The Council of Lithuania (Lithuanian: Lietuvos Taryba, German: Litausher Landesrat, Polish: Rada Litewska), after July 11, 1918 The State Council of Lithuania (Lithuanian: Lietuvos Valstybės Taryba), was convened at the Vilnius Conference that took place between September 18 and 23, 1917. The council was granted the executive authority of the Lithuanian people and was entrusted to establish an independent Lithuanian state.^[1] On February 16, 1918, the members of the council signed the Act of Independence of Lithuania, and declared Lithuania an independent state based on democratic principles. The council managed to establish the proclamation of independence despite the presence of German troops in the country until the autumn of 1918. The council continued its efforts until the Constituent Assembly of Lithuania (Lithuanian: Steigiamasis Seimas) first met on May 15, 1920. July 11 is the 192nd day (193rd in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with 173 days remaining. ... 1918 (MCMXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. ... Vilnius Conference presidium and secretariat The Vilnius Conference or Vilnius National Conference (Lithuanian: ) met between September 18, 1917 and September 22, 1917,[1] and began the process of re-establishing Lithuanian independence. ... February 16 is the 47th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1918 (MCMXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. ... Facsimile of the Act of February 16 The Act of Independence of Lithuania (Lithuanian: ) or Act of February 16 was signed by the Council of Lithuania on February 16, 1918, proclaiming the restoration of an independent State of Lithuania, governed by democratic principles, with Vilnius as its capital. ... Democracy (literally rule by the people, from the Greek demos, people, and kratos, rule[1]) is a [[List of forms of government|form of government]. While the term democracy is typically used in the context of a political state, the principles are also applicable to other groups and organizations. ... The Wehrmacht (literally defence force or means/power of resistance) was the name of the armed forces of Germany from 1935 to 1945. ... Constituent Assembly of Lithuania (Lithuanian: Steigiamasis Seimas) was democratically elected in 1920 to draft and adopt the 1922 constitution of Lithuania. ... May 15 is the 135th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (136th in leap years). ... 1920 (MCMXX) was a leap year starting on Thursday. ...

Historical background and Vilnius Conference

After the last Partition of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1795, Lithuania had become part of the Russian Empire. During the 19th century, both the Poles and the Lithuanians attempted to restore their independence. They rebelled during the November Uprising in 1830 and the January Uprising in 1863, but the first realistic opportunity came about during the World War I. In 1915, Germany occupied Lithuania as its troops marched towards Russia. After the Russian Revolution in 1917, opportunities for independence opened up. Germany, avoiding direct annexation, tried to find a middle path that would involve some kind of union with Germany.^[2] In the light of upcoming peace negotiations with Russia, the Germans agreed to allow the Vilnius Conference, hoping that it would proclaim that the Lithuanian nation wanted to be detached from Russia and wished for a closer relationship with Germany.^[3] However, the conference, held between September 18 and 23, 1917, adopted a resolution that an independent Lithuania should be established and that a closer relationship with Germany would depend on whether it recognized the new state.^[3] On September 21st, the attendees at the conference elected a 20-member Council of Lithuania to establish this resolution. The German authorities did not allow that resolution to be published, but they did permit the council to proceed.^[3] The authorities censored the Council's newspaper, Lietuvos aidas (Echo of Lithuania), preventing the Council from reaching a wider public audience.^[1] The Vilnius Conference also resolved that a constituent assembly should be elected by popular vote as soon as possible. The Partitions of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (Polish: Rozbiór Polski or Rozbiory Polski; Lithuanian: Lietuvos-Lenkijos padalijimai, Belarusian: Падзелы Рэчы Паспалітай) took place in the 18th century and ended the existence of the sovereign Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. ... Anthem God Save the Tsar! The Russian Empire in 1914 Capital Saint Petersburg Language(s) Russian Government Monarchy Emperor  - 1721-1725 Peter the Great (first)  - 1894-1917 Nicholas II (last) History  - Established 22 October, 1721  - February Revolution 2 March, 1917 Area  - 1897 22,400,000 km2 8,648,688 sq... Coat-of-arms of the November Uprising. ... Polonia (Poland), 1863, by Jan Matejko, 1864, oil on canvas, 156 × 232 cm, National Museum, Kraków. ... “The Great War ” redirects here. ... This article needs additional references or sources to facilitate its verification. ...

Structure and Membership

The original 20 members of the council. Jonas Basanavičius is sitting in the middle of the first row. On his left is Antanas Smetona.

