Latvia (Latvija), Republic of Latvia (Latvijas Republika) is a state in Eastern Europe located on the shore Baltic Sea. It has land borders with Lithuania in the south, Estonia in the north, Russia in the east, and Belarus in the southeast. The area of Latvia is about 64.6 thousand square kilometers, the population is 2.3 million people. The capital is Riga, the monetary unit is Latvian, the state language is Latvian.
The climate of Latvia is capricious and changeable. In the last century, perhaps this was the case: the calm of the sun was abruptly replaced by gusty rain and just as quickly returned. Now the weather has become more stable and predictable. At the same time, both cold summers began to disappear from Latvia (temperatures in the forties, champignons in the center of Riga and palm-sized snails no longer surprise anyone) and cold snowy winters, and they were replaced by echoes of the famous European hurricanes.
Latvians do not like Russians. This statement is only partly true. Simple people, not concerned about the nationalistic sentiments being sown in the country by a number of politicians, treat Russians not only loyally, but also favorably.
In Latvia they speak only Latvian. Not true. In Latvia they speak and understand Russian perfectly. Suffice it to say that one of the conditions for employment is knowledge of not only the state (Latvian) language, but also Russian. The only exception is the few representatives of the generation educated in the 90s of the last century, when the country was at the peak of the revival of its independence and linguistic culture.
Latvians are cultured, neat and calm people. This is partly true. Indigenous people is distinguished by a certain Baltic tranquility and external culture behavior. As for the internal culture, here, like the notorious British tourists who use the center of Riga as a public toilet, everything is exactly the same as with ordinary Russian people - when you hit your finger with a hammer, no one will politely say “ah-yay- yay." One can also argue about neatness: for example, dirt and debris are a standard occurrence after holidays and regular weekends. The latter, by the way, is not always removed on time, as a result of which the immediate surroundings are saturated with a rather specific aroma.
Most Latvian citizens work in Ireland. They work the same as in England, but by no means the majority. According to official data - 20 thousand, according to unofficial data - a little more. The real number of Latvian representatives in the above-mentioned European country is usually judged by the score Ireland gives to Latvia on the popular music competition Eurovision is the highest.
The widest waterfall in Europe is located in Latvia. It is also the highest waterfall in Latvia itself - the water falls down from more than four meters. Located in a small town in Kurzeme - Kuldiga.
Grapes do not grow in Latvia. Oddly enough, it grows and is even listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the northernmost grape in the world.
Jurmala is a resort of the former All-Union, now European scale. More like a resort-memory. Ordinary sand beach, poorly developed tourist infrastructure, banal lack of toilets. The sea, of course, is pleasant - you catch small fish near the shore with your hands, the air is intoxicating with freshness and cleanliness, during the “new wave” period you can attend various concerts, but all this is very far from a true Resort. Even the local “Arbat” - the famous Dzintari street, although it is replete with numerous cafes and shops, does not improve the overall impression.
Amber can be found in Latvia. Just not in the Gulf of Riga (Jurmala beaches area). To search for amber, it is best to go beyond its borders, to the shores of the true Baltic Sea. You should plan your search for the period after the storm and not be too upset if the amber is still not found - there is too little of it left.
History of Latvia in the period before the creation of an independent state
Until the end of the 12th century, the territory of present-day Latvia was mainly inhabited by tribes of the ancient Balts: Curonians, Selamis, Semigallians, who did not yet have their own statehood, were mainly engaged in agriculture and they were pagans.
Under the rule of German knights (13th – 16th centuries)
At the end of the 12th - beginning of the 13th centuries, German crusaders captured these lands and, on the territory of present-day Latvia and Estonia, formed a confederation of feudal states - Livonia.
In 1201, at the mouth of the Daugava River, German crusaders founded the city of Riga. In 1282, Riga, and later Cesis, Limbazi, Koknes and Valmiera were accepted into the union of North German trading cities - the “Hansean League”, which contributed to the rapid development of this region. Riga becomes an important trading point between the West and the East.
