Historical Events tagged with "latvia"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Burning of the Great Choral Synagogue

July 4th, 1941 83 years ago

In Riga, during World War II, the Great Choral Synagogue was set ablaze with approximately 300 Jews trapped in the basement. The fire, ignited by German authorities, aimed to eliminate the Jewish population and suppress their culture and existence. This tragic incident exemplified the escalating violence against Jews under Nazi occupation.

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Politics & Government

Soviet Mass Deportations Begin in the Baltics

June 14th, 1941 83 years ago

On June 14, 1941, the Soviet Union initiated a mass deportation of Estonians, Latvians, and Lithuanians. This operation primarily targeted political enemies, intellectuals, and their families, leading to the forced relocation of approximately 34,000 individuals to remote regions of Siberia. This drastic measure aimed to eliminate potential resistance against Soviet rule and to consolidate control over the Baltic states in the wake of World War II.

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Politics & Government

Soviet Union's Annexation of Latvia

August 5th, 1940 84 years ago

The Soviet Union formally annexed Latvia after a staged election on August 5, 1940. This event followed the signing of the MoU between the USSR and Latvia, which placed Latvia under Soviet control. The annexation was supported by the Soviet government through a fabricated political process, aimed to legitimize their occupation. The coup-like takeover transformed Latvia into a Soviet republic, leading to significant political and social changes in the region.

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Politics & Government

Welles' Declaration on Baltic States Recognition

July 23rd, 1940 84 years ago

Under Secretary of State Sumner Welles issued a declaration emphasizing the U.S. non-recognition policy towards the Soviet Union's annexation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This declaration reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to maintain legal and diplomatic principles against coercion and illegal territorial changes. The U.S. position aimed to support the sovereignty of these nations and highlight the illegitimacy of Soviet actions.

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Politics & Government

Baltic States Occupied by Soviet Union

June 17th, 1940 84 years ago

In June 1940, following the ultimatum given by the Soviet Union, the three Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania were occupied. This occupation began with the arrival of Soviet troops and the establishment of pro-Soviet governments in these nations. The geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe shifted significantly as these states lost their independence and faced the start of a long period under Soviet control.

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Politics & Government

Nazi Germany and Soviet Union Pact

August 23rd, 1939 85 years ago

The Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact was signed, creating a non-aggression agreement between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. A secret protocol established boundaries and zoning for dividing Eastern Europe, particularly outlining spheres of influence over Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Romania. This agreement fundamentally altered geopolitical landscapes, facilitating subsequent invasions and the onset of World War II.

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Politics & Government

Kārlis Ulmanis Stages Self-Coup in Latvia

May 15th, 1934 90 years ago

Prime Minister Kārlis Ulmanis enacted a self-coup, suspending the Latvian constitution and dissolving the Saeima. This move allowed him to consolidate power and establish an authoritarian regime, drastically altering Latvia's political landscape. The decision followed years of political unrest, and it marked a significant shift towards centralized governance. Ulmanis sought to stabilize the country amid economic challenges and factional disputes, believing that strong leadership was necessary for progress.

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Politics & Government

Poland and Soviet Union sign Peace of Riga

March 18th, 1921 103 years ago

The second Peace of Riga was a treaty signed between Poland and the Soviet Union that formalized the end of hostilities following the Polish-Soviet War. Negotiated in Riga, Latvia, the treaty defined the border between the two nations, granting significant territories to Poland. This accord aimed to stabilize the region and establish diplomatic relations, symbolizing a crucial moment in Eastern European geopolitics and setting the stage for future interactions between the two countries.

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Politics & Government

Latvian–Soviet Peace Treaty Signed

August 11th, 1920 104 years ago

The Latvian–Soviet Peace Treaty was signed in a bid to formally end hostilities between Latvia and Soviet Russia following the Latvian War of Independence. The treaty marked a significant victory for Latvia, establishing its sovereignty and recognizing its independence from Russian control. The agreement was signed in the city of Riga, capital of Latvia, solidifying the newfound status of the nation after years of conflict.

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