Latvia a brief history of occupation and foreign rule in the 20th century

In the 20th century, Latvia underwent dramatic changes: from being part of the Russian Empire, it became a souvereign state, which was destroyed by Soviet aggression in 1940. The people of Latvia finally renewed their country’s independence in 1991, after five decades of rule by foreign occupying regimes. This book briefly outlines the political and social developments of this period, describing the consequences of totalitarianism and the nation’s striving for freedom.

Author Dr. Gints Apals has been Head of the Public History Department at the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia since 2022. He previously worked as a researcher, university lecturer, and diplomat.