LATVIAN POLITICAL ACTIVITY IN EXILE

After the Second World War, Latvian exile communities formed in many countries around the world. The main goal of exiles in their new homes was to maintain and defend the idea of​​ an independent Republic of Latvia.  

Over time, exile community activities developed and changed, generally in two directions:

First, direct political lobbying, including meetings and correspondence with government officials of host countries, politicians, and international organisations; letter- and postcard-writing campaigns; and consulting government authorities. 

Second, public information campaigns to inform local society about the occupation of Latvia, creating wide public support for the Baltic states by preparing press publications, holding public lectures, and organising political demonstrations.

1939
23 August 1939 – the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, is signed
1940
Summer 1940 – the Soviet Union occupies the Baltic states. Latvia is annexed by the Soviet Union
1941
Summer 1941 – Germany occupies Latvia.
1944
1944-1945 – Soviets reoccupy Latvia; many inhabitants flee to the West
1945
8 May 1945 – World War II in Europe ends; Latvia remains part of the Soviet Union
1949
One of the first anti-Soviet demonstrations in Zuffenhausen, Germany, 1949 Photographer unknown
Donated to Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre by Valdis Briedis

DEMONSTRATIONS AND PROTESTS IN THE 1950s-1960s

The main ally for Baltic exiles during the Cold War was the United States. The prevailing anti-communist sentiment was particularly favourable for exile activities. The concept of captive or oppressed nations and financing of the activities of anti-communist national minorities was part of US propaganda, establishing organisations such as the Assembly of Captive European Nations in which Latvian exiles also played an active role.
1950
Latvians march in Boston, USA, 14 June 1950 Photo: Vilis Grāvītis
Donated to Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre by Sarma Muižnieks-Liepiņš
In the 1950s, Captive Nations Week marches took place in New York; Latvians used these events to commemorate the deportations of 14 June 1941.
1953
Stalin dies. A power struggle ensues; Nikita Khrushchev becomes leader
Latvians march in the Captive Nations parade in New York City, 2 May 1953 Photographer unknown
Donated to Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre by Māra Buks
1956
Founding of the World Federation of Free Latvians
Baltic exiles support the Hungarian uprising against the Soviet-supported Hungarian government
1961
Joint Baltic American National Committee (JBANC) is founded
The Berlin Wall is built
1964
Leonid Brezhnev becomes chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
During Nikita Khrushchev's visit, young Latvians release a pig in the centre of Stockholm
Donated to Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre. Gift of the author.
1965
Lithuanian exile organisation Committee to Restore Lithuania’s Independence organise a mass Baltic demonstration in New York City
Donated to Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre by Knuts un Baiba Ozols.
1966
Baltic Appeal to the United Nations (BATUN) is founded
1967
Latvians around the world protest at British embassies against the return of Latvia's gold to the USSR
1968
Mass demonstrations against the Vietnam War take place in the United States and Europe
In July, West Berlin authorities, supported by the Allies, ban the 1st World Latvian Youth Congress in Berlin
Latvian youth from the US and Canada protest the ban of the 1st World Latvian Youth Congress at the US embassy in Bonn, Germany, 1 August 1968. Photo: Valdis Daiga
Donated to Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre by Valda Daiga.
In August the Soviet Union invades Czechoslovakia

DEMONSTRATIONS AND PROTESTS IN THE 1970s-1980s

Soviet and US relations improved; several cooperation agreements were concluded.
1972 – Preparations were under way for the European Security and Cooperation Council (ESCC) conference.

The main interest of the Soviet Union was to gain the West’s acceptance of the borders established in Europe after WWII. This concerned exiles as it posed a serious threat to the policy of non-recognition of the incorporation of the Baltic states into the USSR.

The exile community placed an emphasis on participation in ESCC conferences and purposeful activities to maintain the US policy of non-recognition of the incorporation of the Baltic states.

