Wilno Land was a district of Poland , with capital in Vilnius , that existed from 13 April 1922 until 20 January 1926. The territory was formed in 1922 from territories of the Republic of Central Lithuania incorporated into Poland, and a 3 counties from Nowogródek Voivodeship . In 1926, the territory was transformed into the Wilno Voivodeship , becoming the last voivodeship of the Second Polish Republic to be formed. It had an area of 27,849 km (10,753 sq mi) and in 1925, it was inhabited by 973,404 people.
127-682: Wilno Land was formed on 13 April 1922, from territories of Republic of Central Lithuania , following its incorporation by Second Polish Republic . The annexation itself was decided in the bill signed on 6 April 1922. The annexed lands included the city of Vilnius as well as the territories of Brasław , Oszmiana , Święciany , Troki and Wilno Counties . Additionally to territory were added Duniłowicze , Dzisna and Wilejka Counties from neighbouring Nowogródek Voivodeship . Between 1923 and 1924, Wilno and Troki Counties were combined into Wilno-Troki County , tough de facto they acted as singular county since 1921. On 1 January 1926, Duniłowicze County
254-508: A confederation of Baltic Western Lithuania (with Lithuanian as an official language ) and Central Lithuania (with Polish as an official language). Poland added the condition that the new state must be also federated with Poland, pursuing Józef Piłsudski 's goal of creating the Międzymorze Federation. Lithuanians rejected this condition. With nationalistic sentiments rising all over Europe, many Lithuanians were afraid that such
381-593: A Vilnius theater, stated that the attack was undertaken by his direct order. Żeligowski, a native to Lithuania, proclaimed a new state, the Republic of Central Lithuania ( Litwa Środkowa ). According to historian Jerzy J. Lerski , it was a " puppet state " which the Lithuanian Republic refused to recognize. The seat of Lithuanian government moved to Lithuania's second-largest city, Kaunas . Armed clashes between Kaunas and Central Lithuania continued for
508-483: A chance to maintain the control of the region. This led to the renewal of Polish–Lithuanian War , where the so-called Żeligowski's Mutiny , secretly ordered by Józef Piłsudski was a part of the military operation, fully supported and backed on flanks by the Polish army, and consequently to the establishment of the so-called Republic of Central Lithuania. The republic had features of a state administration, but actually
635-636: A clear political Polish–Lithuanian border, that would be respected after the war. Due to these fundamental disagreements and Polish attacks, the negotiations broke down on August 30. The Suwałki Region had strategic importance in the Polish–Soviet War. Following orders of Edward Rydz-Śmigły , Polish forces took Augustów from Lithuanians in a surprise attack on August 28. Confused and disoriented, Lithuanians retreated from Suwałki and Sejny on August 30 and 31. The Lithuanians reorganized, gathered their forces (11 battalions with 7,000 soldiers), and organized
762-902: A counterattack to retake lost territory on September 2. The goal was to take and secure the Augustów– Lipsk – Grabowo – Grodno line. The Lithuanians succeeded in re-taking Sejny and Lipsk and by September 4 reached the outskirts of Augustów. On September 5, the Poles counterattacked and forced the Lithuanians to retreat. On September 9, the Polish forces recaptured Sejny,< but the Lithuanians pushed back and regained Sejny and Giby on September 13 and 14. Pending direct negotiations, hostilities were ceased on both sides. On September 6, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Juozas Purickis proposed direct negotiations in Marijampolė . On September 8, during
889-678: A day before the entrance of Polish troops to Vilnius. Meanwhile, Michal Römer , a Lithuanian patriot and veteran of Polish Legions under Piłsudski, went to Kaunas on a mission, and was expected to convince Lithuanian politicians of federation. However, he only found understanding among Lithuanians of Polish culture. On April 17, Lithuanian politicians categorically rejected the federation's proposals. The Lithuanian delegation, led by Jurgis Šaulys , held talks with Polish Prime Minister Ignacy Jan Paderewski on May 13 and 23, and with Polish Head of State Józef Piłsudski on May 21. The Polish side, strengthened by its possession of Vilnius, insisted on
1016-583: A diplomatic note to the League of Nations alleging that Lithuania violated its neutrality and asked to intervene in the Polish–Lithuanian War. The League agreed to mediate and began its session on September 16. The resolution, adopted on September 20, urged both states to cease hostilities and adhere to the Curzon Line. Poland was asked to respect Lithuanian neutrality if Soviet Russia agreed to do
1143-694: A federation, resembling the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth from centuries ago, would be a threat to Lithuanian culture , as during the Commonwealth times many of the Lithuanian nobility was Polonized . General elections in Central Lithuania were decreed to take place on 9 January, and the regulations governing this election were to be issued prior to 28 November 1920. However, due to the League of Nations mediation, and
1270-497: A few hours until the arrival of the regular Polish troops, situated only some 40–50 km (25–31 mi) east from the city. Piłsudski and his entourage were sincerely convinced that Taryba , who ruled Lithuania, had no real popular support and was merely a German creation. They were bolstered in this conviction by intra-Lithuanian quarrels, primarily between Lithuanian émigré leader Juozas Gabrys and newly elected President Smetona , who lacked democratic legitimacy. This conviction
