Fifth Grade
Worksheets
Latvia Day
Daily themes
Reading Comprehension for November 18
Latvia is a small country in Eastern Europe. For centuries, its people were mostly farmers and fishermen. Through most of its history, Latvia has been ruled by other countries. On November 18, 1918, Latvia declared its independence. November 18 is Latvia Day. People celebrate with fireworks. There are ceremonies and speeches. A light show is held in Riga. That is Latvia's capital city.
Latvia has a long, rich history. People lived in what is now Latvia at least 5,000 years ago. Baltic tribes lived there. In the 13th century, Germans conquered the land. The people living there were called Lives. Germans called the country Livland. In Latin, the word is "Livonia." Livonia became the common name of the country. German barons ruled the country with iron fists. Latvian people were given few rights.
From the mid 16th to the early 18th century, the country was divided between Poland and Sweden. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Russia gained control over the whole country of Latvia. It ruled many of the neighboring countries, too. Russia was weakened by World War I and the Revolution of 1917. The time had come for Latvia to overthrow Russian rule.
