Soviet Occupation of Lithuania on June 15, 1940

The occupation of Lithuania by the Soviet Union on June 15, 1940, marked a significant moment in the nation’s history, as it led to decades of Soviet control over Lithuania. This event was part of a broader strategy during World War II, influenced by the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression treaty between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union signed in August 1939.

Context Leading Up to the Occupation

• Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact: The secret protocol of this pact effectively divided Eastern Europe into German and Soviet spheres of influence, assigning Lithuania initially to Germany’s sphere while Latvia, Estonia, and Finland were within the Soviet sphere.

• Transfer of Lithuania: Subsequently, a German-Soviet Boundary and Friendship Treaty signed on September 28, 1939, reallocated Lithuania to the Soviet sphere, laying the groundwork for Soviet intervention.

• Soviet Ultimatums and Military Presence: On October 10, 1939, Lithuania was coerced into accepting the Mutual Assistance Pact with the Soviet Union, which allowed the establishment of Soviet military bases in Lithuania. This presence paved the way for further Soviet demands.

Immediate Events of June 15, 1940

• Ultimatum and Occupation: On June 14, 1940, the Soviet Union issued an ultimatum to Lithuania, demanding the establishment of a pro-Soviet government and unfettered access for Soviet troops. Faced with overwhelming force and lacking external support, Lithuania had little choice but to comply.

• Military Invasion: On June 15, 1940, Soviet forces began to march into Lithuania. The Lithuanian government, led by President Antanas Smetona, fled, paving the way for Soviet takeover without resistance. Soviet troops systematically secured key locations across the country.

Initial Consequences

• Formation of a Puppet Government: A new, Soviet-controlled “People’s Government” was installed, led by Justas Paleckis. This government quickly implemented Soviet directives.

• Incorporation into the USSR: Following Soviet-style elections in July 1940, the Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic was proclaimed, and on August 3, 1940, Lithuania was formally annexed into the Soviet Union.

Aftermath and Historical Significance

The Soviet occupation had far-reaching impacts on Lithuania:

• Repression and Deportations: Hundreds of thousands of Lithuanians were deported to Siberia and other remote parts of the Soviet Union over the next several years, disrupting families and communities.

• Cultural and Political Suppression: Lithuania’s political structures, economic systems, and cultural expressions were heavily influenced or dismantled to align with Soviet ideologies.

• Path to Independence: The occupation set the stage for Lithuania’s eventual struggle for independence, which would not be achieved until March 11, 1990, when Lithuania became the first Soviet republic to declare independence, subsequently recognized after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.

The Soviet occupation of Lithuania is a poignant chapter in the nation’s history, marking a period of significant turbulence and transformation that profoundly affected the Lithuanian population and their national identity.