Name, grade, date:

Source analysis: Milestones in Latvian history

Task 1. Observe and research sources given below and arrange them in the
chronological order*! (9 points)
*Chronological order – the sequence from oldest to newest

Sources:

Source A Source B Source C

Photo of the proclamation of the The Singing revolution The map of Latvia during Nazi
Republic of Latvia manifestation Occupation period

Source D Source E Source F

The flag of the Socialistic republic The seating of the Latvian pre- Latvia becomes the member of
of Latvia parliament (Satversmes Sapulce) Eurozone

Source G Source I
Source H
Monument devoted for the The head of the authoritarian
The proclamation of the war-status
revolutionaries during the regime of the Republic of Latvia
implementation
revolution of 1905-1907 during the reign period

PLACE FOR YOUR ANSWER IN TASK 1:

Task 2. Study the written sources and do the tasks! (12 points)
a) Write down the name of event source’s speaking about;
b) Write down the time when the described event happened;
c) Write down three hashtags (like in twitter (#)) that match the source!
d) Highlight the facts in the written sources that helped you to fill-in the table!

Source Event Time Title

On the following day, November 18, 1918, the
independent Republic of Latvia was proclaimed at a The
#independence
ceremonious meeting at the National Theatre in Rīga. proclamation of
1918 #proclamation
The lawyer Jānis Čakste was elected chairman of the the Republic of
Latvian People’s Council, and the agronomist Kārlis #FreeState
Latvia
Ulmanis became head of the government.
After Latvia gained its long awaited independence, one
of the most important tasks was to revive the economy.
The Latvian national monetary unit, the lat, was issued
in 1922. The state continued the distribution of state
property and land that had once been held by the
German landed gentry to former landless peasants and
small farmers. Latvian agriculture developed and was
fully able to supply the country with food, as well as
opening wide possibilities for the export of agricultural
products.
For the majority of the war Latvia was occupied by Nazi
Germany. Tragically, Latvian soldiers, forced to pick
between two evils, fought on both sides of the front,
Latvian against Latvian. Most were killed. Latvia’s
population perished not only on the battlefield; special
Nazi campaigns exterminated 70 000 Jews, 18 000
Latvians and 2 000 Roma. Another 150,000 fled to a life
in exile. Additionally, Latvia became the death ground
for tens of thousands of Jews brought in from other
countries.
Rural areas were forced into collectivization, in cities
people had to live in communal flats – several families
per flat. Private property was nationalized, culture was
unified, and religion banned; all printed and distributed
material, including, for example, music, as well as
broadcast media, was controlled. As Latvia had well-
developed infrastructure and educated specialists,
Moscow based some of the most advanced
manufacturing facilities in Latvia and Soviet workers
from all over the union flooded into the country.
Latvia’s push towards regaining independence was
closely linked to internal changes in the Soviet Union.
Mikhail Gorbachev came to power and introduced two
key reforms – glasnost, increasing transparency in
government institutions; and perestroika, restructuring
the political and economic system. These reforms,
unintentionally, rocked the entire union as people took
advantage of the changes, and ultimately led to the fall
of the Soviet Union.
Task 3. Study the infographic below and do the tasks! (11 points)
Task 3.1. What is the topic of the infographic? (1p)

Task 3.2. When did event described in the

infographic happen? (1p)

Task 3.3. Where did event described in the

infographic happen? (1p)

Task 3.4. Statements. Read the statements and

measure if they are true or false! (5 p)

Statement T/F

0. Event happened in 1990 T

1. The topic covered it the independence

renewal in Latvia
2. During the preparation of the
document, Latvia was under Nazi
Germany rule
3. Democratic wing left the room when
the declaration was given for voting

4. May 4 is the national sadness day

5. The document guaranteed the

independence of the Latvian state

3.4. Give 3 arguments why the declaration was

essential in terms of regaining independence of
Latvia! (3p)
Argument 1:

Argument 2:

Argument 3:
 Task 4. Evaluation. (5 points)
The order of Three stars is the highest National order that have been made to
celebrate those persons that have given huge impact in Latvian history. If you
had a chance to give the Order of Three Stars to any Latvian historical person,
which one it would be?

In your answer you are to include and highlight:

- Person’s name;
- the period he/she lived;
- 3 arguments, why you think this person deserves the order!

Your answer’s amount – minimum 50-70 words.

The Order of Three stars

Place for your answer for task 4:

Thank you for your work! YOU EARNED POINTS

Marking scheme / table:
Points 1-4 5-9 10-13 14-16 17-20 21-24 25-28 29-32 33-35 36-37
Mark 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10