Under Polish and Swedish rule (16th – 17th centuries)
In 1522, the Reformation movement, which by that time had swept all of Europe, also penetrated into Livonia. As a result of the Reformation, the Lutheran faith strengthened in the territories of Kurzeme, Zemgale and Vidzeme, and the dominance of the Roman Catholic Church remained in Latgale. Religious ferment undermined the foundations of Livonian statehood. In 1558
Russia, the Principality of Poland-Lithuania and Sweden began a war for possession of these territories, which ended in 1583 with the division of Livonia between the Principality of Poland-Lithuania and Sweden. The territory of modern Latvia went to Poland. The dispute between Poles and Swedes does not end there. During new war(1600-1629), Vidzeme, as well as Riga, came under Swedish rule.
In the 17th century, the Duchy of Kurzme (a vassal of the Principality of Poland-Lithuania) experienced an economic boom and even captured overseas colonies: in Gambia (Africa) and the island of Tobago in the Caribbean (see more about this in the article “Maza of the Conquest of Duke Jacob”).
In turn, Riga becomes largest city Sweden, and Vidzeme is called the “grain granary of Sweden”, as it supplies grain to most of the Kingdom of Sweden.
In the 17th century, the consolidation of individual peoples (Latgalians, Selovians, Semigallians, Curonians and Livs) gradually took place into a single Latvian people speaking the same language. The first books in the Latvian language (prayer books) appeared in the middle of the 16th century, but then the Gothic font was used, not the modern one.
Included Russian Empire(1710 – 1917)
During Northern War(1700 –1721) Russia and Sweden, Peter I, in 1710, approached Riga, and, after 8 months of siege, took it. The territory of Vidzeme came under Russian control. In 1772, as a result of the division of Poland, the territory of Latgale passed to Russia, and in 1795, after the third partition of Poland, the territory of the Duchy of Kurzeme also passed to Russia.
Despite joining the Empire, the laws on these lands were often very different from those “internal Russian”. Thus, Russia retained the privileges of the German barons, who owned large estates, and who, in essence, continued to remain main power in places. The barons were allowed to meet in the Landtags and propose various bills. Already in 1817-1819, in most of the territory of present-day Latvia, it was abolished serfdom. Only in 1887 was legislation introduced the teaching of the Russian language in all schools. During Russian rule The Pale of Settlement ran through the territory of eastern Latvia - Latgale - here on the outskirts of the empire Old Believers and Jews were allowed to settle. To this day, a strong Old Believer community has remained in Latvia, but the Jewish population, which constituted almost the majority of urban residents in these lands, was almost completely destroyed during the German occupation of 1941-1944.
At the end of the 18th century, industry began to develop rapidly and population growth increased. The territory of present-day Latvia has become the most developed province of Russia. At the end of the 18th century. Riga became the second, after St. Petersburg, port in the Empire, the third, after Moscow and St. Petersburg, an industrial center.
From the end of the 19th century, the rise of national identity, the beginnings appear national movement. It experienced a special rise during the first Russian Revolution of 1905-07. After the fall of the monarchy, in February 1917, Latvian representatives in Russian Duma come out with demands for autonomy for Latvia.
History of Latvia in the 20th century century
First Republic (1920-1940)
At the end of 1918, most of Latvia, including Riga, was captured by the German army during the First World War. However, Germany, which lost the war, could not retain these lands, while at the same time the victorious countries were not interested in them going over to Soviet Russia. Established international situation gave Latvia a chance to gain its own statehood. The authorities of the Republic of Latvia begin to form, which proclaim the independence of Latvia on November 18, 1918.
First they act as allies of Germany against the Red Army, then they act against Germany itself, and finally they conquer the territory of Latgale from Soviet Russia. In February 1920, Russia signed a truce with Latvia, thereby recognizing its independence. At the Conference of the Great Powers in Paris on January 26, 1921, the independence of Latvia was recognized de jure unconditionally. At the same time, other “fragments” of the Russian Empire gained independence - Poland, Lithuania, Estonia and Finland.
