From Tribe to Nation A Brief History of

1 Cover photo: Popular The is one which its people are demonstration on very proud of. It is a history of the birth and de- Dome square, 1989 velopment of an idea of an independent nation, and a consequent struggle to attain it, maintain it, Above: A Zeppelin and renew it. above Rīga in 1930 Despite its importance in Latvia, generally its histo- Below: Participants ry is not entirely unique – the changes which swept of the XXV Nationwide through the territory of Latvia over the last two Song and Dance dozen centuries were tied to the ever changing Celebration in 2013 map of , and the shifting balance of power. From the Viking conquests and German , to the recent World Wars, the territory of Latvia, strategically located on the between the Scandinavian region and , was very much part of these events, and shared their impact es- pecially closely with its Baltic neighbours.

What is unique, perhaps, and also attests to the importance that history holds in Latvia today, is how the growth and development of a nation, initially as a mere idea, even though Latvia did not gain until the first half of the 20th century, permeated all these events through the centuries.

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

1 3 Incredible Historical Landmarks

Left: The people of The – this was one of the most creative Latvia united in the non-violent protest activities in history. On August Baltic Way, 19:00 on 23, 1989, approximately two million people joined August 23, 1989 hands to form a spanning over 600 kilometers across the three – Esto- Above: Handwritten nia, Latvia, –all part of the at folksong entry from the the time. The Baltic Way was arranged on the 50th original Dainas archive anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact which led to the occupation of the Baltic States in 1940, Below: Latvian Army and aimed to draw global attention to the unlawful forces in Old Rīga during 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 Latvian troops November 1919 against 45 000 troops led by Bermondt, 20 Lat- vian cannons against Bermondt’s 100, 3 Latvian planes against Bermondt’s 100 – against all odds the Latvian Army, supported by the Estonian and armoured trains, succeeded in defending Rīga against the so called West Russian Volunteer Army in November 1919. The event, known as Lāčplēša Diena, is still commemorated today by lighting candles in house windows and on the bank of the river . Dainas – this is a traditional form of music or poet- ry, usually consisting of four lines in quatrain form. Dainas are specifically Latvian in their structure, thematic sentiments, and worldview. Dating back well over a thousand years, more than 1.2 million texts and 30,000 melodies have been identified and collected; 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, relatively recently, but prede- site with original and cessors of the Latvian people arrived in the territory long before then – as tribes and settlers who lived on reconstructed the banks of the river Daugava, then as merchants who built trade routes from north to south, and west to remnants of Latgalian east, or took advantage of the Gulf of Rīga to access other markets farther away. (proto-Latvian) settlements from Gradually the settlers and merchants formed the Baltic tribes, which over many centuries became the 9th-10 th century Latvian people. On the whole, in the beginning, instead of the history of Latvia, we can look at the history of the people in the territory known today as Latvia, and the gradual development of a national identity, subsequently a nation, and eventually, a country.

Elsewhere in the world Finno-Ugrian peoples, trade flourishes 5000BC ancestors of present- Baltic peoples, ancestors Early Livonian people in the region, and is sold at- day Finns and of present-day Lithuani- move to coastal areas as far away as Ancient tempts to expand arrive. ans and , arrive. around the Gulf of Rīga. Rome. eastwards, but is met ~ 3000 B.C. ~ 2000 B.C. ~ 1800 B.C. ~ 100 A.D. with resistance from Persia, starting 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 Crusades to Christianize the Baltics begin, led by German bishops. The The Current proto-Latvian , Semigalians, Selonians Rīga is founded near the Arrival of German mer- and , 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 Territory quests in the Baltic area. sionaries to the Baltics. invaders. and Daugava rivers. IX – XI c. Late XII c. 1198 1201

of Latvia in Ever is established in today’s territory of Latvia Russia attempts to con- and . Most Latvians join the quer the territory. The Li- Rīga becomes an im- become the ruling class, Lutheran church, with vonian army jointly with a Changing Europe portant trading post German knights become the exception of force of local conscripts and joins the Hanseatic landed barons and retain where Catholicism pre- staves off the forces of League. privileges until WW1. vails to this day. Tsar Ivan III. XIII c. 1282 XIII – XIV c. XVI c. 1501-1503

