Latvia, situated on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, boasts a rich and complex history shaped by various cultures and empires. The land that is now Latvia has been inhabited since around 9000 BC, with the arrival of ancient Baltic peoples around 2000 BC marking a significant milestone in its prehistoric era. By the end of the first millennium AD, distinct tribal realms had emerged. Throughout the medieval period, the region saw significant German influence following the Livonian Crusade and the establishment of Riga in 1201. As a key member of the Hanseatic League, Riga flourished as a major trading hub. The early modern period was marked by frequent territorial conflicts among the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Sweden, and Russia, culminating in Russian dominance by the early 18th century. Latvia’s path through the Russian Empire era involved both cultural resurgence and socio-economic challenges, eventually leading to a strong national awakening and the fight for independence in the early 20th century.
Chronological history of Latvia
Prehistoric and Ancient Periods
- 9000 BC: Human settlement begins in Latvia after the last glacial period.
- 2000 BC: Arrival of the Baltic peoples.
- 1st Millennium AD: Formation of distinct tribal realms (Couronians, Latgalians, Selonians, and Semigallians).
Medieval Period
- 12th Century: German merchants and missionaries begin to arrive.
- 1201: Foundation of Riga by Bishop Albert of Buxhoeveden.
- 13th Century: The Livonian Crusade leads to the Christianization and subjugation of local tribes by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword.
- 1282: Riga joins the Hanseatic League, becoming an important trading centre.
Early Modern Period
- 1561: Livonia is partitioned; Courland becomes a duchy under Polish-Lithuanian suzerainty.
- 1621: Swedish king Gustavus Adolphus captures Riga.
- 1721: The Treaty of Nystad ends the Great Northern War, ceding Vidzeme (northern Latvia) to Russia.
Russian Empire Period
- 1772: Latgale is annexed by Russia during the First Partition of Poland.
- 1795: Courland is incorporated into the Russian Empire.
- 1817-1819: Emancipation of serfs in Courland and Vidzeme.
- 1861: Full emancipation of serfs across the Russian Empire.
- Late 19th Century: The First Latvian National Awakening promotes Latvian culture and national identity.
20th Century
- 1905: Revolution with significant uprisings in Latvia against German landowners and Russian rule.
- 1918: Latvia declares independence on November 18.
- 1919-1920: Latvian War of Independence against German and Soviet forces.
- 1922: Adoption of the Latvian constitution.
- 1934: Kārlis Ulmanis stages a coup, establishing an authoritarian regime.
- 1940: Soviet Union occupies Latvia following the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.
- 1941-1944: Nazi Germany occupies Latvia during World War II.
- 1944: Soviet reoccupation of Latvia.
- 1953-1980s: Soviet-era repression and Russification policies.
- 1987: Demonstrations begin against Soviet rule.
- 1990: Declaration on the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia.
- 1991: Full independence was restored following the collapse of the Soviet Union; Latvia joined the United Nations.
Modern Period
- 2004: Latvia joins NATO and the European Union.
- 2014: Latvia joins the Eurozone.
- 2020s: Continued development and integration within European and global frameworks.
Latvia’s 20th-century history is characterized by a turbulent struggle for sovereignty. After declaring independence in 1918 and securing it through a war of independence, Latvia experienced a brief period of democratic development before succumbing to authoritarian rule in 1934. The subsequent decades were marred by occupations—first by the Soviet Union, then Nazi Germany during World War II, and again by the Soviets, leading to widespread repression and efforts at Russification. The late 20th century saw a resurgence of Latvian nationalism, culminating in the restoration of independence in 1991 as the Soviet Union collapsed. Since then, Latvia has actively integrated into European and global institutions, joining NATO and the EU in 2004, and adopting the euro in 2014. This journey reflects Latvia’s resilience and strategic adaptation, establishing it as a significant member of the international community.