Over the 20 years of independence, Latvia has managed to build an independent state and achieve certain economic successes. Initially a democratic parliamentary republic, it became an authoritarian state in 1934, when, as a result of a coup, K. Ulmanis seized absolute power. However, Ulmanis does not resort to widespread repression and, in general, acts as a “guarantor of stability.” The times of Ulmanis remain in the memory of many Latvians as a symbol of economic and cultural prosperity; at this time the standard of living in Latvia was one of the highest in Europe.
Loss of independence (1940)
On September 1, 1939, the Second World War- Germany attacked Poland. On September 17, Soviet troops entered Poland from the east, Poland was divided between Germany and the USSR. October 2 - The USSR demanded that Latvia, within three days, transfer military ports, airfields and other military infrastructure for the needs of the Red Army. At the same time, similar demands were put forward in relation to Lithuania and Estonia, as well as Finland (additionally demands were put forward for the exchange of territory). At the same time, the Soviet leadership assured that we were not talking about interference in the internal affairs of these countries, but only about preventive measures so that their territory was not used as a springboard against the USSR.
The three Baltic countries, including Latvia, agreed to fulfill the requirements. On October 5, a mutual assistance pact was signed between Latvia and the USSR. A military contingent was introduced into the territory of the country, comparable, and even exceeding the size and power of the Latvian National Army. Finland refused to fulfill the conditions set, and on November 30 the USSR began military operations against it.
However, Latvia existed as an independent state for almost another year. The denouement came in 1940. In June 1940, Germany defeated France, and almost all of continental Europe came under its control. The Baltic countries remained the last undivided territory of Europe, besides the Balkans.
On June 16, the USSR presented Latvia (previously Lithuania, and three days later Estonia) with a new ultimatum, the main demand of which was the resignation of the “Government Hostile to the Soviet Union” and the formation of a new government, under the supervision of representatives of the USSR.
President K. Ulmanis accepted all points of the ultimatum and appealed to his people to remain calm, which ended famous phrase“stay where you are, and I’ll stay where I am.” On June 17, new units of Soviet military units entered Latvia without encountering any resistance. Already on June 21, a new government friendly to the USSR was formed, and on July 14-15, “national elections” were held in all three Baltic countries, which ended in a “convincing victory for the communists.” The newly elected supreme councils simultaneously turned to the Supreme Council of the USSR with a request to include Latvia (along with Estonia and Lithuania) into the USSR, which happened on August 5.
Soviet power in Latvia began to be established using proven technology. In order to “bring the bourgeois Baltics” up to the standards of the Stalinist USSR, “counter-revolutionary” elements were eradicated here at an accelerated pace, property nationalization and collectivization were carried out. A week before the start of the war, on June 14, the first mass deportation was organized - about 15 thousand people were sent to Siberia. During the year from June 1940 to June 1941, a lot was “managed”, and therefore many local residents hailed the German army as liberators from communist terror.
Latvia during the war (1941-1945)
On June 22, 1941, Germany attacked the USSR. The territory of Latvia came under German control within a week and a half and remained under it entirely until July 1944. During this time, up to 90 thousand people were killed in Latvia. Since July 1941, voluntary police detachments began to form in Latvia, some of which participated in the extermination of the Jewish population. Thus, the SD auxiliary unit, under the command of V. Aray, destroyed 30 thousand Jews.
In February 1943, by order of Hitler, the Latvian SS Legion began to form. Initially it was formed on a voluntary basis, but soon a general mobilization was carried out. In total, 94,000 people were conscripted into the legion.
In July-August 1944, the Red Army, which also included the Latvian corps, liberated almost the entire territory of Latvia from the Germans, with the exception of the so-called “Kurzeme Pocket”. The Kurzeme pocket - most of western Latvia - Kurzeme, with the ports of Ventspils and Liepaja, remained under German control until May 1945, and the units that defended it, including the Latvian Legion, laid down their arms only after the fall of Berlin and the complete surrender of Germany. The retention of the Kurzeme pocket allowed 130 thousand residents of Latvia to cross by boat to neighboring countries.
