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Causes of the First World War…

The turn of the19th-20th centuries is marked by globalization processes, forming of civil societies, increasing struggle for economic and

political domination of Europe and the world:

1. Germany's efforts to strengthen its positions2. National egoism and chauvinism3. Economic ambitions of the Great Powers4. The cult of militarisation

The forming of two alliances...

TRIPLE ENTENTE

(Great Britain, France and Russia) later joined by USA, Romania and Italy

TRIPLE ALLIANCE

(Germany,Austria-Hungary)Later joined by Bulgaria and Italy

Political situation at the beginning of the WW1...

Results of the First World War...

Huge resources were spent which negatively affected economy. First World War cost 360 billion dollars for

participants, destroying industry and agriculture in Europe.

Around 10 million people were killed and 20 million injured (numbers may vary in other sources)

3 million people got crippled and 12 million people died from influenza epidemic

total loss – 20 million people

6 new national countries formed: Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and the Czech Republic

Europe after First World War...

Before First World War Latvia was a part of Russian Empire.The War was a turning point for developing statehood in

Latvia. In 1915, Latvian Riflemen Battalion, a part of Imperial

Russian Army, was formed.After Russian Civil War ended, Riflemen were allowed to

return to Latvia, but some of them stayed in Soviet Russia.

Result of political situation immediately after the War was favourable for laying foundation for the establishment

of the independent Latvian state.

LaLatvijtvijaa PirmāPirmā papasaLatvia during First World War...

The War began with the mobilization of population, requisition of food, clothing, fuel and vehicles. All civil

life was comitted to the needs of war.

At the beginning of the War the currency lost its value; gold and silver were used instead.

Latvia was one of the most industrially developed regions of the Russian Empire.

At the beginning of the war, around 25 000 inhabitants were forced to join Russian army corps.

Beginning of1914 in Latvia....

Russian army retreated from Latvia in 1915. In spring/summer residents and factories began mass

evacuation to Central Russia. In total, 800 000 inhabitants left Latvia as refugees.

In 1915 "The Central Latvian Refugee Committee" beganits work. The committee continued its work until 1918 January, when it was interrupted by the activities of the Bolsheviks.

Refugees...

First World War in Latvia...

Battle of Island of Death

The ‘Island of Death’ was a 2 square kilometers wide well-fortified position near towns Ogre and Sloka enclosed by

German forces on three sides and the river Daugava on the fourth side.

Major battles...

Army positions at Island of Death in 1916

The Battles of Christmas and January

The Christmas battles started on December 23, 1916 and ended on January 18, 1917 .

The Germans were caught by surprise, but the Russian army did not send the promissed reinforcements. The battle was useless and claimed the lives of around 45 000 who waited for help and did not get it.

Major battles...

Christmas Battles at Tīreļpurvs 1916

The Latvian Riflemen in the Russian Civil War

Consequences of the war in Latvia ...

A 28% decrease in arable land

25% of horses and cattle were destroyed

Nearly all factories were destroyed

80 000 Latvians fled as refugees

Population reduction from 2.6 million people to 1.6 million

World War I gave the possibility of proclamation of independece

Possibility of statehood in Baltics...

The road to Lithuanian, Estonian and Latvian independence was opened on March 3, 1918 with agreement (Brest peace treaty) between Germany and

Russia, in which Russia agreed to withdraw forces from these teritories

and declare their independence.

Greatest benefits…

The absolute (de facto and de jure) recognition of theindependent Baltic states.

The Latvian People's Council was established on November 17, 1918 and the Republic of Latvia was proclaimed on November 18.

The proclamation of the Republic of Latvia.

Remembrance….There are monuments on the major battle siteshttp://www.karamuzejs.lv/km_karte/muzejs_sakums.aspx

Creation of «Rīgas brāļu kapi» memorial cemetery

Museums–The Latvian War Musem, Museum of The Christmas Battles and others.

Literature about Latvian Riflemen – Aleksandrs Grīns “Dvēseļu putenis”(Blizzard of Souls) and others.

Cinematography about Latvian Riflemen and the First World War – movie «Rigas Sargi» (Defenders of Riga)

Remembrance day – November 11, called «Lāčplēša diena»