A History of Lithuania

First Lithuanian Ancestors Settle along Baltic Coast (BC)

Jan 1, 1000

In 2000 B.C., it was noted as the first settlers of Lithuania. These people settled along the Baltic Coast, and built an empire which ruled throughout Europe for hundreds of years.

Lithuania is still anti-religious

May 7, 1200

While most of Europe has converted thereselves to Christianity, Lithuania stays Pagan. Pagan is the belief that there are many Gods, and not just one supreme being. It is said that a fire was always kept burning in Vilnius, stoked by vestal virgins. Fire is believed to be the divine. If they broke their laws of chastity (refraining from physical activity) or the fire went out, the penalty was death.

Lithuania is United

Jun 7, 1236

Lithuania is now a country, united under Mindaugas, who is later crowned king. The unification of Lithuania helps to fight of the German crusaders from the West.

Vilnius

Jun 7, 1323

Vilnius is founded under the Grand Duke Gediminas. Vilnius will later become the capital of Lithuania.

Lithuania Unites with Poland

Jun 7, 1386

To keep the German crusaders away from their kingdoms, the Grand Duke of Lithuania and the Queen of Poland get married, to create a monarchial union. This is when Lithuania converts to Christianity, and is shown in the country by destroying Pagan God statues and burning sacred trees.

Lithuania-Poland stretches land

Jun 7, 1410

In the years 1392-1430, Lithuania-Poland stretched to the Black Sea. In these years, that Empire also crushed the Teutonic Knights, which were a German religious group, better known as the crusaders. Crusaders go and conquest land to spread their certain religion.

Jews begin to settle in Lithuania

Jun 7, 1440

In the 1400's, Jews begin to settle in Lithuania. Vilnius becomes one of the most Jewishly inhabited areas in the world.

Lithuania enters a Commonwealth

Jun 7, 1569

In the 1560's, Lithuania is beginning to weaken as a world power, so it enters a formal Commonwealth with Poland. A commonwealth is a "dualistic state ruled under a common monarch" so Poland and Lithuania were bascically making a combined country.

The plague hits Lithuania

Jun 7, 1657

In 1657, the black plague hit Lithuania, and promptly killed half its citizens.

Lithuania goes into Russia

Jun 7, 1759

In 1759, the Commonwealth of Lithuania and Poland is broken up, making new countries such as Belarus ,Estonia ,Latvia ,Lithuania ,Moldova ,Poland ,Russia ,Slovakia ,Ukraine. Lithuania ends up in Russian territory, and is occupied by Russia.

Lithuanian Uprisings

Jun 7, 1860

Lithuanians rise up against the Russian goevrnment in 1860-1865. The Czar of Russia outlaws the public use of the Lithuanian language.

Lithuania mass emigration

Jun 8, 1900

In 1900, Lithuanians started to emigrate in massive numbers to escape Czarist unfare and harsh ruling. Lithuanians spread their culture far and wide. British actor Sir John Gielgud, singer Al Jolson, actor Charles Bronson, the Three Stooges, and American composer Aaron Copland are all of Lithuanian heritage. The father of former Israeli premier Ehud Barak was from Lithuania.

Lithaunian Independence

Jun 8, 1918

After World War I, Lithuania broke away from Russia after years of protest, and became independent.

Lithuania is recognized for Independence

Jun 8, 1920

In 1920, Lithuania was recognized as its own country. Though Poland occupied the country, Kaukanas was the Lithuanian Capital. Also in this year, Lithaunia broke away from the Vatican due to their recognition of Lithuania being of Polish rule.

Klaipeda becomes German

Mar 22, 1939

In 1939, a long running dispute between Lithuania and Germany over the district of coastal Klaipeda, is resolved. Germany states that Lithuania will give in to its ultimatum, or face Nazi invasion. Lithuania, no longer having suppor from either Russia of Poland, gives in. Hitler arrives on March 22, 1939

Lithuania back under U.S.S.R

Jun 8, 1939

In 1939, Hitler and Joseph Stalin of the U.S.S.R decide to split Europe, and Lithuania falls back under Soviet rule. Mass deportaions to the Siberian Plain begin, though Soviets give Vilnius back to the Lithuanians.

Nazis invade Lithuania

Jun 8, 1941

Nazis invade Lithuania. Lithuania has a mass Jewish population, and most of Lithuanias 240,000 Jews are killed.

Soviets Re-Occupy Lithuania

Jun 8, 1944

Soviets re-occupy Lithuania after Nazis are done with. Over 500,000 Lithuanians are forced into exile, shot, or jailed under the iron curtain.

First open protests against USSR

Jun 8, 1987

The first publicly open protests against USSR occur.

Lithuania declares Independence...Again

Jun 8, 1990

Lithuania declares independence from the USSR, the first Republic to do so, hopefully for the last time. Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev tries to talk Lithuania into staying with the USSR.

Lithuania is accpted into NATO

Mar 29, 2004

Lithuania is accepted into NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the Warsaw Pacts counterpart.

Lithuania joins EU

May 1, 2011

Lithuania is accepted into the EU, or the European Union.

Bibliography

Jun 8, 2011

Lithuanian History." Baltics Worldwide. Web. 08 June 2011. http://www.balticsworldwide.com/tourist/lithuania/history.htm. "Mikhail Gorbachev." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 08 June 2011. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikhail_Gorbachev. "Teutonic Knights." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 08 June 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teutonic_Knights