Latvian–Soviet Peace Treaty
The Latvian–Soviet Peace Treaty, also known as the Treaty of Riga, was signed on 11 August 1920 by representatives of the Republic of Latvia and Soviet Russia. It officially ended the Latvian War of Independence. In Article II of the treaty, Soviet Russia recognised the independence of Latvia as inviolable "for all future time". Timeline 11 November 1918: The end of World War I 18 November 1918: Republic of Latvia is proclaimed 1 December 1918: The Red Army invades Latvia 17 December 1918: The Latvian Socialist Soviet Republic is formed 13 January 1920: Government of the Latvian Socialist Soviet Republic resigns 1 February 1920: A ceasefire between Russia and Latvia is signed 11 August 1920: The Latvian–Soviet Peace Treaty is signed 4 October 1920: Ratifications are exchanged in Moscow and the treaty goes into effect. Background After World War I, Soviet Russia wanted to regain Latvia, since it had once been a part of the Russian Empire. The Red Army invaded Latvia in 1918 after the Latvian prime minister, Karlis Ulmanis, declared its independence. The Red Army was able to capture the capital, Riga, and a Soviet Government replaced Ulmanis. Germany sent troops to help Latvia oust the Bolshevik troops,