From Tribe to Nation A Brief History of

1 2 Cover photo: Popular People of Latvia are very proud of their history. demonstration on It is a history of the birth and development of an 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 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 2 3 Incredible Historical Landmarks

Left: The 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 original Dainas archive on the 50th anniversary of the Molotov-Ribben- trop Pact which 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 poet- ry, usually consisting of four lines in quatrain form. 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 collected; they were first published between 1894 and 1915. 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 , hunting for deer after the Ice Age was over. As time passed, they became merchants who built remnants of Latgalian trade routes from north to south, and west to east, using the geographical advantage of the Gulf of Rīga (proto-Latvian) to access distant markets. settlements from Gradually the settlers and merchants formed the Baltic tribes, which became the Latvian people over many 9th-10 th century centuries. Instead of the history of Latvia, initially we can look at the history of the people in the territory known as Latvia today, and the gradual development of a national identity, subsequently a nation, and, eventually, a country.

Elsewhere in the world Finno-Ugric peoples, an- trade flourishes 5000BC 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 , 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 The Current Territory of Latvia in Ever Changing Europe

The map of Europe was ever-changing in the 8th- 18 th centuries as the importance and might of nations shifted. Empires emerged, collapsed and territories were invaded or fought over, deemed as useful and desirable, whether it be for location, natural resources, trade or other reasons. The ter- ritory of Latvia, located strategically between West- ern and Eastern Europe, was always part of these changes and power struggles.

Above: Rīga harbour Over the centuries the territory which is known to- on the Daugava river day as Latvia experienced the rule of the Crusad- in 1863 ers, and , Swedes, Russians, and . Each new ruler of the territory subju- Below: Rundāle – gated the local tribes, but also brought something a distinguished new to the area and influenced the development palace, designed by of culture and trade, and, by lesser or greater Bartolomeo Rastrelli form of oppression, sparked the formation of the for the Duke of idea of an independent Latvian nation.

6 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 , 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

Livonia is established in today’s territory of Latvia Russia attempts to con- and . Germans 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 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 , at the Terrible’s army, Dan- the Kingdom of , the apogee of the Duchy The written form of ish and Polish-Lithuanian who reduce German of Courland, under the Latvian is developed by forces, the Livonian Or- baron privileges. The Polish Lithuanian king, German priests, culmi- der surrenders. Territo- period becomes known founds colonies in Gam- nating in a translation of ries to the east of the as the “good Swedish bia in , and on the the Bible by Father Ernst Daugava come under times”. Eastern Latvia re- Caribbean island of To- Glück of the Alūksne Lu- Polish rule. mains under Polish rule. bago. theran parish. 1561-1583 1621 1651-1654 XVII c. 1685

Elsewhere in Europe 1700 - 1721 As a result of the Great During the First Partition The Northern War, Rīga sur- of , conducted between the Russian renders to Peter the by the , and Swedish Empires Great. Northern Latvia and Habsburg 1775 - 1783 comes under Russian Austria, eastern Latvia During the Third Parti- The American War of rule, and peasants be- (Latgale) becomes part tion of Poland the Duchy Independence against come serfs of their Ger- of the Russian province of Courland becomes a the man barons. of . Russian province. 1789 - 1799 1710 1772 1795 The

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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 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 . 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 . Latvian peasants gain personal Rīga Politechnical Insti- freedom but lose their The Rīga - 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 crowns him- A vast collection of oral self Emperor of 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

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The Path to Independence

Left: 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.

11

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, movement developed. The Democratic Bloc and 1918 the Latvian Provisional National Council were founded at the end of 1917. On November 17, Below: Rejoicing in 1918, both agreed to jointly form a provisional Latvian town , the Latvian People’s Council, which on November 23, 1919 resolved to found an independent and democrat- after defeating the army ic republic. On the following day, November 18, of Bermondt-Avalov, 1918, the independent Republic of Latvia was pro- a pro-German voluntary claimed at a ceremonious meeting at the National Russian army force 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.

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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 September 1917

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

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 (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

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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 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.

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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. 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 At the mass deportations, the 1939 Roosevelt, Churchill, and Holocaust and war have The helicopter is In the battle on Stalin decide post-war taken 500,000 lives in invented the Velikaya river both The Latvian SSR govern- arrangements in Eu- Latvia. 120,000 Latvians 1941 Latvian Legion divisions ment returns; Soviet rope, conceding to the stay in the West. Settlers The siege of Leningrad fight against troops take over Rīga. USSR control of Eastern from the USSR start ar- begins Soviet forces together The German Army re- Europe, but calling for riving due to large-scale 1945 for the first time. treats to Western Latvia. free elections. industrialization. is March 16, 1944 October 13,1944 February 4-11, 1945 May 1945 founded

21

Under Soviet Rule

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 . 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 campaign. sense of national identity. They were granted nationalized property previous- ly owned by deported or punished Latvian citizens.

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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 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!

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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 Bauska 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 varie- 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 ‘’.

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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

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Latvia Since Independence

Left: Blue baloons Latvia has come a long way since regaining inde- tive years; recent EU reports suggest this trend will on Europe Day, pendence in 1991. With the renewal of independ- continue at least until 2018. Latvia is also on its way Rīga, 2012 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-

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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 Ice Hockey World 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, 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 . 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

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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

35 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 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. That is why history is so important to Latvians in social and political is- sues, and will remain an important factor for years to come.

36 The Latvian Institute promotes positive awareness about Latvia abroad, creat- ing a competitive identity for the state. The Institute works closely with local and foreign dignitaries, diplomats, academics, students and international media in developing an understanding of Latvia, its people and branding.

Photo credits: cover – Gunārs Janaitis, page 3 – Vilis Rīdzenieks / collection of the Latvian National Library, Evija Trifanova / LETA, page 4 – Gunārs Janaitis, page 5 – Gatis Dieziņš / LETA, Vilis Rīdzenieks / collection of the State Archives of Latvia of Audiovisual Documents, page 6 – Juris Urtāns, page 8 – Carl Schulz, collection of the Latvian National Library, Rihards Puriņš, page 10 – collection of the Latvian National Library, page 12 – Viesturs Masteiko, page 13 – collection of the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, collection of the Latvian National Library, page 14 – Jānis Pipars, page 15 – Vilis Rīdzenieks / collection of the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, collection of the Latvian National History Museum, page 16 – Erwin Biesenbach, INFOBALT-Archive, Bremen, page 18 – collection of the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, page 20 – collection of the Latvian War Museum, page 22 – collection of ullstein bild, Berlin, page 24 – Andrejs Zavadskis, page 26 – collection of the State Archives of Latvia of Audiovisual Documents, page 28 – Sniedze Bugovecka / collection of the Bauska Central Library, page 29 – Gunārs Janaitis, page 30 – Uldis Briedis, page 32 – Evija Trifanova / LETA, page 34 – Romans Kokšarovs / collection of the Latvian Olympic Committee, page 36 – Ģirts Ragelis, page 38 – Mārtiņš Cīrulis / collection of the Kalnciema quarter, Ansis Starks.

37 Latvia

For further information please contact the Latvian Embassy or Consulate in your country, or the Latvian Institute: Pils iela 21, Rīga, LV 1050, Latvia. Phone: (+371) 6750-3663, Fax: (+371) 6750-3669 [email protected], www.latvia.eu www.facebook.com/IfYouLikeLatviaLatviaLikesYou https://twitter.com/LatviaInstitute

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