At the Yalta Conference in January 1945, the borders of the USSR were fixed as of June 1941. Thus, the great powers recognized the inclusion of the Baltic states into the USSR.
Latvia as part of the USSR (1944-1991)
After the war, the Sovietization of Latvia continued. In March 1949, another mass deportation of the population to the northern regions of the USSR was carried out. Despite this, small groups of partisans - “forest brothers” - operated on the territory of Latvia even before 1956.
In the 60s - 80s, Latvia developed as part of the USSR, being a kind of exemplary Soviet republic. Well-known enterprises operate here - VEF, Radiotekhnika, RAF, Laima, and others. Thanks to their merits in the construction of socialism, many party leaders of Soviet Latvia were promoted to leadership positions in Moscow, among them member of the Politburo of the CPSU Central Committee A.Ya. Pelshe, head of the KGB Pugo B.K. and etc.
During its stay in the USSR, many people from other republics came to work in Latvia Soviet Union- the share of the Latvian population decreased from 75% in 1935 to approximately 53% in the 70s.
Restoring independence
Perestroika, launched by M. Gorbachev in 1987, gave rise to various political movements. The first congress of the Popular Front took place in Latvia in October 1988. The Popular Front, both in Latvia and in the rest of the USSR, was perceived not as a nationalist, but primarily as a democratic, anti-totalitarian movement, and therefore representatives of the Russian population actively participated in its activities, and was actively supported by Russian democrats. The Popular Front program stated that in an independent Latvian state, citizenship would be granted to all its residents (the so-called “zero option”).
On August 24, 1991, after the failure of the putsch, Russian President B. Yeltsin signed a decree recognizing the independence of the three Baltic republics. Unfortunately, when the leaders of the Popular Front came to power and Latvia regained its independence, the situation began to change dramatically. A citizenship law was passed, stipulating that only citizens of Latvia in June 1940 and their direct descendants could count on automatic citizenship in the new Latvia. Recent comrades-in-arms in the fight against totalitarianism have come to be seen as the fifth column of Moscow, who still have to prove their trustworthiness by going through the naturalization procedure. The refusal of promises (which many NFL leaders considered just a “tactical maneuver”) became one of the reasons for the split of the country’s population into two communities.
Modern Latvia (since Aug. 1991)
In the years following the restoration of independence, Latvia has carried out serious economic reforms, introduced its own currency (lats) in 1993, carried out privatization and returned property to the previous owners (restitution). The economy is growing steadily at 5-7% per year.
A course was also taken to escape the influence of Russia and integrate with European structures. In February 1993, Latvia introduced a visa regime with Russia, and in 1995 the last parts Russian army left the country. Since 2004, Latvia has been a member of NATO and the European Union.
Useful information for tourists about Latvia, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Latvia, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions in Latvia.
Geography of Latvia
A state in northeastern Europe, on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. It borders with Estonia, Russia, Belarus and Lithuania. Washed by the Baltic Sea.
Most of the country is occupied by plains and lowlands, there are low hills - the Vidzeme Upland (the most high point- Gaizinkalns, 311 m.). There are many lakes and rivers here.
State
State structure
Parliamentary republic. The head of state is the president. The head of government is the prime minister. Parliament is a unicameral Sejm.
Language
Official language: Latvian
English, German and Swedish are widely used in the tourism sector. In everyday life, Russian is almost universally understood.
Religion
The majority of the population is Protestant (Lutheran) and Catholic, and there is also a Russian Orthodox minority.
Currency
International name: EUR
From 1993 to 2013, Latvian lats was used on the territory of Latvia. The transition to the euro took place on January 1, 2014.
