The Latvian Republic: The Struggle for Freedom

First published in 1965, The Latvian Republic is based on the official British documents, partly on German and other writings of the period and of the author’s own experiences on a mission to Baltic Provinces in 1919. Throughout the centuries of foreign domination and the determination of their rulers to stamp out all vestiges of nationalism, the national spirit of the Latvian people survived, and they remained united in the hope of achieving, one day, the state of independent nationhood. With the collapse of the Russian Empire towards the end of the First World War, their dream became reality. A Latvian Provisional Government was formed and in November 1918 the Latvians declared themselves an independent republic, encouraged by the declaration of President Wilson in favour of the self-determination of all peoples and of all nations. This book will be of interest to students of history and political science.