After incursions of Ivan Rīga is conquered by Duke , the The map of Europe was ever-changing in the 8th- the Terrible’s army, Dan- the Kingdom of , apogee of the Duchy The written form of Lat- 18 th centuries as the importance and might of na- ish and Polish-Lithuanian who reduce German of , under the vian is developed by Ger- tions shifted, empires were built, collapsed, built forces, the Livonian Or- baron privileges. The Polish Lithuanian king, man priests, culminating by others, and territories deemed useful or desir- der surrenders. Territo- period becomes known founds colonies in Gam- in a translation of the Bi- able, whether it be for location, natural resources, ries to the east of the as the “good Swedish bia in , and on the ble by Father Ernst Glik trade or other reasons, were invaded or fought Daugava come under times”. Eastern Latvia re- Caribbean island of To- of the Alūksne Lutheran over. The territory of Latvia, with its highly stra- Polish rule. mains under Polish rule. bago. parish. tegic location between the Scandinavian countries 1561-1583 1621 1651-1654 XVII c. 1685 and Russia, was very much a part of these chang- es and power struggles. Elsewhere in Europe 170 0 - 1721 As a result of the Great During the First Partition Over the centuries the territory which is today The Northern War, Rīga sur- of , conducted Above: Rīga harbour known as Latvia experienced the rule of the Cru- between the Russian renders to Peter the by the , on the Daugava river saders, and , Swedes, , and Swedish Empires Great. Northern Latvia and Habsburg in 1863 and Germans. Each new ruler of the territory sub- 1775 - 1783 comes under Russian Austria, eastern Latvia During the Third Parti- jugated the local tribes, but also brought some- The American War of rule, and peasants be- (Latgale) becomes part tion of Poland the Duchy Below: Rundāle – thing new to the area and influenced the devel- Independence against come serfs of their Ger- of the Russian province of Courland becomes a a distinguished opment of culture and trade, and, by lesser or the man barons. of . Russian province. palace, designed by greater form of oppression, sparked the forma- 1789 - 1799 1710 1772 1795 Bartolomeo Rastrelli tion of the idea of an independent Latvian nation. The

6 7 The First Signs of National Awakening

Left: Poster for the The 19th century brought with it the start of the development of a distinctly Latvian national identity. The first Latvian Song Celebration books were published in the , cities and towns in the territory grew in size and prominence. with a famous poem The abolishment of went hand in hand with the emergence of a Latvian working class, increase in “Nevis slinkojot un economic independence and migration to cities. The level of education also increased and resulted in the pūstot” by Juris Alunāns, formation of a cultural and political awareness. designed by H. Šics, Several crucial cultural and social developments took place and played a key role in the growth of a national 1873 identity – such as the first Nationwide Song and Dance Celebration, a tradition which continues to this day; publishing of the vast collection of Latvian folk songs (the Dainas) and of the first Latvian novels, signifying an important and symbolic accomplishment in the formation of the literary Latvian language. It is only natu- ral that simultaneously with these developments a national awakening began to grow.

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

9 The Path to Independence

Left: In the years before WW1 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 grass-roots democ- racy, and turned against both the Russian Tsar’s government and the landed German . And lastly, a political awakening began to form.

Burning of German countryside 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.

11 First World War

World War 1 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 Republic of At the same time a strong pro-independence Latvia on November 18, 1918 movement developed. At the end of 1917 both the Democratic Bloc and the Latvian Provisional

Below: Rejoicing in National Council were founded. On November 17, Latvian town 1918 both agreed to jointly form a provisional on November 23, 1919 parliament, the Latvian People’s Council, which after defeating the army resolved to found an independent and demo- of Bermondt-Avalov, cratic republic. On the following day, November a pro-German voluntary 18, 1918, the independent Republic of Latvia was Russian army force proclaimed at a ceremonious meeting at the Na- tional Theatre in Rīga. The lawyer Jānis Čakste was elected chairman of the Latvian People’s Council, and the agronomist Kārlis Ulmanis became head of the government. Consequently the Constitu- tional Assembly was founded, and began its work in drafting a constitution for the country.

Unfortunately it wasn’t until 1922 that a constitu- tion was adopted, as the long awaited independ- ence was threatened by the .

