History / November 18, 1918 – Proclamation of Latvia’s independence

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November 18, 1918 – Proclamation of Latvia’s independence

25.08.2008

The National Council was established just one day before the proclamation of Latvia's independence, on November 17, 1918. The same day, the National Council elected Latvia's first provisional government, and decided that at the National Council's next session, on November 18, 1918 the independence of Latvia would be declared.

The National Council's meeting at the National Theater building on November 18 started at 4 p.m.; Gustavs Zemgals presided at the meeting as the National Council Chairman Janis Cakste had not yet arrived. To a standing ovation, Zemgals declared Latvia an independent country. After Zemgals' address, Karlis Ulmanis, the first prime minister of Latvia, took the floor to proclaim that the Democratic Republic of Latvia had been established.

Picture one:

Proclamation of Latvia's independence at National Theater on November 18, 1918 - reproduction from the book "Latvijas Republika desmit pastāvēšanas gados", Rīga, 1928, page 60

Source:

Excerpt from the National Council meeting's minutes on November 18, 1918 - page 40

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