1397-491: A few weeks, but neither side could gain a significant advantage. Due to the mediation efforts of the League of Nations, a new ceasefire was signed on November 21 and a truce six days later. On 12 October 1920, Żeligowski announced the creation of a provisional government . Soon the courts and the police were formed by his decree of 7 January 1921, and the civil rights of Central Lithuania were granted to all people who lived in
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#17328013343891524-603: A halt when Poland demanded that a delegation from Central Lithuania (boycotted by Lithuania) be invited to Brussels . Hymans' proposal left Vilnius in Polish hands, which was unacceptable to Lithuania. A new plan was presented to the governments of Lithuania and Poland in September 1921. It was basically a modification of "Hymans' plan", with the difference that the Klaipėda Region (the area in East Prussia north of
1651-787: A line on the Czarna Hańcza River – Wigry Lake . They showed their intention to stay there permanently, which caused concern among the local Poles. On August 12, they organized a rally in Suwałki demanding incorporation into Poland. Lithuanians also held a rally in Kaunas on August 17 protesting the Foch line, and a similar rally was later held in Sejny, where Prime Minister Mykolas Sleževičius arrived. The Sejny branch of Polish Military Organisation (PMO) began preparing for an uprising, scheduled for
1778-672: A military campaign against the Soviets but also as the right of self-determination of local Poles. Due to Polish–Lithuanian tensions, the Allied Powers withheld diplomatic recognition of Lithuania until 1922. The Lithuanians claimed Vilnius as their historical capital and refused any federation with Poland, desiring an independent Lithuanian state. They regarded Polish federalism as a recreation of Polish cultural and political dominance. The Lithuanian government in Kaunas , designated as
1905-511: A planned coup d'état in Kaunas to overthrow the government of Lithuania. Sometime in mid-July 1919, PMO forces in Vilnius began planning a coup to replace the Lithuanian government with a pro-Polish cabinet, which would agree to a union with Poland (the proposed Międzymorze federation). Polish leader Józef Piłsudski believed there were enough Polish sympathizers in Lithuania to carry out
2032-794: A planning meeting of the Battle of the Niemen River , the Poles decided to manoeuvre through the Lithuanian-held territory to the rear of the Soviet Army, stationed in Grodno. In an attempt to conceal the planned attack, Polish diplomats accepted the proposal to negotiate. The negotiations started on September 16 in Kalvarija , but collapsed just two days later. On September 5, 1920, Polish Foreign Minister Eustachy Sapieha delivered
2159-544: A policy of Russification of the newly acquired lands, which escalated after the failed January Uprising of 1864. The discrimination against local inhabitants included restrictions and outright bans on the usage of the Polish , Lithuanian (see Lithuanian press ban ), Belarusian , and Ukrainian (see Valuyev circular ) languages. These measures, however, had limited effects on the Polonisation effort undertaken by
2286-418: A road, the Soviets ignored Lithuanian protests and transported their troops and equipment regardless. At the same time Polish soldiers were disarmed and interned. The largest group, a brigade under colonel Pasławski, was interned on July 18, 1920, near Kruonis . On August 10, Lithuanians held 103 Polish officers and 3,520 private soldiers. Poland also claimed that the Lithuanian troops actively participated in
2413-518: A short line to provide the planned attack on Vilnius with space for operation. The Polish delegation was also stalling to buy time for necessary preparations for an attack on Vilnius. While Vilnius was not a topic of debate, it was on everybody's mind. On October 4, the Control Commission, sent by the League according to its resolution of September 20, arrived to Suwałki. The commission, led by French colonel Pierre Chardigny, re-energized
2540-640: A strategically important bridge over the Šventoji River near Vepriai . In October, when main Lithuanian forces were deployed against the Bermontians in northwestern Lithuania, the attacks intensified. Poles captured Salakas on October 5 and attacked Kapčiamiestis on October 12. When Polish troops were engaged in combat with Soviet forces German troops attacked Alanta on January 11, 1920, and Stakliškės on January 14. The front stabilized, but harassment of border guards and local villagers continued throughout early 1920. In March 1920, fights erupted along
2667-752: A year later following the Soviet ultimatum and occupation of the Baltic states . According to the 1897 Russian census , the disputed city of Vilnius had a linguistic breakdown of 30% Polish speaking, 40% Jews, and 2% Lithuanian speaking; however the percentage of Lithuanian speakers in the surrounding countryside was a few times higher than that of Polish speakers – the population was 35% Lithuanian and 12% Polish speaking in Vilnius county (if excluding its centre - Vilnius city), while Trakai county had 59% Lithuanian and 11% Polish speaking population. According to
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#17328013343892794-681: The 41st Infantry Regiment [ pl ] – joined the PMO volunteers. On September 5, the Lithuanians agreed to withdraw behind the Foch Line by September 7. Poland secured Sejny and repressed Lithuanian cultural life: the Sejny Priest Seminary was expelled, Lithuanian schools and cultural organizations closed. After the uprising, the mistrust of Poles prompted Lithuanian intelligence to intensify its investigations of Polish activities in Lithuania. This helped to detect and prevent
