200 AC - Territory of Latvia first shown on geographic maps
600 AC - River Daugava becomes an international route of trade.
1200 – 1290 - Conquering of Latvia by German crusaders belonging
to the Order of Livonia. Foundation of the capital Riga in 1201
1562 - Order of Livonia loses all power in Latvia. The German nobility
however keeps the ownership and the real ruling power throughout the centuries
and
different political powers until the establishment of independent Republic
of Latvia in 1918.
1562-1710 - In the wars between Poland, Sweden and Russia power in Latvia
goes from hands to hands, longest periods of power being Polish (1562-1621)
and
Swedish (1621-1710).
1852 - An electric telegraph line is opened Latvia as the first one in
the Russian empire.
1864 -As a step of Latvian national awakening the first all-Latvian
Folk songs' festival takes place. These evants became a symbol of Latvian
national feelings. Held every four years, they have consolidated Latvian
nation even in the darkest periods of the further history
1878 - First electric power station is established in Latvia.
1882 - Telephone connection is established in Riga.
1907 - Production of first automobiles in Tsarist Russia begins in
Riga.
1912 - Latvian sportsmen first participate in the Olympic games in
Stockholm and win a bronze award.
1918 - Latvia proclaims independence on November 18, 1918. Liberation
war begins.
1941-45 -World war II. Latvians are forced to fight in both occupant
armies – the
Red army and the German army. As the outcome of the war, 35% of the
nation perish, are deported to Siberia or emigrate.
1990 - May 4, 1990 the then Supreme Soviet de jure declares Latvia’s
independence.
1991 - Full independence de facto is restored on August 21, 1991
