The Latvian National Awakening was a transformative movement that began in the mid-19th century, spurred by emancipation of the serfs and a rise in literacy and education. As Latvians gained access to knowledge, many sought to reclaim their cultural identity and resist Germanization, which had long dominated Latvian society. This awakening not only nurtured Latvian literature, folklore, and education but also laid the foundation for future political movements that would shape the country's path toward independence.
Early Cultural Efforts: Foundations of Latvian Literature and Education
The first signs of national revival appeared in the early 19th century with the publication of the first Latvian-language newspapers. In 1822, Latviešu Avīzes began circulating, followed in 1832 by Tas Latviešu Ļaužu Draugs. These weeklies fostered interest in Latvian culture and gave rise to the first Latvian writers, such as Ansis Liventāls and Jānis Ruģēns, who began publishing works in Latvian.
A significant step toward improving education came in 1839, when Jānis Cimze opened an institute for elementary school teachers in Valmiera. This training center produced the first generation of educated Latvian teachers, helping spread literacy and cultural awareness across rural communities. These efforts created a fertile ground for the rise of a national consciousness among Latvians.
The Rise of the Young Latvians (Jaunlatvieši)
By the 1850s, the First Latvian National Awakening took shape, largely led by a group of intellectuals known as the Young Latvians (jaunlatvieši). This movement, which reflected broader nationalist currents in Europe, focused on cultural revival but also carried important political implications. For the first time, the idea of a united Latvian nation began to emerge.
The Young Latvians emphasized the preservation and study of Latvian folklore, such as dainas—traditional Latvian folk songs—and explored ancient beliefs. Their efforts to reclaim Latvian identity brought them into conflict with the Baltic Germans, who had long held power in education, administration, and land ownership. The movement also encouraged Latvians to assert their language and culture as central to their identity.
Russian Russification and Its Impact on Latvian Culture (1880s–1890s)
In the 1880s, Alexander III implemented a policy of Russification to curb German influence in the Baltic provinces. Russian replaced German in administration, courts, and education, disrupting the dominance of German institutions. However, this policy also had unintended consequences for the Latvian national movement.
While German influence diminished, Latvian language and culture were also restricted. Latvian was banned in schools and public spaces, dealing a severe blow to the burgeoning national identity. The Russification campaign sought to integrate the region into the Russian imperial structure, but it only deepened the desire among Latvians to preserve their culture and resist both German and Russian dominance.
Urbanization, Industrialization, and the Rise of Leftist Movements
As poverty persisted in rural areas, many Latvians migrated to cities, especially Riga, which became a center of industrialization. This urbanization gave rise to new social movements. In the late 1880s, a broad leftist movement called the New Current emerged, led by Rainis (Latvia's future national poet) and Pēteris Stučka. The New Current initially sought social reforms but later became heavily influenced by Marxism, advocating for workers' rights and equality.
The ideas of the New Current laid the groundwork for the formation of the Latvian Social Democratic Labour Party. Rainis remained a committed social democrat throughout his life, playing a crucial role in the political and cultural development of Latvia. In contrast, Pēteris Stučka aligned with Lenin and helped establish the first Bolshevik state in Latvia, later becoming a prominent figure in the Soviet Union.