2921-522: The Battle of Warsaw and forced the Soviets to retreat. The Polish Army encountered Lithuanian opposition, defending their new borders, which the Polish government considered illegitimate. Thus, the Polish invaded Lithuanian-controlled territory during the Battle of Sejny . Pressured by the League of Nations, Poland signed the Suwałki Agreement on October 7, 1920. The agreement left the Suwałki region on
3048-560: The Battle of Warsaw in mid-August 1920 and started withdrawing. They handed over Vilnius to the Lithuanians on August 26. The Lithuanians hastily made preparations to secure the border, as determined by the Soviet–Lithuanian Peace Treaty. The soldiers were ordered to maintain neutrality: avoid hostilities and intern any Soviet or Polish troops that would cross the border. On August 26, a Polish delegation, led by Colonel Mieczysław Mackiewicz , arrived in Kaunas to negotiate
3175-614: The Central Lithuania , and the Middle Lithuania ( Polish : Litwa Środkowa , Lithuanian : Vidurinė Lietuva , Belarusian : Сярэдняя Літва , romanized : Siaredniaja Litva ), was an unrecognized short-lived puppet state of Poland , that existed from 1920 to 1922. It was founded on 12 October 1920, after successful Żeligowski's Mutiny , during which the volunteer 1st Lithuanian–Belarusian Division under command of general Lucjan Żeligowski seized
3302-657: The Civil Administration of the Eastern Lands , headed by Jerzy Osmołowski [ pl ] . An important strategic success for the Polish side was the capture of Grodno on April 28, 1919, from which the Germans withdrew. After that Polish troops advanced further west and northwest. The situation was utilized by the Lithuanian army, which entered Ukmergė on May 3, and started an offensive further south and southwest. Polish–Lithuanian relations at
3429-729: The Curzon Line and taking advantage of the fact that victorious Poles after the Battle of Warsaw were advancing to the East against the Bolsheviks in the Polish–Soviet War . Poles believed that for this reason they should grab as much mixed areas as deemed possible as well as to protect the Catholic, predominantly Polish-speaking population in disputed areas, thus because of the colossal military outnumbering, Lithuania could not stand
3556-455: The Free City of Danzig and Upper Silesia , and direct aggression against Lithuania could have hampered Polish bargaining positions. While the Polish side officially held Żeligowski to be a deserter and did not support him, Poland provided logistic support, including munitions and food rations, to his units. Żeligowski also received reinforcements, when, according to the official version,
3683-541: The Neman River ) was to be incorporated into Lithuania. However, both Poland and Lithuania openly criticized this revised plan and finally this turn of talks came to a halt as well. After the talks in Brussels failed, the tensions in the area grew. The most important issue was the huge army Central Lithuania fielded (27,000). General Lucjan Żeligowski decided to pass the power to the civil authorities and confirmed
3810-593: The Polish coup against the Lithuanian government failing in August 1919, the front stabilized until the summer of 1920. In July 1920, Polish forces retreated due to reverses in the Polish–Soviet War and the Lithuanians followed the retreating troops to secure their lands as delineated in the Soviet–Lithuanian Peace Treaty . However, the Red Army was the first to enter Vilnius. In August 1920, Poland won
3937-505: The Polish–Lithuanian relations in the interwar period. Alfred Erich Senn noted that if Poland had not prevailed in the Polish–Soviet War , Lithuania would have been invaded by the Soviets, and would never have experienced two decades of independence. Despite the Soviet–Lithuanian Peace Treaty of 1920, Lithuania was very close to being invaded by the Soviets in summer 1920 and being forcibly incorporated into that state, and only
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4064-519: The Red Army , which defeated the local self-defense units , but shortly afterwards the Soviets were pushed back by the Polish Army . 1920 saw the Vilnius region occupied by the Red Army for the second time. However, when the Red Army was defeated in the Battle of Warsaw , the Soviets, knowing that they wouldn't be able to hold Vilnius, decided to hand it over to Lithuania. By making such a move,
4191-506: The Vilnius Region (published in 1919) however, reported strikingly different numbers. In 1917 in the Vilnius city Poles were at 53.65%, Jews at 41.45%, Lithuanians at 2.1%, Belarusians at 0.44%, Russians at 1.59%, Germans at 0,63% and 'Other' at 0.14%. According to the 1916 census , Poles constituted 89.8% of the inhabitants of Vilnius county (excluding the city) and Lithuanians only 4.3%. Censuses had encountered difficulties in
4318-425: The Vilnius Region that Lithuania made claims to. It was incorporated into Poland on 18 April 1922. Vilnius , the historical capital of Lithuania, had majority Polish -speaking population with Lithuanian -speaking population of only 2–3%. Therefore, the Polish authorities decided that the region should belong to the newly-established Polish state and attempted to implement this idea using military force, ignoring
4445-679: The interwar period , was recognized by the Conference of Ambassadors of the Entente and the League of Nations . It was not recognized by Kaunas -based Republic of Lithuania until the Polish ultimatum of 1938 in March, when Lithuania acknowledged the status quo of so-called demarcation line, but the newest edition of the Constitution of Lithuania in May 1938 one more time named Vilnius
