From Tribe to Nation A Brief History of

1 Cover photo: Popular People of Latvia are very proud of their history. It demonstration on is a history of the birth and development of the Dome Square, 1989 idea of an independent nation, and a consequent struggle to attain it, maintain it, and renew it. Above: A Zeppelin above Rīga in 1930 Albeit important, Latvian history is not entirely unique. The changes which swept through the ter- Below: Participants ritory of Latvia over the last two dozen centuries of the XXV Nationwide were tied to the ever changing map of , Song and Dance and the shifting balance of power. From the Viking Celebration in 2013 conquests and German , to the recent World Wars, the territory of Latvia, strategically lo- cated on the between the Scandinavian region and Russia, was very much part of these events, and shared their impact especially closely with its Baltic neighbours.

What is unique and also attests to the importance of history in Latvia today, is how the growth and development of a nation, initially as a mere idea, permeated all these events through the centuries up to Latvian in 1918.

In this brief you can read how Latvia grew from tribe to nation, how its history intertwined with changes throughout Europe, and how through them, or perhaps despite them, Lat- via came to be a country with such a proud and distinct national identity

2 1 3 Incredible Historical Landmarks

Left: People of The – this was one of the most crea- Latvia united in the tive non-violent protest activities in history. On Au- Baltic Way, 19:00 on gust 23, 1989, approximately two million people August 23, 1989 joined hands to form a spanning over 600 kilometres across the three – Es- Above: Handwritten tonia, Latvia, – occupied by the Soviet folksong entry from the Union at the time. The Baltic Way was arranged on original Dainas archive the 50th anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact which had led to the occupation of the Baltic Below: Latvian Army States in 1940, and aimed to draw global attention forces in Old Rīga during to the unlawful occupation of the countries. a battle with the army of Bermondt-Affair – this was the greatest victory Bermondt-Avalov, in Latvian military history. 32 000 newly mobilized November 1919 Latvian troops protected Rīga against an army of 45 000 battle-hardened and better equipped vet- erans led by general Bermondt. Bermondt was a German-supported Russian imperialist, who led the so-called West Russian Volunteer Army. Latvi- ans succeeded in defending Rīga against the com- bined German and Russian forces in November 1919, thus safeguarding an independent Latvia. The event, known as Lāčplēša Diena, is commemorated each year by lighting candles on November 11. Dainas – this is a traditional form of music or po- etry, usually consisting of four lines. Dainas are specifically Latvian in their structure, thematic sentiments, and . Dating back well over a thousand years, more than 1.2 million texts and 30,000 melodies have been identified and collect- ed; they were first published between 1894 and 1915. 2 3 Not Quite Latvian Yet

Left: Āraiši lake dwelling Latvia as a country appeared on the map of Europe after the First World War. However, predecessors of site with original and the Latvian people arrived in the territory long before that – as tribes who settled on the banks of the river reconstructed around five thousand years ago. Gradually the settlers formed the Baltic tribes, which became remnants of Latgalian the Latvian people over many centuries. Thus, initially we have to look at the history of the people in the (proto-Latvian) territory known as Latvia today, and the gradual development of national identity, subsequently a nation, settlements from and, eventually, a country. 9th-10 th century The ancestors of and Latvian Livs were hunters and gatherers who followed the migration of deer into present day Latvia. As time passed, they became farmers and merchants. First mention of the early Baltic peoples dates back to 98 AD, when Roman historian and geographer Tacitus refers in his travel journal to a tribe living near the Baltic Sea and gathering – valued more than gold in many places.

Elsewhere in the world Finno-Ugric peoples, an- Amber trade flourishes 500 BC cestors of present-day Baltic peoples, ancestors Early Livonian people in the region, and is sold Ancient Greeks attempt Finns and ar- of present-day Lithuani- move to coastal areas as far away as Ancient to expand eastwards, rive. ans and Latvians, arrive. around the Gulf of Rīga. Rome. but are met with resist- ~ 3000 B.C. ~ 2000 B.C. ~ 1800 B.C. ~ 100 A.D. ance from Persia, start- ing the Greco-Persian Wars Gradually four individual 44BC – 1453 AD Baltic tribal cultures The develop: Couronians, 541AD Latgallians, , The Couronian tribe The Justinian Plague . Each tribe grows in strength, and breaks out and kills 50% is headed by a tribal becomes a feared oppo- of Europe’s inhabitants leader. nent to invading forces. 790-1066AD 900 A.D. onwards 900 A.D. onwards The

5 Cradle of Latvian Culture

Left: Traditional Latvian The strategic location between the East and the West made Latvia a crossroads for trade routes, among Midsummer celebration them the to Rome and the Route between the and the Greeks. Around 900 AD the „Jāņi” ancient began to establish definable tribal realms and cultures: Couronians, Latgallians, Selonians and Semigallians. All spoke that belonged to the Indo-European language family. Only the Livs, a smaller Finno-Ugric tribe were linguistically unique in this otherwise . Each tribe had its own strengths: Semigallians and Selonians were known as prosperous farmers, the had the most ad- vanced socio-political developments and the Couronians were respected warriors and seafarers.

The beliefs of ancient Latvians were tied close to nature, having deities for different natural occurrences. The gods of thunder (Pērkons), forests, the sea and maternal figures like the goddess of destiny Laima and patroness of mothers Māra were all subject to a heavenly father called Dievs (God). Altogether the names and functions of about 200 Baltic gods and goddesses have been preserved in folklore. But the Balts also had sacred forests, groves and stones, which substituted temples. In many cases churches were later built on these sacred sites.

