On 18 November 1918 the Republic of Latvia declares itself independent; Moscow recognises the sovereignty of the former province of the Russian empire in the peace treaty of Riga on 11 August 1920.
On 23 August 1939 Vyacheslav Molotov, the commissar for foreign affairs of the USSR, and Joachim von Ribbentrop, the foreign minister of Nazi-Germany, sing an agreement on the partition of the Baltic states; the treaty assigns Latvia to the „sphere of influence“ of the USSR.
On 16 June 1940 the USSR begins the submission and sovietisation of Latvia; on 5 August 1940 it is officially announced that Latvia would become part of the USSR as the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic (Latvian SSR).
On 14 June 1987 a demonstration takes place at the Freedom monument in Riga (commemorating the victims of deportations, about 5000 participants).
In summer 1988 there is a confrontation between the Latvian Popular Front and the Interfront.
On 18 March 1990 in the elections to the Supreme Soviet the candidates of the Popular Front who support independence obtain a majority; the dictatorship of the communist party has ended.
On 4 May 1990 the Supreme Soviet adopts a declaration on the restoration of independence. The so-called time of transition begins.
On 20 January 1991 a unit of the OMON (special units of the militia), which supports Moscow, attacks the building of the ministry of interior in Riga. 4 people die in the shooting.
In the referendum of 3 March 1991 77.6% of voters vote for the independence of Latvia.
On 21 August 1991 Latvia declares itself independent. In September this is recognised by Moscow as well as by the West. Latvia becomes a member of the UN.
In 1992 the departure of the Russian army begins, this is completed in 1994.
In 2004 Latvia becomes a member of the European Union.