4572-612: The temporary capital , deemed the Polish presence in Vilnius as an illegal occupation. In addition to the Vilnius Region, the Suwałki Region was also disputed. It had a mixed Polish and Lithuanian population. At the time the international situations of newly independent Poland and Lithuania were unequal. Poland, much larger in territory and population, was dedicated point #13 in Woodrow Wilson 's Fourteen Points . It
4699-606: The treaty of alliance . Initially successful, the Polish Army started retreating after Russian counterattacks in early June 1920. Soon the Soviet forces began to threaten Poland's independence as they reached and crossed the Polish borders. On July 9, Polish Prime Minister Władysław Grabski asked the Allied Powers in the Spa Conference for military assistance in the war with the Soviets. The conference proposed that
4826-655: The 1916 German census, Poles were the most numerous among all local nationalities and constituted 53% or 53.67% of the city's population, 50% in the entire Vilnius census region and the vast majority in the Vilnius census district. World War I ended when Germany signed the Armistice of 11 November 1918 . On November 13, Soviet Russia renounced the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk and began the Soviet westward offensive of 1918–1919 . The Bolsheviks followed retreating Imperial German Army troops and attacked Lithuania and Poland from
4953-514: The 19th century was suppressed by the Russian policies and had unfavourable conditions within the Catholic church , became a minority in the region. Based on this, Lithuanian authorities argued that the majority of inhabitants living there, even if they at the time did not speak Lithuanian, were thus Polonized (or Russified ) Lithuanians. Further complicating the situation, there were two Polish factions with quite different views on creation of
5080-585: The Bolshevik army near Vawkavysk . On April 16, 1919, the Polish Army launched a wide-ranging offensive against the Bolsheviks from Lida to Vilnius. On April 19, 1919, the Polish cavalry under Władysław Belina-Prażmowski captured Vilnius. On April 22, 1919, Józef Piłsudski issued the Proclamation to the inhabitants of the former Grand Duchy of Lithuania , in which he announced that the region's fate would be decided democratically. He also established
5207-744: The Bolsheviks on January 5. The Polish Army seized Vilnius again on April 19, 1919 and came in contact with the Lithuanian Army fighting in the Lithuanian–Soviet War . Despite the antagonism over Vilnius, the Lithuanian and Polish armies sometimes cooperated when fighting against a common enemy, the Bolsheviks. As Lithuanian–Polish relations worsened, the Entente drew two demarcation lines in hopes to stall further hostilities. The lines did not please either side and were ignored. The first clashes between Polish and Lithuanian soldiers occurred on April 26 and May 8, 1919, near Vievis . With
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5334-583: The Conference of Ambassadors. In the Suwałki region , Lithuanian troops, supported by German troops, were advancing in a southerly direction. The entire region was under the control of the German army, which allowed in the southern part to organize Polish administrations and to hold elections to the Polish Sejm in the counties of Augustów , Suwałki and Sejny . However, at the same time, they allowed
5461-550: The German-ridden Lithuanian government. Another wave of arrests took place on September 9 in Kaišiadorys, an important railroad junction, where about 100 people were arrested. The PMO was little affected by the arrests and scheduled another coup attempt for the end of September. However, the Lithuanians obtained a full list of PMO members, including 369 names of members and 122 names of Lithuanians sympathetic to
5588-784: The Germans had withdrawn, the Lithuanian side pressed for Poland's recognition of an independent Lithuania with its capital in Vilnius, which the Polish leadership consistently rejected. Polish leader Józef Piłsudski hoped to revive the old Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth (see the Intermarium federation) and campaigned for some kind of Polish–Lithuanian union in the Paris Peace Conference . Oppositional Endecja desired Lithuania's annexation to Poland, with granting Lithuanians territorial autonomy within ethnic boundaries. Poland also did not intend to make any territorial concessions and justified its actions not only as part of
5715-399: The Germans were much more fruitful. Germany realized that France was interested in a strong Polish ally east of Germany. So, for their part, they supported the building of Lithuania, which would be unfriendly to Poland. Threatened from both sides, the Lithuanian government turned to Germany for military and financial assistance. German troops remained in Kaunas in early 1919, and the government
5842-579: The Jews and some Belarusians. Poles were the only major ethnic group out of which the majority of people voted. The elections were not recognized by Lithuania. Polish factions, which gained control over the parliament (Sejm) of the Republic (the Sejm of Central Lithuania ), on February 20 passed the request of incorporation into Poland. The request was accepted by the Polish Sejm on 22 March 1922. All of
5969-511: The Lithuanian boycott of the voting, the elections were postponed. Peace talks were held under the auspice of the League of Nations . The initial agreement was signed by both sides on 29 November 1920, and the talks started on 3 March 1921. The League of Nations considered the Polish proposal of a plebiscite on the future of Central Lithuania. As a compromise, the so-called "Hymans' plan" was proposed (named after Paul Hymans ). The plan consisted of 15 points, among them were: The talks came to