The Couronians mastered the art of seamanship and became the most feared of the Baltic tribes, earning a reputation of the ‘Baltic Vikings’. Practicing rather fierce relations with Scandinavians overseas, they were frequently at war, raiding and pillaging distant shores. It is believed that modern day Stockholm owes its foundation to the Couronians, who were responsible for the destruction of a former Swedish Viking capital in retaliation for similar acts on Couronian land.

Crusades to Christianize the Baltics begin, led by German bishops. The proto-Latvian , Semigalians, Selonians Rīga is founded near the Arrival of German mer- and Latgalians, as well site of a Liv village on the Viking raids and con- chants and Christian mis- as the Livs, oppose the confluence of Rīdzene quests in the Baltic area. sionaries to the Baltics. invaders. and Daugava rivers. IX – XI c. Late XII c. 1198 1201

6 7 Becoming coast of the Baltic Sea, but further expansion was difficult. Still, with evermore support from , the Crusaders gradually advanced. As the years passed, the tribal kingdoms were defeated and converted one by one. The resistance was fierce: the Crusaders suffered a major defeat against the combined forces of native Latvian and Lithuanian tribes at the Battle of Saule in 1236 and disbanded. The remaining knights Part of Europe reorganized into what became known as the . With ongoing support from several popes, the Crusaders gradually subjugated the tribes. Semigallians were the last of the Baltic tribes to succumb to the Western invaders at the end of the 13th century.

The conquered lands were formed into a feudal confederation called . Livonia quickly westernized and Above: Panoramic view The map of Europe was ever-changing in the 8th experienced an economic boom; several Livonian cities were included into the German trading organization, of Rīga from across - 18th centuries as the importance and might of the . In huge strides the region developed best practices and state of the art technologies, the Daugava, 1547. nations shifted. Empires emerged, collapsed and which influenced architecture and fostered production of goods. The Baltic people adapted and became part Engraving territories were invaded or fought over, deemed of a common European society. To preserve their pagan traditions, successors of the Baltic tribes integrated as useful and desirable, whether it be for location, them into . For example, the first Christmas tree is said to have been decorated in Rīga in the Below: „Battle Against natural resources, trade or other reasons. The ter- beginning of the 16th century – as a continuation of pagan traditions related to Winter Solstice. The tradition the Crusaders”, c.a. ritory of Latvia was always part of these changes quickly spread across German lands and became widely practiced around Europe. Livonia prospered largely 13th century. Voldemārs and power struggles. Each new power subjugated unhindered until mid-sixteenth century, but was politically divided between bishops and the knights of the Vimba oil, 1930’s the local tribes and influenced the development of Livonian Order. the society. This merger of cultures had a positive effect in terms of absorption of values, knowledge and practices. It also allowed the Baltic region to develop alongside the rest of Europe and be an integral part of it. Livonia is established in today’s territory of Latvia Russia attempts to By the late 12th century, the territory of Latvia was and . Most Latvians join the conquer the territory. increasingly visited by merchants from Western Rīga becomes an im- become the ruling class, Lutheran church, with The Livonian army jointly Europe. German and Danish traders were bring- portant trading post German knights become the exception of with a force of local ing missionaries along with them to convert the and joins the Hanseatic landed barons and retain where Catholicism pre- conscripts staves off the pagan tribes, now grown into small kingdoms, to League. privileges until WWI. vails to this day. forces of Tsar Ivan III. Christianity. But the pantheistic Balts resisted the XIII c. 1282 XIII – XIV c. XVI c. 1501-1503 imposition of a foreign religion. Several military campaigns called the were After incursions of Ivan Rīga is conquered by Duke , at then launched against the Baltic peoples, end- the Terrible’s army, Dan- the Kingdom of , the apogee of the Duchy The written form of ing without significant results at first as the Balts ish and Polish-Lithuanian who reduce German of , under Latvian is developed, proved to be equal adversaries. forces, the Livonian Or- baron privileges. The the Polish Lithuanian culminating in a trans- der surrenders. Territo- period becomes known king, founds colonies in lation of the Bible by In 1201 the construction of Rīga began, overseen ries to the east of the as the “good Swedish Gambia in , and on Father Ernst Glück of by Bishop Albert who was mandated to Christian- Daugava come under times”. Eastern Latvia re- the Caribbean island of the Alūksne Lutheran ize the small Baltic peoples. Soon thereafter Rīga Polish rule. mains under Polish rule. Tobago. parish. became the largest and most powerful city on the 1561-1583 1621 1651-1654 XVII c. 1685

