The Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia on November 18, 1918 became the fulfillment of the national, political and cultural desires of the Latvian nation. The goals achieved by the Republic of Latvia during the period of 1918 – 1940 showed the world the potential this new country had. During these years a new generation of people grew up with a patriotic life experience and vision for the future. Thus, losing its independence on June – July of 1940, due to the Soviet occupation of the country, was a tragedy for the majority of the society.
In the memory of the Latvian people, one of the main symbols of their country statehood formation and strengthening is without a doubt, five-time Prime Minister and the last President before the Soviet occupation – Kārlis Ulmanis. He played an important role in the foundation of the Republic of Latvia on November 1918 as well as losing its independency on June – July of 1940. On November 18, 1918, proclaiming the independency of Latvia Kārlis Ulmanis as a politician not only spent some time in the limelight but also got a chance to prove the sincerity of his words and intentions. On May 15, 1934 he started a coup in the country by establishing an authoritarian regime, thus eliminating the very foundation and values of the democratic state he helped to created. On July 22, 1940 by leaving Latvia and going to Moscow Kārlis Ulmanis due to both objective and subjective reasons lost the independent Latvia. It was a tragedy not only to Kārlis Ulmanis but also to the whole nation; its aftereffects can be seen even today.