6096-489: The Lithuanian side. Polish chief of state Józef Piłsudski ordered his subordinate, General Lucjan Żeligowski , to stage a mutiny with his 1st Lithuanian–Belarusian Division (16 battalions with 14,000 soldiers) in Lida and capture Vilnius in fait accompli . The rebellion had two main goals: capture Vilnius and preserve Poland's international reputation. The League of Nations was mediating other Polish disputes, notably over
6223-554: The PMO, and liquidated the organization in Lithuania. The wave of arrests, included names outside the list, Lithuanian police used this as a pretext to arrest Polish activists, there were even murders. After the failure of the coup in Kaunas, there were numerous small border incidents. On September 17 and 18, Lithuanian troops attacked and occupied Musninkai and Širvintos, and were soon driven from them. On September 19, 1919, Polish troops attacked Gelvonai and encroached towards Ukmergė . On several occasions fights broke out regarding
6350-460: The Polish forces would withdraw behind the Curzon Line , the Soviet forces would stop 50 km (31 mi) to the east of the line, the Lithuanian forces would take control of Vilnius, and all other disputes would be settled via negotiations in London. Grabski opposed the transfer of Vilnius, but under the pressure of British Prime Minister Lloyd George , agreed to the resolution on July 10. At
6477-399: The Polish patriotic leadership of the Vilnius educational district. A similar effort was pursued during the 19th century Lithuanian National Revival , which sought to distance itself from both Polish and Russian influences. The ethnic composition of the area has long been disputed, since censuses from that time and place are often considered unreliable. According to the first census of
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#17328013343896604-423: The Polish side and drew a new incomplete demarcation line, which left Vilnius vulnerable to a flanking maneuver . On October 8, 1920, Polish general Lucjan Żeligowski staged a mutiny , secretly planned and authorized by the Polish chief of state Józef Piłsudski . Żeligowski's forces marched on Vilnius and captured it one day before the Suwałki Agreement was to formally come into effect. Żeligowski proclaimed
6731-399: The Polish troops. The Lithuanian Army moved to secure territories abandoned by the retreating Polish forces, reaching Turmantas on July 7, Tauragnai and Alanta on July 9, Širvintos and Musninkai on July 10, Kernavė , Molėtai , and Giedraičiai on July 11, Maišiagala and Pabradė on July 13. On July 13, the Polish command decided to transfer Vilnius to the Lithuanians following
6858-620: The Polish victory derailed this plan. After the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact and the Soviet invasion of Poland in 1939, Vilnius and its surroundings of up to 30 kilometres were given to Lithuania in accordance with the Soviet–Lithuanian Mutual Assistance Treaty of 10 October 1939, and Vilnius again became the capital of Lithuania. However, in 1940, Lithuania was annexed by the Soviet Union, forcing
6985-543: The Polish–Soviet War and in effect became a Soviet ally. A secret clause of the Soviet–Lithuanian Peace Treaty allowed Soviet forces unrestricted movement within the Soviet-recognized Lithuanian territory for the duration of Soviet hostilities with Poland. This clause was of a practical matter: Soviet troops already occupied much of the assigned territory and could not withdraw while hostilities with Poland continued. Lithuanians were also simply unable to resist Soviet troops. For example, when Lithuanians refused permission to use
7112-406: The Red Army's military operations. This charge, based on memoirs of Soviet officials, lacks evidence. Further military clashes between Polish and Lithuanian troops in the Suwałki Region were interpreted by Poland to show that "the Lithuanian government has become an instrument of the Soviet government." Lithuania responded that it was defending its borders. The Russians suffered a great defeat in
7239-426: The Republic's territory was eventually incorporated into the newly formed Wilno Voivodeship . Lithuania declined to accept the Polish authority over the area. Instead, it continued to treat the so-called Vilnius Region as part of its own territory and the city itself as its constitutional capital, with Kaunas being only a temporary seat of government . The dispute over the Vilnius region resulted in much tensions in
7366-411: The Russian Empire in 1897, known to have been intentionally falsified, the population of the Vilna Governorate was distributed as follows: Belarusians at 56.1% (including Roman Catholics), Lithuanians at 17.6%, Jews at 12.7%, Poles at 8.2%, Russians at 4.9%, Germans at 0.2%, Ukrainians at 0.1%, Tatars at 0.1%, and 'Others' at 0.1% as well. The German censuses of 1915, 1916 and 1917 of
7493-406: The Seimas, for the percentage of Lithuanian population in Vilnius was very small. On 8 October, General Lucjan Żeligowski and the 1st Lithuanian-Belarusian Division numbering around 14,000 men, with local self-defense, launched the Żeligowski's Mutiny and engaged the Lithuanian 4th Infantry Regiment which promptly retreated. Upon the Polish advance, on October 8, the Lithuanian government left
7620-428: The Soviets hoped to intensify the Polish-Lithuanian dispute over the region. The regular Polish–Lithuanian War broke out on 26 August 1920, when the Polish Army clashed with Lithuanian troops occupying Suwałki region during the Polish autumn offensive following the Battle of Warsaw. The League of Nations intervened and arranged negotiations in Suwałki . The League negotiated a cease-fire, signed on 7 October 7, placing
