Latvia was originally settled by Baltic tribes. The Baltic tribes had formed their own local governments by the 10th century. In the 11th century Germany began to have influence on the land. In 1201 it was the German Bishop Albert of Livonia who established the city of Riga, which is today the capital of Latvia. Germany mostly controlled the area of Latvia for the next 500 years.
In 1721 Russia took control over Latvia. It wasn't until the late 1800s and early 1900s until Latvia began to promote its own identity.
In 1721 Russia took control over Latvia. It wasn't until the late 1800s and early 1900s until Latvia began to promote its own identity.
In 1918 Latvia declared its independence.
The Freedom Monument is a memorial located in Rīga, Latvia, honouring soldiers killed during the Latvian War of Independence (1918–1920). It is considered an important symbol of the freedom, independence, and sovereignty of Latvia.
Unveiled in 1935, the 42-metre (138 ft) high monument, often serves as the focal point of public gatherings and official ceremonies in Riga.
Unveiled in 1935, the 42-metre (138 ft) high monument, often serves as the focal point of public gatherings and official ceremonies in Riga.
In 1921 Latvia became a member of the League of Nations.
During World War II, the Germans occupied parts of Latvia. Many Latvian Jews were killed by the Germans. It is thought that almost one third of the Latvian population was killed by Germans and the Russians during the war. After the war, Latvia was taken over by the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union changed Latvia dramatically, deporting native Latvians to other areas of the Soviet Union and immigrating Soviets into the country.
In 1991, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, Latvia became an independent country. In 2004 it joined the European Union.\
During World War II, the Germans occupied parts of Latvia. Many Latvian Jews were killed by the Germans. It is thought that almost one third of the Latvian population was killed by Germans and the Russians during the war. After the war, Latvia was taken over by the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union changed Latvia dramatically, deporting native Latvians to other areas of the Soviet Union and immigrating Soviets into the country.
In 1991, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, Latvia became an independent country. In 2004 it joined the European Union.\