The 20^th century is particularly significant in Latvian history. During this period, unquestionable progress was made in the development of society. Major transformations took place in various fields. Initially it was a fight for survival, intertwined with an effort to preserve the Latvian nation as a community, as well as its culture. The three most significant dates of the 20^th century for Latvia were 1918, 1940 and 1991, marking the creation, destruction and renewal of an independent state.