7747-609: The Soviets. On September 22, 1920, Poland attacked Lithuanian units in the Suwałki Region on a wide front. Overwhelmed by 4–5 times larger Polish forces, some 1,700 –2,000 Lithuanian troops surrendered and were taken prisoner. Polish forces then marched, as planned on September 8, across the Neman River near Druskininkai and Merkinė to the rear of the Soviet forces near Grodno and Lida. The Red Army hastily retreated. The Lithuanians had had limited intelligence warning that such an attack might occur, but chose an inadequate defensive strategy and spread their forces too thinly along
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#17328013343897874-425: The Spa conference's resolution. Lithuanians moved in, but their trains were stopped by Polish soldiers near Kazimieriškės. Polish soldiers didn't receive orders to let Lithuanian troops go through. This delay meant that the Bolsheviks were the first to enter Vilnius on July 14. By the time the first Lithuanian troops entered the city on July 15, it was already secured by the Soviets. Poland sought to have Russians in
8001-423: The Suwałki Region and moving them to protect Vilnius without the railway would be extremely difficult. Fighting east of the Neman River ceased only on October 6, when Polish troops had already captured the train station in Varėna. Negotiations regarding the demarcation line were difficult. In essence, the Lithuanians wanted a longer demarcation line to provide better protection for Vilnius. The Poles agreed only to
8128-416: The Suwałki Region. They took Druskininkai on July 17, Vištytis , Punsk , Giby , and Sejny on July 19, Suwałki on July 29, Augustów on August 8. The Polish units, afraid of being surrounded and cut off from the main Polish forces, retreated towards Łomża . The Lithuanian authorities started to organize themselves in the regained areas. Poland claimed that Lithuania violated its claim to neutrality in
8255-412: The Vilnius and Suwałki Regions respectively. The German administration, which had not yet retreated from the Suwałki Region, also opposed the Foch Line. The new line did not immediately halt the hostilities. After a couple of Polish attacks on July 29 and August 2, the front stabilized. The Lithuanians retreated from Suwałki on August 7, 1919. However, they stopped in ethnically mixed Sejny and formed
8382-479: The aid of German troops to stop the Red Army offensive before it reached Kaunas. At first, the Soviets were successful but this came to a halt in February 1919 due to failures at the battles of Jieznas , Kėdainiai , and Alytus . On February 5, Poland signed an agreement with Germany regulating the withdrawal of the German army from western Belarus and giving the Polish army the opportunity to march eastward. On February 14, 1919, Polish troops came into contact with
8509-417: The approaching Red Army. The Ober Ost command also denied the Polish request to grant the Polish Land Forces free passage to Vilnius. The Polish Self-Defence was formally absorbed into the Polish Army at the end of December. On 2 January 1919, Poles took over Vilnius from the retreating German troops and the fighting with the city's Bolshevik Worker's Soviet (capturing around 1,000 weapons ). Nonetheless,
8636-401: The area on January 1, 1919, or for five years prior to August 1, 1914. The symbols of the state were a red flag with Polish White Eagle and Lithuanian Vytis . Its coat of arms was a mixture of Polish, Lithuanian and Vilnian symbols and resembled the Coat of arms of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth . Extensive diplomatic negotiations continued behind the scenes. Lithuania proposed creating
8763-525: The attempt to categorise their subjects. Ethnographers in the 1890s were often confronted with those who described themselves as both Lithuanians and Poles. According to a German census analyst, "Objectively determining conditions of nationality comes up against the greatest difficulties." In the aftermath of the First World War , both Poland and Lithuania regained independence. The conflict between them soon arose as both Lithuania and Poland claimed Vilnius (known in Polish as Wilno) region. Demographically,
8890-532: The balance of power: Vilnius, in Lithuanian hands since August 26, was now exposed to a Polish attack. Indeed, the Poles had already decided to capture the city and used the negotiations in Suwałki to stall and buy the time necessary to make preparations. The Lithuanian side was ready to give up the Suwałki Region in exchange for Poland's recognition of the Lithuanian claims to Vilnius. The negotiations between Poles, led by colonel Mieczysław Mackiewicz , and Lithuanians, led by general Maksimas Katche , began on
9017-404: The capital of Lithuania . In 1931, an international court in The Hague stated that the Polish seizure of the region had been a violation of international law, but there were no political repercussions. Following the partitions of Poland , most of the lands that formerly constituted the Grand Duchy of Lithuania were annexed by the Russian Empire . The Imperial government increasingly pursued
9144-410: The city and the surrounding area. While Poland under Józef Piłsudski attempted to create a Polish-led federation in the area that would include a number of ethnically non-Polish territories ( Międzymorze ), Lithuania strove to create a fully independent state that would include the Vilnius region . Two early 20th-century censuses indicated that Lithuanian speakers, whose language in the second half of
9271-541: The city as it would create much fewer complications when the Polish Army counterattacked. Despite the Peace Treaty, the Soviets did not intend to transfer the city to the Lithuanians. Indeed, there were indications that the Soviets planned a coup against the Lithuanian government in hopes to re-establish the Lithuanian SSR . Despite the setback in Vilnius, the Lithuanians continued to secure territories in
