Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic
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1940–1941 1944–1990/91 |
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Anthem: Anthem of the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic
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![]() Location of Latvia (red) within the Soviet Union
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Status | Unrecognized Soviet Socialist Republic (1940–1941, 1944–1990/91) |
Capital | Riga |
Common languages | Latvian Russian |
Government | Soviet Socialist Republic |
First Secretary | |
• 1940–1959
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Jānis Kalnbērziņš (first) |
• 1990
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Alfrēds Rubiks (last) |
Historical era | World War II · Cold War |
• Soviet occupation
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17 June 1940 |
• SSR established
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21 July 1940 |
5 August 1940 | |
• Nazi occupation
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1941–1945 |
• Soviet re-occupation
SSR re-established |
1944/1945 |
• Independence restored
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4 May 1990 |
• Independence recognized by the State Council of the Soviet Union
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6 September 1991 |
Area | |
1989 | 64,589 km2 (24,938 sq mi) |
Population | |
• 1989
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2,666,567 |
Calling code | 7 013 |
Today part of | ![]() |
The Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic (often called Latvian SSR or just Soviet Latvia) was a part of the Soviet Union. It existed for two main periods: first from 1940 to 1941, and then from 1944 to 1990. Its capital city was Riga.
Many countries did not officially recognize the Latvian SSR as a truly independent country. They saw it as a territory that had been taken over by the Soviet Union.
Contents
History of the Latvian SSR
Becoming Part of the Soviet Union
Before 1940, Latvia was an independent country. However, in June 1940, the Soviet Union took control of Latvia. This event is known as the Soviet occupation.
On July 21, 1940, the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic was officially created. A few weeks later, on August 5, 1940, it became an official part of the Soviet Union.
World War II and German Occupation
During World War II, the Latvian SSR was occupied by Nazi Germany from 1941 to 1945. This period was very difficult for the people of Latvia.
After the war, in 1944 and 1945, the Soviet Union took control of Latvia again. The Latvian SSR was then re-established.
Life in Soviet Latvia
Life in the Latvian SSR was very different from life in independent Latvia. The government was a socialist republic, meaning the state controlled many aspects of life. The main languages spoken were Latvian and Russian.
People in the Latvian SSR lived under a system where the government made most decisions. There were big parades and public events, like the one in Riga on November 7, 1940. Propaganda posters, like "Books for the Masses!", encouraged people to follow Soviet ideas.
Economy and Culture
During this time, Latvia's economy was linked to the rest of the Soviet Union. Factories produced goods like the "Gauja" portable radio and the RAF minibus.
Culture was also influenced by Soviet ideas. There were large events like the Song and Dance Festival in 1955. Buildings like the VEF Palace of Culture were important community centers.
Toward Independence
As the Soviet Union began to change in the late 1980s, people in the Latvian SSR started to push for more freedom. On May 4, 1990, Latvia declared that it was restoring its independence. This was a very important step.
The Soviet Union officially recognized Latvia's independence on September 6, 1991. This marked the end of the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic and the return of an independent Latvia.
Images for kids
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"Two Worlds" – an anti-communist and anti-semitic Nazi propaganda board in Latvia, summer 1941
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Latvian stationery issued to commemorate the restoration of independence of the Republic of Latvia: a 5-kopeck envelope without face value
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Soviet nomenklatura sanatorium in Jūrmala
See also
In Spanish: República Socialista Soviética de Letonia para niños