Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic

Quick Facts: Who was Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic?

Subject:

Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic

Known for:

Soviet constituent republic of Latvia, existing from 1940 to 1990.

Born:

1940

Died:

1990

Century / Era:

1940s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic (Also known as the Latvian SSR, or Soviet Latvia) was a de facto constituent republic of the Soviet Union covering the occupied and annexed territory of Latvia from 1940 to 1941, and then from 1944 until 1990. The Soviet occupation and annexation of Latvia began between June and August 1939, according to the agreed terms of the secret protocol of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact.

Career & Major Achievements

In 1939, Latvia was forced to give military bases on its soil to the Soviet Union, and in 1940 the Red Army moved into Latvia, effectively annexing it into the Soviet Union. The territory changed sides during World War II, with Nazi Germany occupying a large portion of Latvian territory from 1941 until the Red Army entered Latvia in 1944 with the final territory occupied by the Germans liberated in 1945.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The Soviet occupation of the Baltic states from 1939 to 1940 and then from 1944 to 1991 was widely considered illegal by the international community and human rights organizations. Soviet instability during the 1980s and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 provided an opportunity for Latvia to restore its independence.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1939: 1939 Milestone — The Soviet occupation and annexation of Latvia began between June and August 1939, according to the agreed terms of the secret protocol of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact.
2. 1940: Birth of Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic — Soviet constituent republic of Latvia, existing from 1940 to 1990.
3. 1941: 1941 Milestone — The territory changed sides during World War II, with Nazi Germany occupying a large portion of Latvian territory from 1941 until the Red Army entered Latvia in 1944 with the final territory occupied by the Germans liberated in 1945.
4. 1990: Passing & Historical Legacy — Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic passed away on 1990, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
5. 1991: 1991 Milestone — Soviet instability during the 1980s and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 provided an opportunity for Latvia to restore its independence.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic

True or False: “The Soviet occupation and annexation of Latvia, while establishing a communist state, was widely considered illegal by the international community.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The international community and human rights organizations consistently viewed the Soviet occupation and subsequent annexation of the Baltic states as violations of international law.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abbas Kiarostami — Contemporary (Born in 1940) (1940): Master Iranian filmmaker known for blending fiction and documentary styles.
• Abdurrahman Wahid — Contemporary (Born in 1940) (1940): Influential Indonesian politician, Islamic leader, and fourth President known for pluralism.
• Al Pacino — Contemporary (Born in 1940) (1940): Intense American actor celebrated for his powerful stage and screen performances.
• A. J. P. Taylor — Contemporary (Died in 1990) (1990): Influential English historian specializing in 19th and 20th-century European diplomacy.
• Aaron Copland — Contemporary (Died in 1990) (1990): Pioneering American composer, conductor, and critic, known as the "Dean of American Music".
• Aishwarya Lekshmi — Contemporary (Born in 1990) (1990): Acclaimed Indian actress working primarily in Malayalam and Tamil cinema.
• Alan Kay — Historical peer (Born in 1940) (1940): Pioneer of GUI, Object-Oriented Programming, and modern computing paradigms.
• Alex Trebek — Historical peer (Born in 1940) (1940): Iconic game show host, best known for decades of hosting Jeopardy! and pop culture presence.
• Alberto Lleras Camargo — Historical peer (Died in 1990) (1990): Colombian politician who served as President twice and led the founding of the OAS.
• Alberto Moravia — Historical peer (Died in 1990) (1990): Italian novelist and journalist known for exploring modern sexuality and social alienation.
• 1940 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1940
• 1990 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1990

Frequently Asked Questions about Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic