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.
This led to the integration of educated individuals from other nationalities into German culture, while preserving some local customs. In the 19th century, when serfdom was abolished in Latvia, a movement for Latvian self-awareness emerged, known as the First Latvian National Awakening. Led by "Young Latvians", it encouraged Latvians to pursue artistic and scholarly endeavors.