13 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 Provisional Govern- Army, instigate a kill- State colleges, theaters, ment, which finds ref- ing spree against com- National Opera and the uge on a boat guarded munists and suspected Germans are defeated Latvian Conservatory by Entente warships. sympathizers, and move by Estonian and Latvian of Music are founded. A parallel pro-German against Estonian and Lat- forces near Cēsis. The Later in the year the Uni- government is estab- vian forces in northern Latvian Provisional Gov- versity of Latvia opens its lished. Latvia. ernment returns to Rīga. doors. April 16, 1919 May 22, 1919 June 22-23, 1919 1919

An armistice with Soviet A peace treaty is signed Russia takes effect after with Soviet Russia, in the Latvian army, with The elected Constitu- which it recognizes Lat- Elsewhere in Europe aid from Polish troops, tional Assembly begins vian independence and June 28, 1914 liberates eastern Latvia work as a temporary without Latvian independence is Archduke Franz Ferdi- from Red Army forces. legislative body with the reservations, renounc- recognized by the Allied nant is assassinated in The Communist govern- main task of writing a ing any claims to Latvian Supreme Council, soon Sarajevo sparking WW2 ment is dissolved. Constitution. sovereignty. followed by other states. April 24, 1915 February 1, 1920 May 1, 1920 August 11, 1920 January 26, 1921 Start of the Armenian Genocide by the The Constitutional As- June 4, 1917 sembly adopts the Con- The first ever Pulitzer Latvia joins the League stitution of the Republic Prizes are awarded of Nations. of Latvia. in four categories September 22, 1921 February 22, 1922 in New York

15 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 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 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 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

17 Second World War and Loss of Independence

Left: Soviet tanks On the brink of World War 2 the Soviet Union the front, Latvian against Latvian. Most were killed. in the centre of Rīga, and Germany signed a treaty of non-aggression, Latvia’s population perished not only on the battle- June 17, 1940 known as the ‘Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact’, which field; special Nazi campaigns exterminated 70 000 contained a secret protocol dividing Eastern Eu- , 18 000 Latvians and 2 000 Roma. Another rope into spheres of influence, envisioning the Bal- 150,000 fled to a life in exile. Additionally, Latvia tic countries for the Soviets and Poland for Ger- became the death ground for tens of thousands many. The consequent German invasion of Poland of Jews brought in from other countries. triggered 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 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 thou- ily members and friends, to save more than 50 sands of Red Army forces were stationed in Latvia. Jews – a memorial in his name has recently been Soon after Soviet press in Russia began to voice opened. He was not the only one, there were nu- regular accusations against the Baltic countries merous people who risked their lives to save, hide, regarding alleged activities against Moscow, and feed or simply keep quiet about the whereabouts in June 1940 Moscow issued a memorandum de- of Jews, though it is difficult to know exactly how manding the formation of a new government and many. Over 25 people were helping Žanis Lipke the stationing of additional Soviet military units. In alone; many others saved numerous Jews; around an 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 governments to restore a For the majority of the war Latvia was occupied by sovereign and democratic Latvian state, and pub- . Tragically, Latvian soldiers, forced lished the unlawful publication “Brīvā Latvija” (Free to pick between two evils, fought on both sides of Latvia).

19 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: WW2 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 Min- Elsewhere in Europe Jews, also involving Lat- tional Resistance Com- ister W. Churchill, and WW2 has taken a total vian proxies. Almost 75% mittee, called the Cen- Soviet leader J. Stalin of 50-80 million lives, perish in the Holocaust. issues a tral Latvian Council, is meet in Teheran. Stalin including about 6 million Others executed include standing order to form formed underground. negotiates the right to Jews, making it the communists, Roma, and a voluntary Latvian SS Konstantīns Čakste be- freely operate in Eastern deadliest war in history the mentally ill. Legion. comes its chairman. Europe 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. 3 occupations, by Walt Disney A 2nd division of the At the mass deportations, the 1939 Latvian SS Legion is Roosevelt, Churchill, and Holocaust and war have The helicopter is formed. In the battle on The Latvian SSR govern- Stalin decide post-war taken 500,000 lives in invented the Velikaya river both ment returns; troops arrangements in Eu- Latvia. 120,000 Latvians 1941 divisions fight against take over Rīga. The rope, conceding to the stay in the West. Settlers The siege of Leningrad Soviet forces. March 16 North Group of the Ger- USSR control of Eastern from the USSR start ar- begins becomes the Legion’s man Army retreats to Europe, but calling for riving due to large-scale 1945 Memorial Day in Latvia. western Latvia. free elections. industrialization. is March 1944 October 13,1944 February 4-11, 1945 May 1945 founded