8 9 Colonial perhaps drawing on the genes of their tribal ancestors. The Duchy reached the peak of its prosperity under Duke Jacob Kettler, descendant of the last Master of the Livonian Order, who ruled from 1642 to 1682. Trade and manufacture flourished, and the profit allowed for Duke Jacob to establish a merchant fleet, trading with England, , the and as far as Portugal. Others took note of Courland’s fine Ambitions Amid ships and orders came in for the Duchy’s to build fleets for Western kingdoms. This led to a new phase of in the region, but the Duchy was even more ambitious. Jacob had close ties in Western courts because his mother was a Prussian princess and he was the godson of King James I of England. The Duke used this to his advantage becoming politically influential – enough to contest the colonial powers over su- Troubled Times premacy in distant territories. Two colonies were established: one on an island of River in Africa and another on Tobago island in the Caribbean. Both were successful ventures until the end of Jacob’s rule, but the Swedish-Polish war, taking place to a large extent within the Duchy, paralysed the state. During this period, the Dutch claimed both colonies, but later returned Tobago. With the death of Jacob and increased warfare in the region, the Duchy’s navy fell apart, but the Couronian place names from this period are still Above: Rīga harbour Livonia was one of the first to embrace the Ref- prominent on both former colonies. The Duchy’s prosperity and nearby Rīga’s strategic economic and cul- on the Daugava river ormation in mid-16th century, thus most Latvians tural importance stimulated awareness of the Latvian identity. It was in the 17th century when the merger of in 1863 are Lutherans up until today. This also stimulated Couronians, Latgallians, Selonians, Livs and Semigallians began to take shape. The people, mainly farmers, the consolidation of the Latvian nation and emer- most of them serfs, started to identify as a culturally unified nation – the Latvians. Below: Rundāle – gence of the written – the first a distinguished books in Latvian were published at that time. Re- In the beginning of the 18th century the slowly conquered the lands abided by Latvians palace, designed by gardless, Livonia never reached the political and due to geopolitical interests – mainly access to Baltic Sea trade. and Rīga were ceded to Russia in Bartolomeo Rastrelli military strength of its neighbours. The Livonian 1721. The Division of Poland led to even further absorption – Latgale was annexed in 1772, while Courland for the Duke of Wars which involved the surrounding empires or Kurzeme was annexed last in 1795. Although the and then the Seven Year’s War Courland destroyed the Livonian Confederacy by 1582. The ravaged the land, industry quickly spread in this period, and the population grew formidably. Vidzeme territory then entered an era of instability and con- and Kurzeme became Russia’s most developed provinces, Rīga – its cultural and economic jewel, but the stant warfare between the kingdoms of Sweden, peasant’s conditions became much worse with Russian rule. A period of ensued. ’s , Poland-Lithuania and Russia. At first, Po- march on in 1812 devastated the southern part of Latvia and even resulted in the burning of Rīga’s land-Lithuania took over Latgale and Vidzeme on suburbs. However, political preconditions and economic growth caused to be abolished in Vidzeme the right bank of River Daugava, whereas the last (1817) and Kurzeme (1819), and finally in Latgale (1861), ripening the idea of an independent Latvian nation. Master of the Livonian Order created the Duchy of Courland on the left bank, becoming a vassal to the King of Poland. Later on, Sweden took Vid- Elsewhere in Europe zeme and Rīga in 1629. Rīga thus became the larg- 170 0 - 1721 As a result of the Great During the First Partition Napoleon’s army invades est and most important city in the Swedish King- The Great Northern War Northern War, Rīga sur- of Poland, conducted Kurzeme and Zemgale, dom, but was claimed by Russia a century later. between the Russian renders to Peter the by the Russian Empire, but fails to reach Rīga or and Swedish Empires Great. Northern Latvia Prussia and Habsburg take over the besieged Incredibly, an ambitious emerged and 1775 - 1783 comes under Russian Austria, eastern Latvia During the Third Parti- city of before prospered amidst all of the political changes - the The American War of rule, and peasants be- (Latgale) becomes part tion of Poland the Duchy Napoleon ordered with- Duchy of Courland. Its nobility was formed from Independence against come serfs of their Ger- of the Russian province of Courland becomes a drawal and retreat from members of the Livonian Order and the political the man barons. of . Russian province. Moscow. system remained largely unchanged. Couroni- 1789 - 1799 1710 1772 1795 1812 ans proved to be great shipbuilders and seamen, The

10 11 The First Signs of National Awakening

Left: Poster for the The 19th century saw the initial development of a distinctly Latvian national identity. Latvian authors pub- Latvian Song Celebration lished their works for the first time, cities and towns in the territory grew in size and prominence. The abol- with a famous poem ishment of serfdom went hand in hand with the emergence of a Latvian working class, increase in economic “Nevis slinko- empowerment and migration to cities. The level of education also increased and resulted in the formation jot un pūstot” by of cultural and political awareness. F. L. Čelakovský, trans- Several crucial cultural and social developments took place and played a key role in the growth of a national lated and adapted by identity – such as the first Nationwide Song and Dance Celebration, a tradition which continues to this day; J. Alunāns, designed by publishing of the vast collection of Latvian folk songs (the Dainas) and of the first Latvian novels, signifying H. Šics, an important and symbolic accomplishment in the formation of the literary Latvian language. It is only natu- 1873 ral that a national awakening began to grow simultaneously with these developments.

Serfdom is abolished in the provinces of Cour- land and Livonia. Latvian peasants gain personal Rīga Politechnical Insti- freedom but lose their The Rīga - Daugavpils Serfdom is abolished in tute, the predecessor land and become, in railway is opened and Latgale and throughout of modern-day effect, indentured serv- links Latvia with the Eu- the rest of the Russian Technical University, is ants. ropean railroad system. Empire. founded. Elsewhere in the world 1817-1819 1861 1861 1862 1804 Napoleon crowns him- A vast collection of oral self Emperor of France The Latvian Society is Latvian folklore (“Dain- 1808 founded in Rīga. Its es- as”) is published in eight Britain declares slave tablishment greatly con- The first Latvian Nation- volumes. It becomes trade as illegal tributes to further de- Chocolate factory “Lai- wide Song and Dance one of the largest pub- 1869 velopment of education ma” is founded, still op- Celebration is held in lications of versified folk The Suez Canal opens and culture in Latvia. erating today. Rīga. heritage in the world. linking the Mediterra- 1868 1870 1873 1894 – 1915 nean and the Red Sea

13 The Path to Independence

Left: Art Nouveau In the years before WWI rapid industrialization building on Elizabetes of Latvia brought about the growth of sea ports, street in Rīga. Designed banks and commerce. In central Rīga, hundreds of by Mikhail Eisenstein, marvelous Art Nouveau style buildings sprung up, 1903 bringing Latvian artists and architects to promi- nence. Above: First electric tram in Rīga, 1905 Turmoil of the 1905 Revolution in Russia hit the territory of Latvia as well. The workers’ and farm- Below: Document ers’ revolution with a strong national accent was checkpoint post 1905 led by educated Latvians and the Latvian Social revolution in Rīga Democratic Workers Party. The Revolution be- came a training ground for grassroots democ- racy, and turned against both the Russian Tsar’s and the landed German . And lastly, a political awakening began to form.