9398-456: The city for Kaunas, and during withdrawal, meticulously destroyed telephone lines and rail between the two cities, which remained severed for a generation. Żeligowski entered Vilnius on 9 October, to enthusiastic cheers of the overwhelmingly Polish population of the city. The French and the British delegation decided to leave the matter in the hands of the League of Nations. On October 27, while
9525-411: The city of Vilnius in Lithuania. The Suwałki Agreement was to have taken effect at 12:00 on 10 October. The Lithuanian authorities entered Vilnius in late August 1920. The Grinius cabinet rejected the proposal to hold a plebiscite to confirm the will of the region's inhabitants, knowing that a plebiscite would inevitably legitimize Polish claims to the region. His declaration was promptly accepted by
9652-403: The counteroffensive. Later clashes were stopped by the intervention of an Entente representative, in order to not interrupt withdrawal of German troops. By December 15, all German forces were completely removed from Lithuania. At the same time, the plenipotentiary of the German government Ludwig Zimmerle [ de ] was forced to leave Kaunas. On December 30, a Polish-Latvian alliance
9779-433: The country to become the Lithuanian SSR . Since the restoration of Lithuanian independence in 1991, the city's status as Lithuania's capital has been internationally recognized. Polish%E2%80%93Lithuanian War The Polish–Lithuanian War was an undeclared war fought in the aftermath of World War I between newly independent Lithuania and Poland , with fighting mainly in the Vilnius and Suwałki regions, which
9906-473: The coup. On August 3, a Polish diplomatic mission, led by Leon Wasilewski and Tadeusz Kasprzycki , in Kaunas had a double purpose: propose a plebiscite in the contested territories and assess preparedness for the coup. On August 6, the Lithuanian government rejected the plebiscite proposal, stating that the disputed territories constitute ethnographic Lithuania . According to Lithuanian historian Kazys Ališauskas , PMO planned to capture and hold Kaunas for
10033-503: The creation of the Republic of Central Lithuania with its capital in Vilnius. Their further offensive towards Kaunas , the temporary capital of Lithuania , was halted by the Lithuanians, who thus defended their independence. On November 29, 1920, a ceasefire was signed. Overall, from early 1919 to late 1920, Vilnius would switch rule as many as seven times between Lithuanians, Poles and the Bolsheviks. The Republic of Central Lithuania
10160-429: The date of the elections (8 January 1922). There was a significant electioneering propaganda campaign as Poles tried to win the support of other ethnic groups present in the area. The Polish government was also accused of various strong-arm policies (like the closing of Lithuanian newspapers or election violations like not asking for a valid document from a voter). The elections were boycotted by Lithuanians, most of
10287-580: The east trying to prevent their independence. They attempted to spread the global proletarian revolution , establish Soviet republics in the region, and join the German and the Hungarian Revolutions . The Soviet offensive sparked a series of local wars, including the Polish–Soviet War and the Lithuanian–Soviet War . At the end of 1918, four groups claiming authority existed in Vilnius:
10414-473: The end of World War I, the area of the former Grand Duchy of Lithuania was divided between the Second Polish Republic , the short-lived unrecognized Belarusian People's Republic , and the Republic of Lithuania . Following the start of the Polish–Soviet War , during the next two years, the control of Vilnius and its environs changed frequently. In 1919 the territory was briefly occupied by
10541-493: The entire Suwałki region , with exception of Augustów , on the Lithuanian side. The Lithuanians protested leaving Vilnius and Grodno under Polish control. As German volunteers were departing from Lithuania and Lithuanian forces were preoccupied with battles against the Soviets in northern Lithuania, Poland ignored the demacration line and moved its forces on a 100 km (62 mi) wide front 20–30 km (12–19 mi) deeper eastward. On July 18, Ferdinand Foch proposed
10668-481: The entire Polish–Lithuanian front without sufficient forces to protect the bridges across the Neman. This attack, just two days after the resolution by the League of Nations to cease hostilities, put more pressure on Poland to settle the dispute peacefully. On September 26, the Poles captured Grodno and the Polish foreign minister proposed new negotiations in Suwałki. The Battle of the Niemen River drastically altered
10795-534: The establishment of a federation, with a common foreign policy, army command, railroad, treasury and post office, promising to establish borders favorable to Lithuania. The Lithuanian side, on the other hand, demanded recognition of an independent Lithuania with Vilnius as its capital. The talks failed, with the only result being the establishment of a Lithuanian consulate in Warsaw, headed by Antanas Kasakaitis [ lt ] . The Conference of Ambassadors drew
10922-662: The evening of September 29, 1920. Both sides agreed to an armistice but only to the west of the Neman River (the Suwałki Region). Fighting to the east of the river continued around Marcinkonys , Zervynos , Perloja , Eišiškės . The major point of contention, both diplomatic and military, was the train station in Varėna (Orany) on the Saint Petersburg–Warsaw railway . Major Lithuanian forces were still concentrated in