21 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 , 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 . The independence movement persevered. The Rural areas were forced into collectivisation, in cit- national partisans, 20 000 in total, continued to ies people had to live in communal flats – several actively resist Soviet rule long after the war ended, families per flat. Private property was national- mainly residing in Latvia’s forests, until they were ized, culture was unified, and religion banned; eliminated by Soviet armed forces. Other forms all printed and distributed material, including, for of resistance persisted, mainly through culture, example, music, as well as broadcast media, was which was crucial in helping people maintain a controlled. As Latvia had well-developed infra- sense of national identity. structure and educated specialists, Moscow based some of the most advanced manufacturing facili- ties in Latvia and Soviet workers from all over the union flooded into the country.

23 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 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 eager 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 makes “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 riverbank Forbidden “samizdat” (self published) books were printed underground. promenade, Tuning into Radio Free Europe, BBC, or the Voice of America, despite Soviet efforts to disturb the wave- 1 May, 1974 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!

25 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: Soviet troops restroika, restructuring the political and economic leaving Latvia, 1990 system. These reforms, unintentionally, rocked the entire union as people took advantage of the Below: A senior person changes, and ultimately led to the fall of the Soviet reading a copy of the Union. Law on the Status of the Republic of Latvia, Pro–independence organizations strengthened; 1990 protests started breaking out against a wide vari- ety of issues. A nationwide movement, the Popu- lar Front, was founded in Latvia on October 8. For the first time, parties aside from the Communist party were allowed to stand for election, and were elected. This enabled the new of Latvia to pass a renewal of independence 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 in- dependence by August 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 ‘’.

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

29 Latvia Since Independence

Left: Blue baloons Latvia has come a long way since regaining inde- later, in 2014, Latvia joined the Euro zone. Latvia’s on Europe Day, pendence in 1991. With the renewal of independ- name has also been brought out into the world Rīga, 2012 ence, Latvia moved consistently towards two of its with hosting high level events such as a NATO most important foreign policy goals – member- summit, the World Hockey Championship and ship of the and NATO. During the the Eurovision song contest; Latvian athletes have 1990s, all the necessary government bodies were won significant prizes in sports ranging from BMX set up, many social, economic and judicial chang- cycling to ice hockey, Latvian opera singers and es were implemented, the process of privatisation conductors take leading roles in the world’s most of businesses and real estate was implemented prestigious opera houses and concert halls. in order to transfer the large state-owned enter- prises to private ownership, and enable individuals This has been a time of rebirth not only for the to regain properties taken away from their ances- country, but for its nation, culture and self-aware- tors, as well as to obtain the properties they were ness as well. It has been a time for the Latvian peo- living in. On the whole, an impressive number of ple to form their identity, to remember traditions changes had to be planned, implemented and ex- long forgotten and to be proud of who they are. perienced on the road to solidifying independence Over three decades later Latvia is engraved on the and building a free and democratic republic. map of Europe, with a wide and ever developing network of international ties, and diplomatic rela- After a short yet demanding negotiation and ac- tionships, a growing economy and a strong posi- cession period Latvia became a Member State of tion within the European Union. the European Union and NATO in 2004. Ten years

31 After full restitution of the constitution the Saeima elects the first state President since the restoration of in- dependence – Guntis An agreement is Ulmanis, who stays in of- reached with Yeltsin’s fice for two consecutive Russia and armed forces At the World Ice Hockey terms. He is followed of the Russian Federa- Championship held in St. by: Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga tion leave Latvia. For the Petersburg, the Latvian (1999–2007), Valdis Zat- first time since 1939 national ice hockey team Rīga celebrates 800 lers (2007–2011), Andris there are no foreign defeats the team of the Eurovision song contest years since its founding. Bērziņš (2011 – current). 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 Latvia Youth choir Kamēr… jointly with peace-keep- becomes a Member wins first place in its cat- Ice Hockey Champion- ers from several other Latvia becomes a mem- State of the European egory at the World Choir ship takes place in Rīga. NATO countries. ber of NATO. Union. games in . May 2006 2003 March 29, 2004 May 4, 2004 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 2nd official fending champion M. Russian Prime Minister disband the 10th Saeima. language status is held; Štrombergs wins Olym- Mikhail Fradkov sign a The referendum sup- the proposal is rejected, pic gold in BMX cycling, border treaty between ports the Presidential ini- but highlights historical and beach volleyball duo Latvia and Russia, al- tiative, and extraordinary tensions and a need for Pļaviņš and Šmēdiņš NATO summit takes lowing Latvia to join the elections are held soon better integration poli- bring back bronze med- place in Rīga. Schengen treaty. after. cies. 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 94th ture can be the inspira- sues about treatment of anniversary of its inde- The Euro is introduced in tion and the instrument Latvia holds presidency Paralympic athletes. pendence. Latvia. for change. of the European Union. September 2012 November 18, 2012 January 2014 2014 2015

