History of Latvia: a Brief Survey

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A twenty lat bill. The Latvian nationalcurrency was renewed in late 1992.The removal of the Russian Armed Forces (former USSR occupation forces) from the Latvianterritory was completed on 31 August 1994. The last remaining Russian military objectin Latvia and the Baltic countries, the Skrunda radar station (in western Latvia), ceasedoperations on 31 August 1998. On 21 October 1999, this final Russian military base in theBaltic States was handed over to the jurisdiction of Latvian authorities. A total of 850 formerSoviet military installations were destroyed in Latvia.With the renewal of independence, Latvia moved consistently towards two of its mostimportant foreign policy goals — membership in the European Union and NATO. Duringthe 1990s, many social, economic and judicial changes were implemented in Latvia in orderto prepare for admittance to these organisations. In close cooperation with the EuropeanUnion, a special programme for the integration of immigrants who came to Latvia duringthe Soviet period has been developed and is operating successfully. At the end of 1999 inHelsinki, the heads of the European Union countries invited Latvia to begin negotiationsregarding accession to the European Union.Latvia also worked towards the privatisation of businesses and real estate. A specialPrivatisation Agency was established in order to transfer the large state-owned enterprisesto private ownership.Destruction of the Russian radar facilityin Skrunda, 4 May 1995.46The end of the 20th century in Latvia was unique in the sense that Latvia became the firstcountry in Central and Eastern Europe to elect a woman as president. In the summer of 1999,professor of psychology Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga (born 1937) was elected President of Latvia(1999-2007) by the parliament.
Latvian peacekeepers in Iraq, 2005.In 2004 Latvia’s most important foreign policy goals — membership in the European Unionand NATO — were fulfilled. On 2 April, Latvia became a member of NATO and on 1 May,Latvia, together with other two Baltic States (Estonia and Lithuania), became a fully-fledgedmember of the European Union.Since restoration of Latvia’s independence, many pre-eminent world leaders have embarkedon official visits to Latvia. Due to its advantageous geographical location, Latvia has becomea centre for regional integration on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. The headquarters ofthe united land forces of the Baltic States, the Baltic battalion (BALTBAT), is also stationedhere. Latvia hosted many international events. The most major political event the countryhas ever staged was the NATO summit in Rīga in November 2006. By 2006, Latvia had thefastest growing economy in Europe, and along with Estonia and Lithuania,was looked upon as one of the success stories of a united Europe.Presidents George W. Bush (USA), VairaVīķe-Freiberga (Latvia) and Vladimir Putin(Russia) during the UN General Assemblyin New York, 14 September 2005.47
Page 6: In the AD 900s, the ancient Balts b
Page 10 and 11: 12th century-1914The Age ofGerman,
Page 12 and 13: Walter von Plettenberg (c.1450-1535
Page 14 and 15: Luther’s Small Catechism (Enchiri
Page 16 and 17: Rīga in 1612.However, during this
Page 18 and 19: Dome Cathedral in Rīga, 1780s.In 1
Page 20 and 21: Krišjānis Valdemārs (1825-1891),
Page 22 and 23: New political undercurrents penetra
Page 24 and 25: 1914-1939The Fight forIndependence
Page 26 and 27: German army in Rīga, autumn 1917.I
Page 28 and 29: Article on the front page of the La
Page 30 and 31: A scene from the film ‘Latvian We
Page 32 and 33: In the 1930s Latvia achieved one of
Page 34 and 35: 1939-1980sThe Loss of Independence,
Page 36 and 37: Occupation of Latvia by the Soviet
Page 38 and 39: The first 1000 Latvian men conscrip
Page 40 and 41: Propaganda poster of Stalin’stota
Page 42 and 43: Forced industrialisation — largei
Page 44 and 45: From the 1980sReinstatingIndependen
Page 46 and 47: On 23 August 1989, fifty years had
Page 50 and 51: Main Historical Events9000 BC Arriv
Page 52: The Latvian Institute promotes know

History of Latvia: a Brief Survey

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