The Act of Independence of Lithuania: February 16, 1918

On February 16, 1918, the Council of Lithuania proclaimed the country’s independence through the signing of the Act of Independence of Lithuania. This pivotal declaration marked the re-establishment of Lithuania as a sovereign state, free from both German and Russian control.

Historical Context

The Act of Independence came during the tumultuous period of World War I when the German Empire occupied Lithuania. Before the outbreak of the war, Lithuania was part of the Russian Empire, having been absorbed during the partitions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the late 18th century. The chaos of the war loosened the grip of these empires over the Baltic region, providing an opportunity for national movements to seek autonomy or independence.

In the summer of 1917, amid German occupation, a conference of Lithuanian representatives was held in Vilnius. This gathering led to the formation of the Council of Lithuania (Lietuvos Taryba), chaired by Jonas Basanavičius, which became the de facto government representing Lithuanian interests.

The Declaration

The declaration itself was a historic document asserting Lithuania’s intention to establish an independent, democratic state based on ethnic self-determination. The Act was signed in Vilnius by twenty members of the Council, who unanimously endorsed the motion for Lithuania’s independence.

The Act pronounced:

• The restoration of the independent state of Lithuania, organized on democratic principles, with Vilnius as its capital.
• A call to other nations to recognize Lithuanian sovereignty.

Immediate Aftermath and Challenges

Lithuania’s independence did not immediately translate into actual sovereign control. The German military presence remained, and negotiations with the German authorities did not result in the withdrawal of their forces or full political recognition initially.

The geopolitical scene in post-World War I Europe was complex, with new nations emerging and borders being redrawn. Lithuania’s path toward full international recognition and domestic stability was fraught with challenges. It was only after the end of the war and the subsequent Treaty of Versailles discussions that the international community started recognizing Lithuania’s sovereignty, although full recognition would take more years to solidify due to the complex regional dynamics.

Significance

The 1918 Act of Independence is celebrated as a pivotal moment in Lithuania’s history, representing the continuity of its statehood and resilience in the face of foreign domination. February 16 is commemorated annually in Lithuania as a national holiday, serving as a symbol of Lithuanian unity and the enduring spirit of its people in their quest for self-determination. The Act laid the foundation for modern Lithuania and remains a key document of national pride and identity.