: Latvijas vstures institta apgds, 2004).
Occupied Latvia in 20th century (1940s): research of the Commission of the Historians of Latvia, 2004 (Rga: Latvijas vstures institta apgds, 2005).
PLAKANS A., The Latvians (Stanford: Hoover Institution Press, 1995).
PLAKANS A., Historical dictionary of Latvia (Lanham (Md.); London: The Scarecrow Press, 1997).
The Anti-Soviet resistance in the Baltic States (Vilnius: Akreta, 2001).
The Balts and their neighbours in the Baltic region (800-1200) [Conference] The Balts and their neighbours in the Viking age (Vilnius: Institute of Lithuanian
History, 1997).
The hidden and forbidden history of Latvia under Soviet and Nazi occupations, 1940-1991: selected research of the Commission of the Historians of Latvia (Rga:
Institute of the History of Latvia, 2005).
The issues of the holocaust research in Latvia: reports of an International Seminar 29 November 2001, Rga and the Holocaust studies in Latvia in 2001-2002
(Rga: Latvijas vstures institta apgds, 2003).
The Sovietization of the Baltic States, 1940-1956 (Tartu: KLEIO Ajalookirjanduse Sihtasutus, 2003).
Totalitarian occupation regimes in Latvia in 1940-1964: research of the Commission of the Historians of Latvia, 2003 (Rga: Latvijas vstures institta apgds,
2004).
URBAN W.L., The Livonian Crusade (Washington, D.C.: University Press of America, 1981).

Internet resources
Information about Latvia
http://www.latvia.lv
Institute of History of Latvia
http://www.lvi.lv
Museums of Latvia
http://www.muzeji.lv
National Library of Latvia, electronic catalogue
http://www.lnb.lv
State Historical Archives of Latvia
http://www.arhivi.lv
The Chancery of the President and the Commission of Historians of Latvia
http://www.president.lv

ISBN 9984-736-33-4

University of Latvia, Faculty of History and Philosophy

http://www.lu.lv/eng/general/structure/faculties/history/index.html

The Latvian Institute, Rga 2007

Text and concept: PhD Raimonds Cerzis
Editorial Board: M.Auliciema, R.Cerzis, .Jkabsons, O.Kalni, I.Pgozne-Brinkmane, A.Zunda.
Photo credits and illustrations: Archives of Latvia, Archives of Latvian Folklore, L.Balodis, G.Binde, U.Brinkmanis, R.Cerzis, B.Dumpe, I.Grvlejs Diena, G.Indrvics, V.Kleins
Fotobanka, B.Koesikovs, P.Korsaks, J.Krmi, Latvian Academic Library, The Latvian Institute, Latvian Museum of Photography, Latvian Museum of War, Latvian Railway
History Museum, Literature, Theatre and Music Museum, A.Meiers, Museum of Barricades of 1991, Museum of History of Rga and Navigation, National History Museum of
Latvia, Occupation Museum of Latvia, V.Rdzenieks, A.Tenass Fotocentrs, Ventspils Free Port, personal photo archives and collections.
Original drawings: A.Alksne-Alksnte, J.C.Brotze, O.Engelhardt-Kyffhuser, A.Liepi, L.Pgozne, S.Vidbergs, V.Vimba.

The Latvian Institute promotes knowledge about Latvia abroad. It produces

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For further information please contact the Latvian Embassy or Consulate in your country, or the Latvian Institute:
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