Popular attractions
Tourism in Latvia
Where to stay
Latvia boasts a good hotel base and developed infrastructure. Here you can find hotels belonging to well-known global chains, as well as budget hotels and hostels. The gradation of hotels occurs according to the generally accepted world system. By staying in a 4-star hotel in Riga, you will receive the full range of services offered in a hotel of this level. At the same time, three-star hotels sometimes offer a level of service corresponding to 4 stars in Europe.
It is worth noting that hotels are classified on a voluntary basis. Guest houses and motels also have their own classification (from one to four stars). No less popular in Latvia is accommodation in campsites or hostels, which can also have from one to three stars.
Service in all hotels is provided at high level, since tourism is one of the main sources of income in the country. In addition, you can now find Russian-speaking staff in many hotels. In 5* and 4* hotels, guests can use the services of a good restaurant, bar, visit a spa center, swimming pool or sauna.
In big cities you can easily find budget hotels or hostels. Here you will be offered a clean and comfortable room, a toilet and shower in the room or on the floor (you need to check in advance), as well as breakfast.
It is worth noting that in the resort town of Jurmala, despite its popularity, the hotel base is somewhat outdated - these are mainly sanatorium buildings from Soviet times. Therefore, accommodation in the private sector is popular here. The cost of living will depend on the level of the apartment, as well as the distance from the sea.
Popular in Lately Spa hotels have become popular in Latvia, where, in addition to standard services, wellness programs and specialist consultations are offered.
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Popular hotels
Excursions and attractions in Latvia
Elegant Latvia – a state in Northern Europe on the coast of the Baltic Sea. In the vastness of this beautiful country you will find many historical, cultural and natural attractions. Latvia is home to magnificent cathedrals and ancient castles, sea and balneological resorts, amazing natural landscapes, national traditions and a special, almost magical atmosphere.
Perhaps the main attraction of Latvia is its capital – Riga. It is the largest city in the country, as well as its cultural and economic center. Its historical part is of particular interest. The streets of Old Riga are paved with cobblestones and the unique atmosphere of a medieval city reigns here. The main attractions of the city and its symbols are the famous Dome Cathedral and St. Peter's Church. Among Riga's churches, it is also worth highlighting the Cathedral of St. James, the Church of St. John, the Church of the Holy Trinity, the Church of Mary Magdalene, the Nativity of Christ Cathedral, Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, Anglican Church, Riga Synagogue and Old Church of St. Gertrude. Important sights of Riga include the Riga Castle, the House of the Blackheads, the Swedish Gate, the Menzendorf House, the Three Brothers architectural complex, the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, the Latvian National historical Museum, Latvian ethnographical museum, Palace of Peter I, Riga TV Tower, Daugavgriva Fortress and Central Market. Among the natural oases of the city, it is worth visiting the Verman Garden, Botanical Garden, Arkadia, Dzeguzkalns, Grizinkalns and Kronvalda parks.
Daugavpils is the second largest and most important city in Latvia. Its historical “pearl” is the Daugavpils or Dinaburg fortress (castle). Also in Daugavpils it is worth visiting the stunningly beautiful Nature Park “Daugavas Loki”, the Church of Peter and Paul, the Boris and Gleb Church, the Church of Alexander Nevsky and central street Rigas, where there are many architectural monuments. In the city great amount interesting sculptures and monuments. But what is most impressive is the natural landscapes of its surroundings - forests, rivers and lakes, among which the most picturesque is Lake Stropskoe.
Latvia also has its own “little Switzerland” - Sigulda. The city is located on the territory National Park Gauja is famous for its natural beauty. The most popular local attraction is the picturesque Turaida Castle, founded at the beginning of the 13th century. Other interesting places are the Kropotkin Palace, the ruins of Krimulda Castle, Gutman's Cave (the largest in Latvia) with a healing spring, and the Great Devil's Cave. Sigulda is also home to one of the best bobsleigh and luge tracks in the world and the only cable car in the Baltics. Incredibly interesting are such sights of Latvia as the palace in Rundāle, the Basilica in Aglona, the Durben Castle in the Tukums area, the Wenden Castle in Cesis, the Jelgava Palace and the Lazdukalns Arboretum in Ogre.