Burning of German barons’ mansions became a wide-spread manifestation of people’s protest against the oppressive regime. The Russian gov- ernment sent in punishment squads welcomed by the German gentry, hundreds of insurgents were summarily executed; thousands more sent into exile or fled the country. The idea of uniting all Latvian-inhabited regions into an independent state was voiced for the first time and the dream of an independent Latvia started taking shape.

15 First World War

World War I violently swept through Latvia in the Left: A scene from the spring of 1915. National military units, the Latvian movie “The Guards of Riflemen Battalions, were founded and command- Rīga” (2007), dramatiz- ed by Latvian officers within the Russian army to ing November 11, 1919, defend Rīga against the German army. When the a crucial battle for Germans took over the country in 1917-18, many Latvian independence left for Russia and joined the Communist revolution led by the . Above: The Proclama- tion of the of At the same time, a strong pro-independence Latvia on November 18, 1918 movement developed. The Democratic Bloc and the Latvian Provisional National Council were

Below: Rejoicing in founded at the end of 1917. On November 17, Latvian town 1918, both agreed to jointly form a provisional on November 23, 1919 , the Latvian People’s Council, which after defeating the army resolved to found an independent and democrat- of Bermondt-Avalov, ic republic. On the following day, November 18, a pro-German voluntary 1918, the independent Republic of Latvia was pro- Russian army force claimed at a ceremonious meeting at the National Theatre in Rīga. Lawyer Jānis Čakste was elected chairman of the Latvian People’s Council, and agronomist Kārlis Ulmanis became head of the government. Latvia won the War of Independence against the remaining German troops and the on Latvian soil in 1920. Consequently the Constitutional Assembly was elected and be- gan its work in drafting the of Latvia – the Satversme – which was passed in 1922. The first Latvian parliament or was elected that year as well.

17 Rīga is taken by Red Army troops. The Pro- visional Government The Latvian Soviet Social- retreats to Liepāja and, ist Republic is declared. while seeking assistance The government led by from Western Pow- A counter-attack by Left: Bridge over the The independent Re- Pēteris Stučka institutes ers, is forced to accept combined German and Daugava river in Rīga, public of Latvia is pro- its rule with draconian help from local German Latvian forces against destroyed by retreating claimed. laws and ruthless terror. Home Guards. the Red Army begins. Russian troops, November 18, 1918 December 17, 1918 January 3,1919 March 3,1919

A German coup in German troops seize Liepāja fails to overthrow Rīga, expel the Red The smaller Latvian Army the Provisional Govern- Army, instigate a kill- liberates Rīga from the ment, which finds ref- ing spree against com- attacking united Ger- uge on a boat guarded munists and suspected Germans are defeated man and Russian forces. by Entente warships. sympathizers, and move by Estonian and Latvian German forces are then A parallel pro-German against Estonian and Lat- forces near Cēsis. The pushed back until com- government is estab- vian forces in northern Latvian Provisional Gov- pletely leaving Latvian lished. Latvia. ernment returns to Rīga. territory on December 1. April 16, 1919 May 22, 1919 June 22-23, 1919 November 11, 1919

An armistice with Soviet A peace treaty is signed State colleges, theaters, Russia takes effect after with Soviet Russia, in National Opera and the the Latvian army, with The elected Constitu- which it recognizes Lat- Elsewhere in Europe Latvian Conservatory aid from Polish troops, tional Assembly begins vian independence and June 28, 1914 of Music are founded. liberates eastern Latvia work as a temporary without Archduke Franz Ferdi- Later in the year the Uni- from Red Army forces. legislative body with the reservations, renounc- nant is assassinated in versity of Latvia opens its The Communist govern- main task of writing a ing any claims to Latvian Sarajevo sparking WWI doors. ment is dissolved. Constitution. sovereignty. April 24, 1915 1919 February 1, 1920 May 1, 1920 August 11, 1920 Start of the Armenian Genocide by the Latvian independence is The Constitutional As- June 4, 1917 recognized by the Allied sembly adopts the Con- The first ever Pulitzer Supreme Council, soon Latvia joins the League stitution of the Republic Prizes are awarded followed by other states. of Nations. of Latvia. in four categories January 26, 1921 September 22, 1921 February 22, 1922 in New York

19 Latvia is Born

Left: The Embassy of After Latvia gained its long awaited independence, one of the most important tasks was to revive the econ- the United Kingdom, omy. The Latvian national monetary unit, the lat, was issued in 1922. The state continued the distribution of Raiņa boulevard – one state property and land that had once been held by the German landed gentry to former landless peasants of Rīga’s central streets, and small farmers. Latvian agriculture developed and was fully able to supply the country with food, as well 1930s as opening wide possibilities for the export of agricultural products.

Latvian industry rapidly revived and was oriented chiefly towards food production, textile manufacturing and timber processing. The electronics sector developed in the 1930s. Latvia’s largest electronics factory, VEF, manufactured modern radios, photo cameras (e.g. ) 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.

However, the worldwide economic crisis of the early 1930s and the following turmoil of 1940s did not leave Latvia unscathed and the blissful years of democratic Latvia came to a swift end.