The twenty men who comprised the Council were of different ages (the youngest was 25; the oldest 66), social status, professions, and political affiliations. There were eight lawyers, four priests, three agronomists, two financiers, a doctor, a publisher, and an engineer.^[4] Eight of the members were Christian democrats and seven were not affiliated. All except one held degrees in higher education,^[5] and all were multilingual, fluent at a minimum in Lithuanian and Russian and often in Polish and German as well. The Council's last surviving member, Aleksandras Stulginskis, passed away in September 1969. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (945x655, 255 KB) . File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Antanas Smetona Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Lithuania Council of Lithuania User:M.K/Images Act of Independence of Lithuania... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (945x655, 255 KB) . File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Antanas Smetona Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Lithuania Council of Lithuania User:M.K/Images Act of Independence of Lithuania... Dr. Jonas Basanavičius Dr. Jonas Basanavičius (23rd November 1851, Ozkabaliai - 16th February 1927, Vilnius) - Ideologist of Lithuanias national revival movement, founder of newspaper Aušra (The dawn), which was the first prohibited newspaper of national revival. ... Antanas Smetona Antanas Smetona (August 10, 1874 - January 9, 1944) was probably the most important Lithuanian political figure during the period between World War I and World War II. He was the first president of Lithuania from April 4, 1919 to June 19, 1920. ... Agronomy is a branch of agricultural science that deals with the study of crops and the soils in which they grow. ... Financier (IPA: /ˌfi nãn ˈsjei/) is an elegant term for a person who handles large sums of money, usually involving money lending, financing projects, large-scale investing, or large-scale money management. ... Christian democracy is a diverse political ideology and movement. ... The term multilingualism can refer to rather different phenomena. ... Aleksandras Stulginskis (February 26, 1885 in Kutaliai, Lithuania-September 22, 1969) was the second President of Lithuania (1920-1926). ...

During the first meeting on September 24, Antanas Smetona was elected as the chairman of the council. The chairman, two vice-chairmen, and two secretaries made up the presidium. The vice-chairs and secretaries would change from time to time, but Smetona retained the chairmanship until 1919 when he was elected the first President of Lithuania.^[3] Smetona was succeeded by Stasys Šilingas as the chairman. He was not among the original twenty members. The first change in membership took place on July 13, 1918, when six new members (Martynas Yčas, Augustinas Voldemaras, Juozas Purickis, Eliziejus Draugelis, Jurgis Alekna and Stasys Šilingas) were admitted and four (Kairys, Vileišis, Biržiška, Narutavičius) resigned.^[6] By spring of 1919, the council had almost doubled in size.^[3] Antanas Smetona Antanas Smetona (August 10, 1874 - January 9, 1944) was probably the most important Lithuanian political figure during the period between World War I and World War II. He was the first president of Lithuania from April 4, 1919 to June 19, 1920. ... Early Lithuania The Grand Duchy of Lithuania Title: Kunigaikštis or Didysis Kunigaikštis (The Great Duke in Lithuanian) Mindaugas, 1238-1263 also crowned as a King Treniota, 1263-1264 Vaišvilkas (Vaišelga, Vaishyalga, Vaišalgas), 1264-1267 Švarnas (Svarnas, Shvarno), 1267-1269... Å« Stasys Å ilingas in 1936 Baron Stasys Å ilingas (11 November 1885, Vilnius - 13 November 1962, KelmÄ—) Lithuanian lawyer and statesman, was a significant figure in the history of Lithuanias independence. ... Augustinas Voldemaras (April 16, 1883_December 16, 1942 was a Lithuanian nationalist who served as the countrys first prime minister 1918, and again from 1926 to 1929. ...

