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Nonviolent Action in the Liberation of Latvia (Chinese) |
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DESCRIPTION: This monograph recounts how the people of Latvia used nonviolent action (1987-1991) to throw off Soviet domination and regain independence. It includes 24 pages of official documents outlining Latvian plans for popular resistance against Soviet attack in 1991. --Taken from aeinstein.org TABLE OF CONTENTS: Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Resistance and Opposition to Soviet Rule Before 1987 2. Defiant Demonstrations 3. The Awakening 4. From Opposition to Defense 5. The January Crisis 6. Towards Civilian-Based Defense 7. Causes and Prospects of Nonviolent Politics in Latvia Appendix I Announcement of the Board of the Popular Front of Latvia to All the Supporters of Latvia's Independence Appendix II Appeal of the NIML Board to the Members of the NIML and Other Organizations, to All the Population of Latvia Appendix III The Instruction for the Defense of Vecriga (Old Riga) Appendix IV The Basic Principles of Nonviolent Defense of the Republic of Latvia Appendix V Appeal of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia to the Local Governments of Latvia's Districts, Cities and Parishes, to Their Officials, and to the Deputies of Local Councils Appendix VI Announcement of the Board of the Popular Front of Latvia to All the Supporters of Latvia's Independence Notes About the Author EXCERPT: Introduction On June 14, 1987, when all of East-Central Europe was still frozen by totalitarianism, news about an unsanctioned anti-Soviet demonstration in Latvia's capital, Riga, spread in the Western media. After that date the country never came to rest: the spell of fear and subjugation evaporated, and mass demonstrations, protest meetings, and acts of civil disobedience became part of daily life in Latvia, as well as in neighboring Estonia and Lithuania, strongly influencing other nations trying to free themselves from Soviet domination and Communist totalitarianism. The Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian drive for independence became known as the "Baltic Way," the most specific traits of which were its nonviolent, peaceful nature; nonaggressive, soulful, and orderly mass demonstrations; and flowers and singing as signs of spiritual defiance, determination, and national cohesion. Consequently, it also became known as the "singing revolution" or "flower revolution." [....] |
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