Elsewhere in Europe 1926 Mussolini seizes complete control of as its dictator 1927 Soviet authorities close Ribbentrop and Molo- The first talking movie, Prime Minister Kārlis Ul- down Latvian organi- tov (Hitler’s and Stalin’s “The Jazz Singer”, manis organizes a blood- zations and organise Foreign Ministers) sign is made in the US less coup. The Saeima is A political bloc called the mass arrests of ethnic a treaty defining the 1929 dismissed and all political is formed Latvians as suspected zones of dominance and The parties banned. Latvia between the Baltic states foreign agents. ~25,000 enabling Hitler to attack begins becomes an authoritar- to promote their mutual are arrested, ~16,500 Poland and later – West- 1933 ian state. diplomatic support. are later executed. ern Europe. The Nazis come to May 15, 1934 September 12, 1934 November 30, 1937 August 23,1939 power in

21 Second World War and Loss of Independence

Left: Soviet tanks On the brink of WWII the and Nazi against brothers, fathers against sons. Most were in the centre of Rīga, Germany signed a treaty of non-aggression, killed. Latvia’s population perished not only on the June 17, 1940 known as the ‘Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact’. It con- battlefield; special Nazi campaigns exterminated tained a secret protocol dividing Eastern Europe 70 000 , 18 000 Latvians and 2 000 Roma. into spheres of influence, envisioning the Baltic Another 150,000 fled to a life in exile. Additionally, countries for the Soviets and Poland for Germany. Latvia became the death ground for tens of thou- The consequent German invasion of Poland trig- sands of Jews brought in from other countries. gered the start of the war, and in turn gave the Soviet Union the opportunity to occupy the Baltics. Many Latvians were actively involved in a resist- ance movement against the persecutions of the Moscow presented Latvia with an ultimatum, as a German occupation regime. For instance, Žanis result of which Latvia was forced to sign an agree- Lipke risked his life, and the lives of his fam- ment of “mutual assistance” and tens of thousands ily members and friends, to save more than 50 of Red Army troops were stationed in Latvia. Soon Jews – a memorial in his name has recently been after Soviet press in Russia began to voice regular opened. He was not the only one, there were nu- accusations against the Baltic countries regard- merous people who risked their lives to save, hide, ing alleged activities against Moscow, and in June feed or simply keep quiet about the whereabouts 1940 Moscow issued a memorandum demand- of Jews, though it is difficult to know exactly how ing the formation of a new government and the many. Over 25 people were helping Žanis Lipke stationing of additional Soviet military units. In an alone; many others saved numerous Jews; around attempt to avoid bloodshed, the Latvian govern- 150 Jews were saved in Rīga, and more in the ment decided to fulfil Moscow’s demands. As a countryside. Exact numbers are not known. result, 100 000 Soviet army troops entered Latvia. A puppet government answerable to Moscow was The idea of renewing independence never died. “elected” in single party elections soon after, and The Central Latvian Council was established under- voted to make Latvia a part of the USSR. ground with that aim, it published a pamphlet as an appeal to the Allied to restore a sov- For the majority of the war Latvia was occupied ereign and democratic Latvian state, and published by . Tragically, Latvian soldiers were the resistance newspaper “Brīvā Latvija” (Free Lat- forced to fight on both sides of the front, brothers via), which was deemed illegal by the authorities.

23 Claiming a breach of the treaty, the Soviet Union The People’s Saeima, issues an ultimatum, de- “elected” in a near- manding installation of unanimous one-party Left: WWII Eastern Under military threat, a new government and election, declares Latvia front – defense battles Latvia is forced to sign a allowing entry to an un- to be a Soviet state, and in the Baltics, German Mutual Assistance Treaty limited number of Soviet Soviet troops occupy asks for admission to the pioneers blowing with the Soviet Union. troops. Latvia. Soviet Union. up a bridge over the October 5, 1939 June 16, 1940 June 17, 1940 July 21, 1940 Daugava river while retreating from Rīga, A special ministry is end of August 1944 Nazi Germany attacks formed in to over- More than 15,000 Latvi- the USSR. The Red Army All of Latvia’s territory is see the occupied ter- an citizens are deported retreats in disarray. Rīga in Nazi German hands, ritories in the East, or to remote regions of the is occupied by German greeted at first as libera- “Ostland”. Rīga becomes Soviet Union. forces on July 1. tors from Soviet terror. its administrative center. June 14, 1941 June 22, 1941 July 7, 1941 July 17, 1941

The SS instigates an US President F. D. Roose- annihilation of Latvia’s In Rīga, the Latvian Na- velt, British Prime Minis- Elsewhere in Europe Jews, also involving Lat- tional Resistance Com- ter W. Churchill, and Sovi- WW2 has taken a total vian proxies. Almost 75% mittee, called the Cen- et leader J. Stalin meet in of 50-80 million lives, perish in the Holocaust. Adolf Hitler issues a tral Latvian Council, is Tehran. Stalin negotiates including about 6 million Others executed include standing order to form formed underground. the right to freely oper- Jews, making it the communists, Roma, and a “voluntary” Latvian SS Konstantīns Čakste be- ate in Eastern Europe deadliest war in history the mentally ill. Legion. comes its chairman. after the war. 1937 July-December 1941 January 23, 1943 August 13, 1943 November 28, 1943 “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”, the first full-length animated Nazi Germany capitu- cartoon, is made lates. Three occupations, by Walt Disney In the battle on the At the Yalta Conference mass deportations, the 1939 Velikaya river both Roosevelt, Churchill, and Holocaust and war have The helicopter is Latvian Legion divisions, Stalin decide post-war taken 500,000 lives in invented illegally formed by The Latvian SSR govern- arrangements in Eu- Latvia. 120,000 Latvians 1941 the Nazis, are thrown ment returns; Soviet rope, conceding to the stay in the West. Settlers The siege of Leningrad together against Soviet troops take over Rīga. USSR control of Eastern from the USSR start ar- begins forces in a bloody battle The German Army re- Europe, but calling for riving due to large-scale 1945 with huge casualties. treats to Western Latvia. free elections. industrialization. is March 16, 1944 October 13,1944 February 4-11, 1945 May 1945 founded

