History of Latvia

History and the Medieval Period Prehistory: The earliest human settlements in Latvia date back to the Paleolithic period, around 10,000 BCE. The indigenous peoples of Latvia, including the Latgalians, Curonians, Selonians, and Semigallians, were part of the broader Baltic ethnolinguistic group.Medieval Period (12th–13th centuries): The region was inhabited by pagan tribes until the arrival of Christian missionaries in the 12th century. The crusades of the Livonian Order, a military order of German knights, began around 1202. The Order sought to convert the local populations to Christianity, and in the process, they established control over much of modern-day Latvia.The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and Swedish RulePolish and Lithuanian Influence (16th–17th centuries): In the 16th century, parts of Latvia became part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. However, this period was marked by wars and shifting alliances. In 1629, the area was divided between the Swedish Empire and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.Swedish Rule (17th century): Sweden controlled much of Latvia in the 17th century, which was a period of relative stability and development. The Swedish period also saw the establishment of Riga as a major port and trading hub.Russian Empire and the 19th CenturyRussian Empire (18th–19th centuries): Following the Great Northern War (1700–1721), Latvia came under the control of the Russian Empire. The region was divided into three parts: Courland, Livonia, and Latgalia. Under Russian rule, Latvia saw significant changes, including the expansion of serfdom and the introduction of Russian culture and language.National Awakening (19th century): In the 19th century, a sense of national identity began to develop. Latvian intellectuals and activists promoted the Latvian language and culture, leading to the rise of the national movement. The end of serfdom in 1817 and the growth of industrialization in the late 19th century helped pave the way for political change.Independence and Interwar PeriodIndependence (1918–1940): After World War I and the Russian Revolution, Latvia declared its independence on November 18, 1918. The Latvian War of Independence (1918–1920) resulted in Latvia successfully gaining recognition as an independent state by 1920. Latvia established a democratic republic, and during the interwar period, it experienced significant economic and cultural development.Occupation by the Soviet Union, Nazi Germany, and Soviet Union Again (1940–1945): In 1940, Latvia was occupied by the Soviet Union as part of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. The Soviets annexed Latvia, but in 1941, Nazi Germany invaded and occupied Latvia during World War II. After the war, Latvia was once again incorporated into the Soviet Union.Soviet Era and the Struggle for IndependenceSoviet Control (1945–1990): Under Soviet rule, Latvia experienced significant changes, including forced collectivization of agriculture, industrialization, and the suppression of Latvian culture and language. Many Latvians resisted Soviet rule through underground movements, but the USSR maintained control over Latvia.The Singing Revolution (1987–1990): In the late 1980s, as part of the broader wave of reforms in the Soviet Union (perestroika), Latvians began calling for greater autonomy. The movement was characterized by peaceful protests and mass singing events (the “Singing Revolution”). This culminated in the declaration of Latvia’s independence on August 21, 1991, following a failed coup in Moscow.Modern EraPost-Independence (1991–Present): Latvia officially regained its independence in 1991, and it has since undergone significant political, economic, and social transformation. Latvia became a member of the European Union (EU) and NATO in 2004. The country has also modernized its economy, becoming one of the more prosperous nations in the Baltic region.Throughout its history, Latvia has been influenced by various cultures and powers, including the Germans, Poles, Swedes, Russians, and others. Today, Latvia is a parliamentary republic with a rich cultural heritage, a thriving economy, and an important position in Europe