The issue of social functions of history in the periodicals of Latvia in the 1920s and 1930s

Abstract

The article is based on such periodicals as Monthly Magazine of the Ministry of Education (Izglītības Ministrijas mēnešraksts), Our Future (Mūsu nākotne) and Educator (Audzinātājs), which were published in Latvia during the 1920s and 1930s. The article addresses the issue of social functions of history and its value in school education as reflected in the interpretation of politicians, professional historians and pedagogical community which is demonstrated in the mentioned periodicals. The issue is discussed in a diachronic context taking into consideration that the first independent Republic of Latvia experienced two periods: the period of democratic parliamentary republic and the period of authoritarian regime (after the coup of Kārlis Ulmanis in May, 1934).