25 The Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic

Left: Purvciems, The end of the Second World War brought half a Among positive consequences of the Soviet Un- A 1980s Soviet-built century of Soviet rule to Latvia. Widespread per- ion – the economy in Latvia developed, and a sleeper suburb of Rīga secutions started immediately against those who comprehensive system of free education (primary had allegedly cooperated with Nazi forces, partici- through to university) and health care existed. Im- pated in or supported the resistance movement, portant achievements were attained in science – or were simply suspected of being politically un- a quarter of all medicines invented in the USSR reliable, or free thinking, etc. During Stalin’s rule, were developed in Latvia. Latvians were also active around 150,000 people were killed or deported in the Soviet Olympic teams, winning numerous from Latvia to remote areas of the Soviet Union, medals for the USSR. such as . Nonetheless, opportunities and rights in the Lat- Rural areas were forced into collectivisation, in cit- vian SSR were limited. The was ies people had to live in communal flats – several imposed in schools and all correspondence; many families per flat. Private property was nationalized, Latvians suffered from segregation. culture was ideologized, and religion banned. All printed and distributed materials, including, for The independence movement persevered. The example, music, as well as broadcast media, were national partisans, 20 000 in total, continued to controlled by censorship. As Latvia had well-de- actively resist Soviet rule long after the war ended, veloped infrastructure and educated specialists, mainly residing in Latvia’s forests, until they were Moscow based some of the Soviet Union’s most eliminated by Soviet armed forces. Other forms advanced manufacturing facilities in Latvia. Soviet of resistance persisted, mainly through culture, workers from all over the Union flooded into the which was crucial in helping people maintain a country as part of the Russification campaign. sense of national identity. They were granted nationalized property previous- ly owned by deported or punished Latvian citizens.

27 Elsewhere in the world 1945 Start of the 1952 Princess Elizabeth be- comes Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom The first collective at age 25 farm is founded. Due A second mass depor- 1961 to forced shipment of tation of about 44,000 The Berlin Wall is built The Latvian Central Com- goods to Moscow, St Pe- people is directed 1961 mittee is established in tersburg and other re- against Latvian farmers, The Soviet Union sends Western Germany, the gions of the USSR, food who are not willing to the first manned space- 1st organization to rep- Latvian SSR Academy of shortages exist in Latvia collectivize, and support- craft into space carrying resent the deposed Lat- Sciences is established. for years to come. ers of . Yuri Gagarin vian government in exile. February 14, 1946 December 22, 1946 March 25, 1949 1963 August 15, 1945 Martin Luther King Jr delivers “I have a dream” speech Latvian SSR embarks 1980 on the “construction of Ronald Reagan be- socialism”. Culture, sci- The 100th anniversary comes president of the ence, and education fall of the Nationwide Song USA under strict political con- The Latvian Television is and Dance Celebration is December 8, 1980 trols of the government. founded. celebrated in Rīga. John Lennon is assas- 1954-1986 November 6, 1954 July 1973 sinated in New York

Left: International Random facts about life in Soviet Latvia Workers Solidarity Day Music which made it into the country officially included Italian pop, Abba, and jazz and blues from the US. demonstration on the An underground film and music exchange existed in limited circles, but those caught were punished. Daugava embankment, Forbidden “samizdat” (self published) books were printed underground. 1 May, 1974 Tuning into Radio Free Europe, BBC, or the Voice of America, despite Soviet efforts to disturb the wave- lengths, provided a peephole into world events. Food shortages, as well as shortages of a wide array of household goods, were a trademark throughout the Soviet times, hence Latvians got very good at queuing, because a queue meant that there was something for sale!

29 On the Road to Freedom Once Again

Left: The dismantling of Latvia’s push towards regaining independence a monument of Lenin was closely linked to internal changes in the So- in Latvian town viet Union. came to power and October 29, 1990 introduced two key reforms – , increasing transparency in government institutions; and pe- Above: Above: Soviet restroika, restructuring the political and economic troops leaving Latvia, system. These reforms, unintentionally, rocked 1994. the entire union as people took advantage of the changes, and ultimately led to the fall of the Soviet Below: A senior person Union. reading a copy of the Law on the Status of Pro–independence organizations strengthened; the Republic of Latvia, protests started breaking out against a wide varie- 1990 ty of issues. A nationwide movement, the Popular Front, was founded in Latvia on October 8, 1988. For the first time, parties aside from the Commu- nist party were allowed to stand for election, and elected they were. This enabled the new of Latvia to pass a renewal of independ- ence act and begin a period of transition. Despite strong efforts by Moscow to halt the process, the resistance was able to peacefully barricade its way through to independence by August 21, 1991.

Latvia, alongside the other Baltic States, demon- strated to the world that independence can be achieved peacefully; the process in the Baltics be- came known as the ‘’.