Declaration of Independence

Main article: Act of Independence of Lithuania

Declaration of Independence on February 16

Soon after the council was elected, major developments took place in Russia. The October Revolution brought the Bolsheviks to power. They signed a truce with Germany on December 2, 1917 and started peace negotiations. Germany needed some documentation of its relationship with Lithuania. In the so-called Berlin Protocol Germany offered to recognize Lithuanian independence if the latter agreed to form a firm and permanent federation with Germany, based on conventions concerning military affairs, transportation, customs, and currency.^[3] The council agreed, on condition that Lithuania would decide its own internal affairs and foreign policy. The Germans rejected this proposal. On December 11, the council adopted a resolution agreeing to a "firm and permanent alliance" with Germany on the basis of the four conventions. Only fifteen members voted for this resolution, but all twenty signed it.^[3] Facsimile of the Act of February 16 The Act of Independence of Lithuania (Lithuanian: ) or Act of February 16 was signed by the Council of Lithuania on February 16, 1918, proclaiming the restoration of an independent State of Lithuania, governed by democratic principles, with Vilnius as its capital. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (480x698, 23 KB) Act of Declaration of Independence of Lithuania. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (480x698, 23 KB) Act of Declaration of Independence of Lithuania. ... Facsimile of the Act of February 16 The Act of Independence of Lithuania (Lithuanian: ) or Act of February 16 was signed by the Council of Lithuania on February 16, 1918, proclaiming the restoration of an independent State of Lithuania, governed by democratic principles, with Vilnius as its capital. ... For other uses, see October Revolution (disambiguation). ... Bolshevik Party Meeting. ... == T.R.U.C.E == Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Childrens Entertainment. ... December 2 is the 336th day (337th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1917 (MCMXVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 13-day slower Julian calendar (see: 1917 Julian calendar). ... Customs is an authority or agency in a country responsible for collecting customs duties and for controlling the flow of animals and goods (including personal effects and hazardous items) in and out of a country. ...

The Germans broke their promise and did not recognize the state and did not invite its delegation to the negotiations of Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. Lithuanians, including those living abroad, disapproved of the December 11 declaration.^[1] The declaration, seen as pro-German, was an obstacle in establishing diplomatic relations with England, France and the United States, the enemies of Germany.^[7] On January 8, the same day that Woodrow Wilson announced his Fourteen Points, the council proposed amendments to the declaration of December 11 calling for a constituent assembly. The amendments were rejected by the Germans and it was made clear that the Council would serve only advisory functions.^[1] The council was torn apart and a few members threatened to leave. On February 16th, the council, temporarily chaired by Jonas Basanavičius, decided to re-declare independence, this time mentioning nothing specific about a relationship with Germany. That was left for a constituent assembly to decide. February 16th is now one of Lithuania's two official Independence Days.^[8] The first two pages of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, in (left to right) German, Hungarian, Bulgarian, Ottoman Turkish and Russian The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was a peace treaty signed on March 3, 1918, at Brest-Litovsk (now Brest, Belarus) between the Russian SFSR and the Central Powers, marking... Thomas Woodrow Wilson (December 28, 1856 – February 3, 1924), was the 28th President of the United States. ... United States President Woodrow Wilson listed the Fourteen Points in a speech that he delivered to the United States Congress on January 8, 1918. ... Dr. Jonas Basanavičius Dr. Jonas Basanavičius (23rd November 1851, Ozkabaliai - 16th February 1927, Vilnius) - Ideologist of Lithuanias national revival movement, founder of newspaper AuÅ¡ra (The dawn), which was the first prohibited newspaper of national revival. ...

Establishing independence

The Germans were not satisfied with the new declaration and demanded that the council go back to the December 11 decision.^[6] On March 3, Germany and Bolshevik Russia signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk. It declared that the Baltic nations were in the German interest zone and that Russia renounced any claims to them. On March 23, Germany recognized independent Lithuania on the basis of the December 11 declaration.^[3] However, nothing in essence changed either in Lithuania or in Council's status: any efforts to establish administration were hindered.^[2] The form of government, however, was left undecided. Germany, ruled by a kaiser, obviously preferred a monarchy. They proposed a personal union with the Prussian Hohenzollern dynasty.^[3] As an alternative, on June 4 the council voted to invite Duke Wilhelm of Urach, Count of Württemberg, to become the monarch of Lithuania. He agreed and was elected King of Lithuania (Mindaugas II) on July 13, 1918. The decision was very controversial and four members of the council left in protest.^[9] The first two pages of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, in (left to right) German, Hungarian, Bulgarian, Ottoman Turkish and Russian The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was a peace treaty signed on March 3, 1918, at Brest-Litovsk (now Brest, Belarus) between the Russian SFSR and the Central Powers, marking... The three Baltic states: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania The Baltic states refer to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Motto: Suum cuique Latin: To each his own Prussia at its peak, as leading state of the German Empire Capital Königsberg, later Berlin Political structure Duchy, Kingdom, Republic Duke1  - 1525–68 Albert I  - 1688–1701 Frederick III King1  - 1701–13 Frederick I  - 1888–1918 William II Prime Minister1,2... Hohenzollern redirects here. ... King of Lithuania was the title of the ruler of Lithuania. ... Mindaugas II of Lithuania (3 March 1864, Monaco - 24 March 1928, Rapallo, Italy) was a King-elect in 1918. ...

