This caused the Germanisation of the educated inhabitants of other nationalities, yet preserved some local traditions. In the 19th century, when serfdom was abolished, a Latvian nationalist movement, the First Latvian National Awakening, begun. Led by "Young Latvians", it encouraged Latvians to become artists and scholars, while preserving their cultural heritage and the language.
The imposition of German culture on non-German educated populations had some effects, but also allowed for the preservation of local customs. In the 19th century, when serfdom was abolished in Latvia, a Latvian nationalist movement, the First Latvian National Awakening, began to take shape. Led by "Young Latvians", it promoted Latvian cultural identity and intellectual pursuits.