31 Human rights group Popular protests against -86, the first building a hydroelectric Helsinki-86 organizes an openly anti-soviet group, dam on the Daugava riv- unsanctioned event at is founded in Liepāja. It er break out. Later, the the Left: Popular dem- Mikhail Gorbachev takes inspires the formation of plan to build a subway in Rīga to commemo- onstration on May 4, over leadership of the other pro-independence system in Rīga is also rate the victims of Soviet 1990 – the day of the Communist Party. groups. halted by popular action. mass deportations. Restoration of National 1985 July 10, 1986 1986 1987 Independence

The Latvian Popular The Latvian Soviet gov- Front, led by Dainis ernment allows the Līgo Īvans, is established and The International Front holiday – the biggest cel- attracts membership of of Working People is ebration of the year – to The Latvian National In- several hundred thou- formed. It becomes an be celebrated officially. dependence Movement sand people. It becomes orthodox counter-force Prior to this it was cel- is founded at a rally in the guiding force toward which resists the initia- ebrated in secret at the historic Arkādija park in the restoration of inde- tives of the Latvian Pop- risk of being persecuted. Rīga. pendence. ular Front. Elsewhere in the world April 15, 1988 July 10, 1988 October 8-9, 1988 January 7-8, 1989 April 26, 1986 Explosion at the Cher- nobyl Nuclear Power 500,000 come out to Plant in Ukraine The Baltic Way manifes- The Popular Front gains The Popular Front ma- demonstrate in Rīga June 4, 1989 tation is held throughout a 2/3 majority in the jority adopts the Dec- against Soviet special Elections in Poland are the Baltic states. 2 mil- Supreme Council at the laration of Renewed forces attacking Lithu- resoundingly won by lion of protesters join first bipartisan elections. Independence, a law anian institutions. Bar- opposition movement hand in hand and form a is renouncing the Soviet ricades are built in de- Solidarnost, spark- human chain all the way elected Chairman of the occupation as illegal and fense of the legislator ing anti-communist from through Council, Ivars Godma- in part reestablishing in- around important public revolutions in Central Rīga to . nis – Prime Minister. dependence. buildings. and Eastern Europe and August 23, 1989 May 3, 1990 May 4, 1990 January 13, 1991 paving the way to the fall of the Soviet Union November 9, 1989 A special force of the In- A coup in Moscow staged As the coup fails, the Berlin wall comes down terior Ministry backed by by an illegally established Latvian Supreme Council November 17 a Soviet security force State Emergency Com- passes a Constitutional to December 29, 1989 unit opens fire in Rīga mittee attempts to over- Law declaring Latvia an Velvet Revolution in and seizes the ministry. throw Gorbachev. The independent democratic Czechoslovakia Several journalists, po- Supreme Council of Lat- republic in accordance Latvia becomes a mem- 1989 lice officers and a by- via denounces the anti- with the 1922 Constitu- ber of the United Na- Tim Berners Lee invents stander get killed. governmental actions. tion. tions. the World Wide Web January 20, 1991 August 19-21, 1991 August 21, 1991 September 18, 1991

33 Latvia Since Independence

Left: Europe day in Rīga, Latvia has come a long way since regaining inde- tive years; recent EU reports suggest this trend is 2012 pendence in 1991. With the renewal of independ- likely to continue until 2018. Latvia is also on its way ence, Latvia moved consistently towards two of its to become a member of the OECD. Latvia’s name most important foreign policy goals – member- has also been brought out into the world with ship of the NATO and the EU. During the 1990s, hosting high level events such as a NATO summit, all the necessary government bodies were set up, the Ice Hockey World Championship and the Euro- many social, economic and judicial changes were vision song contest; Rīga was the European Capital implemented, the process of privatisation of busi- of Culture throughout 2014; Latvian athletes have nesses and real estate was implemented in order won significant prizes in sports ranging from BMX to transfer the large state-owned enterprises to cycling to ice hockey; Latvian opera singers and private ownership, and enable individuals to regain conductors take leading roles in the world’s most properties taken away from their ancestors, as prestigious opera houses and concert halls. well as to obtain the properties they were living in. On the whole, an impressive number of changes This has been a time of rebirth not only for the had to be planned, implemented and experienced country, but for its nation, culture and self-aware- on the road to solidifying independence and build- ness as well. It has been a time for the Latvian ing a free and democratic republic. people to form their identity, to remember tradi- tions long forgotten and to be proud of who they After a short yet demanding negotiation and ac- are. Over three decades later, Latvia is engraved cession period Latvia became a Member State on the map of Europe, with a wide and ever devel- of NATO and the EU in 2004. Ten years later, in oping network of international ties, and diplomatic 2014, Latvia joined the Eurozone, thanks to strong relationships, a growing economy and a strong economic growth. Since 2011, Latvia has been the position within the . EU’s fastest growing economy for three consecu-

35 After full restitution of An agreement is the constitution, the reached with Yeltsin’s Saeima elects the first Russia and armed forces At the Ice Hockey World state President since the of the Russian Federa- Championship held in St. restoration of independ- tion leave Latvia. For the Petersburg, the Latvian ence – Guntis Ulmanis, first time since 1939 national ice hockey team Rīga celebrates 800 who stays in office for there are no foreign defeats the team of the Eurovision song contest years since its founding. two consecutive terms. troops on Latvian soil. Russian Federation. is hosted in Latvia. Summer 2001 July 7, 1993 August 31, 1994 May 5, 2000 May 2003

Latvia starts a UN-ap- After a short, yet de- proved peace-keeping manding negotiation and mission in Afghanistan, accession period, Lat- Youth choir Kamēr… jointly with peace-keep- via becomes a Member The Ice Hockey World wins first place in its cat- ers from several other Latvia becomes a mem- State of the European Championship takes egory at the World Choir NATO countries. ber of NATO. Union. place in Rīga. games in China. 2003 March 29, 2004 May 4, 2004 May 2006 Summer 2006

At the 2012 Sum- Latvian Prime Minis- President V. Zatlers calls A referendum on grant- mer Olympics de- ter Aigars Kalvītis and on the Latvian people to ing Russian as the 2nd fending champion M. Russian Prime Minister disband the 10th Saeima. status Štrombergs wins Olym- Mikhail Fradkov sign a The referendum sup- is held; the proposal is pic gold in BMX cycling, border treaty between ports the Presidential ini- rejected, but highlights and beach volleyball duo Latvia and Russia, al- tiative, and extraordinary historical tensions and a Pļaviņš and Šmēdiņš NATO summit takes lowing Latvia to join the elections are held soon need for better integra- bring back bronze med- place in Rīga. Schengen treaty. thereafter. tion policies. als. November 28-29, 2006 March 27, 2007 Summer 2011 February 12, 2012 August 2012

