One of the first successes in challenging Moscow was the stoppage of the building of the 4th hydroelectric dam near Daugavpils on the Daugava, the main river in Latvia.

Originally, Tautas Fronte took a moderate position, requesting wide autonomy for Latvia but stopping short of calling for independence.

Tautas Fronte was supported by moderate members of the leadership of the Latvian SSR including head of state Anatolijs Gorbunovs, but opposed by hardline Communists.

At the same time, Tautas Fronte worked with more radical Latvian movements advocating the immediate independence of Latvia.

Gradually, the overall opinion within Tautas Fronte shifted from the autonomy of Latvia within the Soviet Union to full independence.

A pro-independence coalition, led by Tautas Fronte, won 138 out of 201 seats in the Supreme Soviet, more than the 2/3 majority needed to amend the Constitution.

Television networks broadcast footage of rifle shots being exchanged at night in Old Town on the evening of 13 January 1991.

On the streets unarmed people built the Barricades and spent days and nights guarding them, singing Latvian songs.

Many politicians left Tautas fronte and formed new political parties to avoid being associated with the unpopular government.

Weakened by economic difficulties and defections of many politicians,[2] the Godmanis-led Tautas fronte received just 2.62% of the popular vote and gained no seats in the new parliament.

While Tautas fronte itself ceased to exist during the economic difficulties of the mid-1990s, many of its former activists have important roles in today's Latvia.

The Museum of the Popular Front of Latvia is located in its former offices, which are owned by the state, in Vecpilsētas iela 13/15 in Riga.