The largest and most popular resort Latvia is considered to be Jurmala, located on the shores of the Gulf of Riga. It is also important cultural center Latvia, since this is where the famous concert hall"Dzintari". Kemer is also worth a visit. National Park, Jurmala Museum under open air on the territory of the Ragakapa Nature Park, the dacha museum of the Latvian poet and playwright Jan Rainis, the Brezhnev dacha museum, the largest water park in Latvia “Livu” and a sports center with a yacht club and tennis courts in Lielupe.
The resort town of Liepaja is considered the musical capital of Latvia, so you should definitely visit its main attraction, the Music Walk of Fame. It is interesting to see the Museum of History and Art, the Church of St. Nicholas, the Church of St. Anne, the Cathedral of St. Jazep and stroll along Graudu Street, where you can admire the beautiful architectural structures in art nouveau. In the city of Liepaja there is also one of best beaches Baltic Sea, marked with a “blue flag”.
Very popular and resort town Ventspils is one of ancient cities Latvia. The tourist infrastructure here is well developed, and the quality of service corresponds to the European level.
Tips
Tips are often already included in the bill. If this is not done, you should focus on 5-10% of the invoice amount.
Just 15-20 years ago, the name of the country Latvia in Europe, and in the world, perhaps, would not have evoked any associations. Perhaps many, having learned that we are talking about a state, would ask, not without curiosity: “Where is Latvia on the world map?” However, today the situation has changed a little. After all, this country has been considered a full member of the European Union since 2004. And this means that somewhere, somewhere, but in this country they already know it quite well. And it is unlikely that any European will ask: “Where is Latvia on the map?”
Baltic beauty
Neighbors of Latvia
After you have found the place where Latvia is located on the world map, you need to consider the states neighboring it. It borders on Lithuania in the south, Russia in the east, Belarus in the southeast and Estonia in the north. It also shares a water border with Sweden. Latvia, like the other two former Baltic republics that are part of the USSR, is today a party to the Schengen Agreement, therefore, if you have a Schengen visa, you can freely enter this country from Lithuania and Estonia by land, from Sweden - by water, and from other Schengen countries - by air.
Natural landscape
Latvia has beautiful, pristine nature. Since the country is not rich in mineral resources, its landscape and the country's natural world have remained largely untouched by human hands.
The land where Latvia is located has always been rich in deciduous and coniferous forests and lush shrubs. The coastal zone is strewn with golden, very fine sand. In addition, almost ten percent of the territory of Latvia is occupied by swamps, and a fairly large area is made up of lakes, of which there are about three thousand in Latvia. They are predominantly of glacial origin. In this environmentally clean country about 680 protected areas. Latvians are very careful about their natural world, plants and animals, air and water resources.
Climate of Latvia
As for climatic conditions country, then, despite the fact that on the land area where Latvia is located on the world map, that is, in the north of Europe, it should be quite cool, in Latvia, nevertheless, the climate is temperate, moving from maritime to continental. This is facilitated by warm sea currents. The hottest month in Latvia (of course, if a temperature of +20 degrees can be called hot) is July. In fact, the air during this period warms up to a maximum of 19 degrees. Although there were also cases when the thermometer reached 36 degrees - something incredible for Latvians. However, such abnormal heat is extremely rare here. But the coldest month is January, when the air cools to -2, maximum to -7 degrees. As you can see, winter for this region is more than mild, but fabulously snowy and incredibly beautiful. In Latvia, precipitation of any type is not uncommon. Most of the year the sky over the country is cloudy.
May is considered the sunniest and driest month, but in last years Due to climate instability throughout the planet, the weather in Latvia is also becoming unpredictable and is increasingly surprising Latvians. Nevertheless, the stable geological state of the country does not allow any serious natural disasters.
Conclusion
Those who have already visited Latvia immediately notice that this is an original European country. And the long stay within the USSR did not change the customs and morals of this people at all. Since 2004, Latvia, like its close neighbors Lithuania and Estonia, has joined the large European family.