At the 2012 Summer Paralympic games A. Rīga is the European Apinis wins gold in shot Capital of Culture with put, and silver in the dis- the program Force Ma- cus throw. For the first jeure, showing that cul- time a public debate en- Latvia celebrates the 95th ture can be the inspira- Latvia hosts the Presi- sues about treatment of anniversary of its inde- The Euro is introduced in tion and the instrument dency of the Council of Paralympic athletes. pendence. Latvia. for change. the European Union. September 2012 November 18, 2013 January 2014 2014 2015

37 History – an Ever Present Force

Left: “Legionnaires” – History still influences the development of mod- due to our complex history. The historical reasons an award-winning ern Latvia. Coming to terms and dealing with the which caused such a great influx of people from theater performance consequences of the turbulent past is an on-going other parts of the Soviet Union have created cer- (dir. Valters Sīlis), process, one that is still taking place. tain challenges for language policy and the devel- addressing the opment of a well-knit society in Latvia. Additional dispute between When the independence of Latvia was restored in efforts have been necessary to ensure that all Sweden and the Soviet 1991, the decision was made to affirm the conti- inhabitants have good command of the Latvian Union on extraditing nuity of Latvia’s original body of citizens. Thus, in- language, enabling them to enjoy higher educa- Latvian soldiers who are dividuals who were citizens of Latvia prior to Soviet tion and employment, as well as ensuring that all to be tried for coop- occupation were once again recognized as such, inhabitants of Latvia feel at home, regardless of eration – often forced – whereas those who migrated to Latvia during the their mother tongue. with the Nazi army Soviet occupation were given an opportunity to apply for citizenship through a naturalization pro- Latvia has retained a very generous education cess, as they became stateless with the dissolu- system from the – the state fi- tion of the Soviet Union. Those who have not gone nances educational programmes in eight minority through the naturalization process hold limited languages, though teaching is also conducted in political rights, namely: the right to elect and be Latvian, thus ensuring that graduates of minority elected. However, the naturalization process has schools hold language proficiency in numerous not been as quick and overwhelming as expect- languages. ed. One of the explanations of this is the fact that people do not experience debilitating constraints History is also evidently present in architecture. in economic, social and educational rights and Relics of various eras can be seen around towns therefore choose not to undertake the bureau- and cities in Latvia – from 16th century castles cratic procedures. Another is that a section of the and manors to baroque, Art Nouveau, wooden society was alienated by requiring to apply for citi- architecture of the 19th century, modernist build- zenship instead of awarding it automatically, even ings and Soviet housing projects. Wooden houses if they supported the independence, as both Latvi- and Art Nouveau are listed as cultural heritage ans and minorities fought for it. Nevertheless, Lat- and thus protected under the law. Soviet built via is on the way to an integrated society in which factories, most of which ceased production with historical differences are put aside, and majority the fall of the Union, have recently been regener- and minority representatives all feel at home and ated, such as the gypsum factory in Ķīpsala which equally respected, which is an on-going process was made into luxury apartments. Others found

39 Above: Kalnciema an alternative use, for example the VEF and To- quarter – restored bacco Factories were taken over by artists and are wooden architecture now used for theater, music, and other creative happenings. Most other relics of Soviet architec- Below: The Lipke ture still remain as they are, scattered in between Memorial, opened in beautiful old buildings, and are used for their origi- 2013, dedicated to Žanis nal purpose; some have been destroyed, others – Lipke who saved more regenerated (for example, Hotel “Latvija”). than 50 Jews during the WWII History is also constantly revisited and analysed through the arts, academia, and research. Re- cently there have been many successful initia- tives addressing complex historical topics through theatre (“Grandfather” and “Legionnaires”), film (“Dream Team 1935”), literature (historical ac- counts by journalist Atis Klimovičs and film critic Valentīna Freimane), as well as visual arts.

While for many countries their key historical The Latvian Institute promotes positive awareness about Latvia abroad, creat- events took place half a century ago, for Latvia ing a competitive identity for the state. The Institute works closely with local and some of the most crucial historical events were foreign dignitaries, diplomats, academics, students and international media in just two decades back, and as such they are still developing an understanding of Latvia, its people and branding. fresh in people’s memories and influence their ac- tions. In many ways, Latvia is still living its history, Photo credits: and dealing with its consequences every day. That Arnis Almanis, Erwin Biesenbach, INFOBALT-Archive, Bremen, Uldis Briedis, Sniedze Bugovecka / is why history is so important to Latvians in social collection of the Bauska Central Library, Mārtiņš Cīrulis / collection of the Kalnciema quarter, Gatis Dieziņš / LETA, Andris Eglītis, Gunārs Janaitis, Valts Kleins, Romans Kokšarovs / collection of the Latvian and political issues, and will remain an important Olympic Committee,Viesturs Masteiko, collection of the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, factor for years to come. collection of the Latvian National Library, collection of the Latvian National History Museum, collection of the The Latvian National Museum of Art, collection of the , Jānis Pipars, Rihards Puriņš, collection of the Latvian National Library, Ģirts Ragelis, Vilis Rīdzenieks / collection of the Latvian National Library, Vilis Rīdzenieks / collection of the State Archives of Latvia of Audiovisual Documents, Carl Schulz, collection of the Latvian National Library, Ansis Starks, Evija Trifanova / LETA, collection of Ullstein bild, Berlin, Juris Urtāns, Andrejs Zavadskis, collection of the State Archives of Latvia of Audiovisual Documents.

40 41 Latvia

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