1972
Baltic World Council is founded
Latvians participate in the May Day demonstration organised by Social Democrats in Stockholm, 1970s
Donated to Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre by Atis Lejiņš
The founding conference of the European Security and Cooperation Council (ESCC) takes place in Helsinki and is attended by representatives of the World Baltic Association, who are arrested
1974
Australia recognises de iure the incorporation of the Baltic states into the USSR
Latvians demonstrate in Australia, the United States, and elsewhere against Australia's de iure recognition of the incorporation of the Baltic states in the USSR
1975
Australia withdraws its decision to extend de iure recognition of the incorporation of the Baltic states into the USSR after snap elections
ESCC Conference takes place in Helsinki; Balts protest around the world; Vigil of Conscience protests in Ottawa, Washington, D.C., and elsewhere
Seven young Latvians, led by pastor Māris Ķirsons, burn the Soviet flag at the Soviet Embassy in Washington, D.C.
ESCC Conference in Belgrade; World Federation of Free Latvians send a delegation
1979
USSR invades Afghanistan
ESCC Conference in Madrid; Latvians carry out several political protests, including shedding blood on the Soviet flag
1981
In January Ronald Reagan becomes president of the USA
1983
10 000 protestors gather during the Latvian Song Festival in Milwaukee, USA
1985
Mikhail Gorbachev becomes the Secretary General of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union
Baltic Peace and Freedom Cruise in the Baltic Sea and protest at the gates of the Soviet embassy in Stockholm
Latvian youth on board the Baltic Peace and Freedom Cruise, summer 1985 Photo: Nīls Ebdens
Donated to Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre by Nīls Ebdens
Swedish police try to free Ivars Slokenbergs (on left) and Juris Bļodnieks who have chained themselves to the gates of the Soviet embassy in Stockholm, 1 August 1985 Photographer unknown
Donated to Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre by Pēteris Elferts
18 November protests during which participants chain themselves to the gates of Soviet embassies in Brussels, Rome, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and elsewhere

DEMONSTRATIONS AND PROTESTS DURING THE NATIONAL AWAKENING

Ideology and politics changed in the USSR in the second half of the 1980s. Mikhail Gorbachev’s glasnost and perestroika quickly gained support in the Baltics, and several informal organisations criticising the ruling Soviet regime were created. The National Awakening began in the Baltics.

Cooperation developed between the largest exile organisations and informal nationalist organisations in Latvia such as the Popular Front and the Latvian Independence Movement.

The Latvian exile community was widely involved in the processes of restoring independence by providing direct assistance (e.g., financial resources, computer equipment practically inaccessible in the USSR) and ensuring the flow of information and establishing diplomatic relations between Latvia and the West.

1986
"Helsinki 86", an informal organisation, is founded in Latvia
Chautauqua conference in Jūrmala, Latvia during which US government officials publicly highlight the illegal incorporation of the Baltic states into the USSR
At the ESCC conference in Vienna, Latvians organise several demonstrations and attempt to blow up a monument to the Red Army
Baltic protestors at the ESCC Conference in Vienna, Austria, November 1986 Photo: Linda Freimanis
Donated to Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre by Linda Freimanis
A “hanging" is held at the Soviet consulate in New York City
1987
Change takes place in the USSR – reconstruction (perestroika) and openness (glasnost)
Many demonstrations take place in Berlin and youth graffiti the Berlin Wall
Youth encase their legs in concrete blocks and protest in front of the Soviet embassy in Washington, D.C.
1988
Latvian National Independence Movement is founded in the summer; Latvian Popular Front in the autumn – the National Awakening begins
Gorbachev visits the UN in New York City
1989
9 November, the Berlin Wall – symbol of the Iron Curtain – falls
Latvian folklore group Skandinieki participate in demonstrations in Bonn, Germany, 23-29 August 1989 Photo: Jānis Zaļkalns
Donated to Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre by Ģirts Zēgners
On 23 August, the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact, 2 million Estonian, Latvians, and Lithuanians join hands to create the Baltic Way – a human chain from Tallinn to Riga to Vilnius – symbolising unity and protesting the Pact that divided up Europe for the benefit of the superpowers during WWII. Latvians around the world organised supporting events in Melbourne, Bonn, Stockholm, Toronto, and elsewhere.
Meeting of the Popular Front, Latvian National Independence Movement, and World Federation of Free Latvians delegates in Abrene, France, 1989
Donated to Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre by Ansis Reinhards
1990
18 March, in elections for the Supreme Council of the Latvian SSR, the Popular Front receives two-thirds of the vote
4 May, the Supreme Council of the Latvian SSR adopts the Declaration "On the Restoration of the Independence of the Republic of Latvia"
3 October, West and East Germany officially unite
Soviet flag-burning campaigns take place in Boston and Milwaukee
Donated to Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre by Austra Veidiņa
1990 and 1991 – Latvians participate in the Monday Movement in Stockholm
1990
January, Latvians around the world organise support campaigns to commemorate and support events in the Baltics
August, the Supreme Council of Latvia adopts the Constitutional Law “On the Status of the Republic of Latvia as a State” and restores the constitution of pre-war Latvia
During the 19-21 August coup in Moscow, the State Emergency Commission tries to seize power in the Soviet Union, arrest Gorbachev, and bring troops to Moscow
Baltic countries demonstrate in Melbourne, Australia. Photographer unknown.
Donated to Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre by Valda Liepiņš.