Until the end of the 12th century, the territory of present-day Latvia was mainly inhabited by tribes of the ancient Balts: Curonians, Selamis, Semigallians, who did not yet have their own statehood, were mainly engaged in agriculture and were pagans.
Under the rule of German knights (13th – 16th centuries)
At the end of the 12th - beginning of the 13th centuries, German crusaders captured these lands and, on the territory of present-day Latvia and Estonia, formed a confederation of feudal states - Livonia.
In 1201, at the mouth of the Daugava River, German crusaders founded the city of Riga. In 1282, Riga, and later Cesis, Limbazi, Koknes and Valmiera were accepted into the union of North German trading cities - the “Hansean League”, which contributed to the rapid development of this region. Riga becomes an important trading point between the West and the East.
Under Polish and Swedish rule (16th – 17th centuries)
In 1522, the Reformation movement, which by that time had swept all of Europe, also penetrated into Livonia. As a result of the Reformation, the Lutheran faith strengthened in the territories of Kurzeme, Zemgale and Vidzeme, and the dominance of the Roman Catholic Church remained in Latgale. Religious ferment undermined the foundations of Livonian statehood. In 1558, Russia, the Principality of Poland-Lithuania and Sweden began a war for the possession of these territories, which ended in 1583 with the division of Livonia between the Principality of Poland-Lithuania and Sweden. The territory of modern Latvia went to Poland. The dispute between Poles and Swedes does not end there. During the new war (1600-1629), Vidzeme, as well as Riga, came under Swedish rule.
In the 17th century, the Duchy of Kurzme (a vassal of the Principality of Poland-Lithuania) experienced an economic boom and even captured overseas colonies: in Gambia (Africa) and the island of Tobago in the Caribbean (see more about this in the article “Maza of the Conquest of Duke Jacob”).
In turn, Riga becomes the largest city in Sweden, and Vidzeme is called the “bread granary of Sweden”, as it supplies grain to most of the Kingdom of Sweden.
In the 17th century, the consolidation of individual peoples (Latgalians, Selovians, Semigallians, Curonians and Livs) gradually took place into a single Latvian people speaking the same language. The first books in the Latvian language (prayer books) appeared in the middle of the 16th century, but then the Gothic font was used, not the modern one.
As part of the Russian Empire (1710 – 1917)
During the Northern War (1700–1721) between Russia and Sweden, Peter I, in 1710, approached Riga and, after 8 months of siege, took it. The territory of Vidzeme came under Russian control. In 1772, as a result of the division of Poland, the territory of Latgale passed to Russia, and in 1795, after the third partition of Poland, the territory of the Duchy of Kurzeme also passed to Russia.
Despite joining the Empire, the laws on these lands were often very different from those “internal Russian”. Thus, Russia retained the privileges of the German barons, who owned large estates and who, in essence, continued to be the main power in the localities. The barons were allowed to meet in the Landtags and propose various bills. Already in 1817-1819, serfdom was abolished in most of the territory of present-day Latvia. Only in 1887 was legislation introduced the teaching of the Russian language in all schools. During the period of Russian rule, the Pale of Settlement passed through the territory of eastern Latvia - Latgale - Old Believers and Jews were allowed to settle here on the outskirts of the empire. To this day, a strong Old Believer community has remained in Latvia, but the Jewish population, which constituted almost the majority of urban residents in these lands, was almost completely destroyed during the German occupation of 1941-1944.
At the end of the 18th century, industry began to develop rapidly and population growth increased. The territory of present-day Latvia has become the most developed province of Russia. At the end of the 18th century. Riga became the second, after St. Petersburg, port in the Empire, the third, after Moscow and St. Petersburg, an industrial center.
From the end of the 19th century, a rise in national self-awareness began in Latvia, and the beginnings of a national movement emerged. It experienced a special rise during the first Russian Revolution of 1905-07. After the fall of the monarchy, in February 1917, Latvian representatives in the Russian Duma made demands for autonomy for Latvia.