The history of Latvia spans several millennia, with Finno-Ugric and Baltic peoples inhabiting the region as early as 3000 BC. From the 9th to 11th centuries, Vikings raided the Baltic lands, and in the late 12th century German merchants and Christian missionaries arrived. Riga was founded by Germans in 1201 and became an important trading post in 1282. Latvia came under Polish-Lithuanian rule in the 14th century before being conquered by Sweden. Russia gained influence over Latvia in the 18th century during the Great Northern War. Latvia declared independence in 1918 after World War I but was occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940 and Nazi Germany from 1941-1944 before being reoccupied by the Soviet Union until 1991

1. The history of Latvia

2.  Finno-Ugric people (Hungarians, Finns,
Estonians) – 3000 B.C.
 Balt peoples (Latvians , Lithuanians) -
2000 B.C.
 Aestii – 100 A.D.

3.  In the IX century Viking raids and
conquests on the Baltic lands begun and
went on until the XI century.
 In late XII century German merchants and
Christian missionaries arrived.
 The crusades to Christianize the Baltics
begun in 1198.

4.  In 1201 the city of Riga was founded by
Germans.
 1282 Riga became an important trading
post and joined the Hanseatic league.

5.  The German presence in the territory of
nowadays Latvia and Estonia is established.
 Most Latvians join the Lutheran church, with the
exception of Latgalians where Catholicism
prevails.
 Latvia comes under direct control of Poland-
Lithuania.
XIV century

6.  Latvia is
conquered by
Sweden under the
rule of King
Gustavus
Adolphus.

7.  The Great
Northern War.
 A huge part of
Latvia including
Riga became
under influence of
Russia lead by
Peter the Great.

8.  National awakening.
 Industrial revolution.
 Riga Politechnical University is founded.
Late XIX century
 Modern Latvian language, culture and national identity
develops.
 1879. – First Latvian novel “Waves of Life” is published.
Early XX century
 Latvian workers and farmers join the Revolution of 1905
against the foreign rule.
 Riga became the industrial center of Latvia.

9.  German forces overcome Latvia. 700 000
people become refugees.
 Latvian Riflemen units are founded under
the Soviet Union to protect Riga from
German forces.

10.  On 18 November 1918, in Riga,
the proclaimed the independence of the
new country.
 Kārlis Ulmanis became the head of
the provisional government.
 The only photo
taken of the important
moment.

11.  It is a monument
built in honor of
those fallen in
freedom fights of
Latvia.

12.  Karlis Ulmanis made a
coup in 1934 may 16.
 He dissolved all political
parties and the
parliament.
 His regime lasted until
the Soviet occupation of
Latvia in 1940.

13.  Military occupation of the Republic of Latvia by
the Soviet Union ostensibly under the provisions
of the 1939 Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact with Nazi
Germany.
 The occupation of Latvia by Nazi Germany was
completed on July 10, 1941 by Germany's
armed forces.
 In the 1944 The Soviet re-occupation of Latvia
took place (this time Latvia remained occupied
until 1991).

14.  Restoration of Independence of Latvia was
announced on 4th of May 1990.
 But it was fully restored only in august of
1991 during the barricades in Riga.
 The barricades were a non-violent defense
of important communication places in
Riga.
Latvia in
World War II

15.  Was president from 14th
November 1922 until his
death in 8th of April 1927.
 Latvia has had a total of 9 presidents.
The Presidents

16.  President from 8th of April
1927 until 9th of April 1930
Alberts Kviesis
 President from 9th of April
1930 until 11th of April 1936.

17.  Ruled as dictator
from 11th of April
until 21st of July
1940.
 Despite being a
dictator he is
remembered as the
best leader of the
country.

18.  From 7th of July 1993 until
June 1999.
Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga
 From June 1999 until
22nd of May 2007

19.  From 22nd of May 2007 until
8th of July 2011.
Andris Bērziņš
 From 8th of July 2011 until
3rd of June 2015 .

20.  Elected 3rd of
June 2015 and is
the current
president.