Lithuania Declares Independence in 1990

Name: Lithuania Declares Independence in 1990
Start: 1990-03-11
Location: Unspecified

The Declaration of Independence

The journey toward independence for Lithuania took a remarkable turn on March 11, 1990, when the Supreme Council of the Republic of Lithuania voted overwhelmingly to declare independence from the Soviet Union. This historic decision marked the first time a Soviet republic had taken such bold steps to assert its sovereignty since the onset of Soviet rule in the Baltics in the early 1940s. In the wake of WWII, Lithuania was forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union, and by the late 1980s, a surge of nationalistic sentiment revived calls for independence.

Lithuania’s Path to Freedom

Throughout the late 1980s, Lithuania saw the rise of the pro-independence movement, notably through the formation of the Sajudis group. This grassroots organization fostered public discussions about national identity and autonomy, emphasizing cultural revitalization and political reform. Awareness of self-determination began to spread across the nation, leading to increased public demonstrations and a growing demand for independence.

The Historic Vote

On March 11, 1990, the Supreme Council, bravely led by the Popular Front group Sajudis, held a historic session during which they declared Lithuania as a independent state. This monumental vote was met with immediate reaction from Moscow as well as calls for dialogue, yet the resolve of Lithuanians to achieve independence remains strong. The vote not only signified a new beginning for Lithuania but also served as a catalyst for other Soviet republics to follow suit.

Challenges Faced Post-Declaration

The declaration of independence set off a chain of events that were not without challenges. While Lithuania declared independence, the Soviet Union was reluctant to accept this change and left a tense atmosphere in its wake. Following the vote, the Soviet government imposed a blockade and attempted to suppress the independence movement through force, which resulted in several tragic incidents.

The Blockade and Resistance

In the months following the declaration, Lithuania faced a brutal blockade from the Soviet Union, aimed at crippling the nascent independent government. Citizens courageously engaged in non-violent resistance, organizing protests and forming human chains, most famously the human chain from Vilnius to Riga in 1989 that demonstrated solidarity among the Baltic nations. This grassroots support and determination played a crucial role in shaping Lithuania’s perseverance during those trying times.

International Recognition

Despite the turmoil, Lithuania’s determination did not go unnoticed. In 1991, international recognition began pouring in, and Lithuania was among the first to be officially recognized as an independent state. This recognition would pave the way for Lithuania to join international organizations, including the United Nations, in the following years, solidifying its status as a sovereign nation within Europe.

Fun Fact

Lithuania's Unique Declaration

Interestingly, Lithuania's 1990 declaration was marked by a unique historical event: it was the first declaration of independence from the Soviet Union during its socialist rule, leading to a ripple effect that eventually contributed to the dissolution of the USSR in 1991.