33 History – an Ever Present Force

Left: “Legionnaires” – History is present and influences the development The historical reasons which caused such a great an award-winning of Latvia every day. Coming to terms with and influx of people from other parts of the Soviet Un- theater performance dealing with the consequences of the past, espe- ion have created certain challenges for language (dir. Valters Sīlis), cially such a turbulent one; is an on-going process, policies and the development of a well-knit soci- addressing the one that is naturally still taking place. ety in Latvia. In comparison to our sister states, dispute between Estonia and Lithuania, where the society was less Sweden and the Soviet When the independence of Latvia was restored in affected by demographic changes, in Latvia addi- Union on extraditing 1991, the decision was made to affirm the conti- tional efforts have been necessary to ensure that Latvian soldiers who are nuity of Latvia’s original body of citizens. Thus, in- all inhabitants have a good command of the Lat- to be tried for – often dividuals who were citizens of Latvia prior to Soviet vian language, enabling them to enjoy higher edu- forced – cooperation occupation were once again recognized as such, cation and employment, as well as ensuring that with the Nazi army whereas those who migrated to Latvia during the all inhabitants of Latvia feel at home, regardless of Soviet years were given an opportunity to apply their mother tongue. for citizenship through a naturalization process, or classified as “non-citizens”. They hold limited Latvia has retained a very generous education political rights, namely: the right to elect and be system from the – the state fi- elected. However, the naturalisation process has nances educational programmes in eight minority not been as quick and overwhelming as expected languages, though teaching is also conducted in or even feared. One of the explanations of this is Latvian, thus ensuring that graduates of minority the fact that people do not experience debilitat- schools hold language proficiency in numerous ing constraints in economic, social and educational languages. rights and therefore chose not to undertake the bureaucratic procedures. Another is that by re- History is also evidently present in architecture. quiring people to apply for citizenship instead of Relics of various eras can be seen around towns awarding it automatically, a significant section of and cities in Latvia – from castles and manors of society was alienated, especially as both Latvians the 16th century, to baroque, Art Nouveau, wooden and minorities fought for Latvian independence. architecture of the 19th century, modernist build- Either way, in Latvia the way to an integrated so- ings and Soviet housing projects. Wooden houses ciety in which historical differences are put aside, and Art Nouveau are classified as cultural heritage and majority and minority representatives all feel and thus protected under the law, though one can at home and equally respected, is an on-going see several falling apart Art Nouveau treasures process. and abandoned or burned down wooden houses

35 Above: Kalnciema in Rīga – a conflict between historical importance quarter – restored and current need exists for some, as regenera- wooden architecture tion of such old buildings is expensive. Soviet built factories, most of which ceased production at the Below: The Lipke fall of the Union, have recently been regenerated, Memorial, opened in such as the gypsum factory in Ķīpsala which was 2013, dedicated to Žanis made into luxury apartments, or found an alterna- Lipke who saved more tive use for, for example the VEF and Tobacco Fac- than 50 Jews during tories were taken over by artists and are now used the WW2 for theater, music, and other creative happenings. Most other relics of Soviet architecture still remain as they are, scattered in between beautiful old buildings, and are used for their original purpose; some have been destroyed, others – regenerated (for example, Hotel “Latvija”).

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 events took place half a century ago, for Latvia some of the most crucial historical events were just two decades back, and as such they are still ripe in people’s memories and actions. In many ways Latvia is still living its history, and dealing with its consequences every day. The historical after- math is still very much felt in social and political issues, and their resolution is an on-going process.

36 Latvia

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