The Path to Recognition from the United States, 1919–1922: The Case of Latvia

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine the main stages on the way to obtaining recognition for the Republic of Latvia from the United States, paying specific attention to the period from 1921 to 1922. After recognition was obtained from other Western powers in January 1921, the issue became particularly relevant. The article reflects upon the reasons for the long period of non-recognition (first and foremost, the principle of an indivisible Russia), the actions of the Latvian Government and society to achieve recognition, as well as the process of recognition and reactions to this development.

Keywords

• baltic states; latvia; post-war period; american-russian policy; american-baltic policy; latvian diplomacy; commission of state ¬department in baltic states; recognition de jure