Germany did not recognize the new king and its relationship with the council remained tense.^[9] The council was not allowed to determine the borders of Lithuania, establish an embassy in Berlin, or begin forming a stable administrative system. It received small funds to cover its expenses only in September of 1918.^[2] The situation changed when the German Revolution started and Germany lost the war in fall of 1918 - it was no longer in a position to dictate terms. On November 2, the council adopted the first provisional constitution. The decision to invite King Mindaugas II was annulled and this helped to reconcile the political factions.^[2] The functions of government were entrusted to a 3-member presidium, and Augustinas Voldemaras was invited to form the first Cabinet of Ministers.^[1] The first government was formed on November 11, 1918, the day that Germany signed the armistice in Compiègne. The council began to organize an army, police, local government, and other institutions. It also expanded to include ethnic minorities (Jews and Belarussians).^[6] November Revolution redirects here. ... Augustinas Voldemaras (April 16, 1883_December 16, 1942 was a Lithuanian nationalist who served as the countrys first prime minister 1918, and again from 1926 to 1929. ... November 11 is the 315th day of the year (316th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 50 days remaining. ... 1918 (MCMXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. ... Front page of the New York Times on Armistice Day, 11 November 1918 The armistice treaty between the Allies and Germany was signed in a railway carriage in Compiègne Forest on November 11, 1918, and marked the end of the First World War on the Western Front. ... Belarusians or Belarusans (Belarusian: , previously also spelled Belarussians, Byelorussians and Belorussians) are an East Slavic people who populate the majority of the Republic of Belarus and form minorities in neighboring Poland (especially former Bialystok province), Russia, Lithuania and Ukraine. ...

As German forces retreated and Bolshevik forces approached Vilnius, on January 2, 1919 the council moved to Kaunas. The Freedom Wars started. On April 4, the second provisional constitution was adopted, creating the office of President of Lithuania. Antanas Smetona, as the chairman of the council, became the first president. The German forces did not leave Lithuania until July 1919. Due to wars and other turmoil, elections to the Constituent Assembly of Lithuania were not held until spring of 1920. The council adjourned on May 15, 1920. Bolshevik Party Meeting. ... Location Ethnographic region AukÅ¡taitija County Vilnius County Municipality Vilnius city municipality Coordinates Number of elderates 20 General Information Capital of Lithuania Vilnius County Vilnius city municipality Vilnius district municipality Population About 600,000 in 2006 (1st) First mentioned 1323 Granted city rights 1387 Articles with similar titles include Vilnius... January 2 is the second day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1919 (MCMXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar). ... Location Ethnographic region AukÅ¡taitija County Kaunas County Municipality Kaunas city municipality Coordinates Number of elderates 11 General Information Capital of Kaunas County Kaunas city municipality Kaunas district municipality Population 361,274 in 2005 (2nd) First mentioned 1361 Granted city rights 1408 Kaunas ( (help· info), approximate English transcription [ˈkəʊ.n... Freedom wars refers to the three wars Lithuania had to fight defending its independence from the opposing forces at the end of World War I. Since 1795 Lithuania was part of the Russian Empire. ... Early Lithuania The Grand Duchy of Lithuania Title: Kunigaikštis or Didysis Kunigaikštis (The Great Duke in Lithuanian) Mindaugas, 1238-1263 also crowned as a King Treniota, 1263-1264 Vaišvilkas (Vaišelga, Vaishyalga, Vaišalgas), 1264-1267 Švarnas (Svarnas, Shvarno), 1267-1269... Constituent Assembly of Lithuania (Lithuanian: Steigiamasis Seimas) was democratically elected in 1920 to draft and adopt the 1922 constitution of Lithuania. ... May 15 is the 135th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (136th in leap years). ... 1920 (MCMXX) was a leap year starting on Thursday. ...

References

Library of Congress reading room The Library of Congress Classification (LCC) is a system of library classification developed by the Library of Congress. ... 6 volumes of Encyclopedia Lituanica An open volume of Encyclopedia Lituanica with picture of publisher Juozas Kapočius on the left Encyclopedia Lituanica (likely named after Encyclopedia Britannica or Encyclopedia Americana)[1] is a six-volume (about 3600-page) English language encyclopedia about Lithuania and Lithuania-related topics. ... Library of Congress reading room The Library of Congress Classification (LCC) is a system of library classification developed by the Library of Congress. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... September 2 is the 245th day of the year (246th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Lithuanian National Radio and Television (Lithuanian:  ) is the national public broadcasting company of Lithuania. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... September 2 is the 245th day of the year (246th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the CE era. ... January 28 is the 28th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the CE era. ... January 28 is the 28th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Seimas is the Lithuanian parliament. ... 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the CE era. ... February 10 is the 41st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ...

See also