11049-516: The first demarcation line on June 18, 1919. The line, drawn about 5 km (3.1 mi) west of the Grodno–Vilnius–Daugavpils Railway , was based on the military situation on the ground rather than ethnic composition. Neither Poles nor Lithuanians were content with the line. The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the line as it would require the Polish forces to retreat up to 35 km (22 mi). The line also left
11176-510: The first clashes between Polish and Lithuanian soldiers occurred on April 26 and May 8, 1919, near Vievis . Though there was no formal state of war and few casualties, by July newspapers reported increasing clashes between Poles and Lithuanians, primarily around the towns of Merkinė and Širvintos . Direct negotiations in Kaunas between May 28 and June 11 , 1919, collapsed as neither side agreed to compromise. Lithuania tried to avoid direct military conflict and submitted its case for mediation to
11303-456: The formation of Lithuanian administrations in the northern part. Lithuanians controlled Sejny from mid-1918, and entered Suwałki on May 8, 1919. While still World War I was still ongoing, under German tutelage, the two sides established diplomatic ties, signing an agreement in Berlin on 30 June 1918. Lithuania was represented by Augustinas Voldemaras and Konstantinas Olšauskas , while Poland
11430-424: The government was struggling to obtain financial assistance and loans, deep cuts affected the army. Instead of increasing its armed forces to 40,000 men, Lithuania was forced to cut them to about 25,000. After the failed coup, Leon Wasilewski left Kaunas and settled in Vilnius. There he met twice, on September 15 and 24, with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Augustian Voldemaras . The talks concerned bilateral relations,
11557-498: The last German soldiers left the city only on January 4. The Lithuanian government failed to organize a defense of Vilnius. Both the Polish and Lithuanian political leadership realized their inability to resist the invading Bolshevik forces. So, on January 2 , the Council of Lithuania evacuated from Vilnius to Kaunas . After some fighting, the local Polish forces lost Vilnius to the Bolsheviks on January 5. Lithuanians relied on
11684-459: The main groups inhabiting Vilnius were Poles and Jews, with Lithuanians constituting a small fraction of the total population (2.0%–2.6%, according to the Russian census of 1897 and the German census of 1916). The Lithuanians nonetheless believed that their historical claim to Vilnius (former capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania ) had precedence and refused to recognize any Polish claims to
11811-674: The modern state in Poland. One party, led by Roman Dmowski , saw modern Poland as an ethnic state, another, led by Józef Piłsudski , wished to rebuild the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Both parties were determined to take the Poles of Vilnius into the new state. Piłsudski attempted to rebuild the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in a canton structure, as part of the Międzymorze federation: Eventually, Piłsudski's plan failed; it
11938-476: The mutiny spread further among the Polish troops. His initial attack was secured on both sides by two Polish Armies. Żeligowski's Mutiny , in planning since mid-September, began in the early morning of October 8, 1920, just a few hours after the signing of the Suwałki Agreement. A provisional agreement was made in the Polish–Soviet War, which freed up Polish units for the attack on Lithuania. As part of
12065-463: The negotiations. On October 7, at midnight, the final agreement was signed. The treaty made not a single reference to Vilnius or the Vilnius Region. The ceasefire was effective only along the demarcation line, which ran through the Suwałki Region to the train station in Bastuny. [ pl ] Thus the line was incomplete, did not protect the Vilnius Region, but indicated it would be left on
12192-411: The night of August 22 to 23, 1919, right after German troops left the city. Between 900 and 1,200 partisans joined PMO forces. On August 23, the Poles captured Sejny and attacked Lazdijai and Kapčiamiestis , towns on the Lithuanian side of the Foch Line. The insurgents planned to march as far as Simnas . Lithuanians recaptured Sejny on August 25 for a few hours. On August 26, regular Polish forces –
12319-721: The occupational Ober Ost German government, which was preparing to leave the city; the Lithuanian government under Augustinas Voldemaras that had just begun creating the Lithuanian Army ; the Polish Committee and the Polish Temporary National Council for Lithuania supported by armed units of the Self-Defence of Lithuania and Belarus ; and Vilnius Soviet of Workers Deputies waiting for the Red Army . The Germans refused to provide weapons to Polish paramilitary units which intended to fight
12446-425: The only Polish newspaper was closed down, and as a result Poles received only 3 parliamentary seats. Kazys Grinius became the new prime minister. On May 11, 1920, France recognized Lithuania de facto. And on May 7, 1920, Lithuania began peace talks with Soviet Russia. On 25 April 1920, the Polish army and the remnants of Ukrainian People's Army under Petliura launched the large-scale Kiev offensive following
12573-565: The original date, disrupting telegraph connections between Kaunas and the rest of the country. Lithuanian intelligence discovered the coup, but did not have a list of PMO members. Lithuanian authorities began mass arrests of some 200 Polish activists, including 23 officers of the Lithuanian Army. Kaunas was declared in a state of siege . Polish press saw mass arrests of Polish activists "to whom no charge can be ascribed other than being Poles" as proof of systematic anti-Polish policies of
12700-616: The possibility of a plebiscite, and ended without any concrete agreements. Wasilewski then began propaganda work involving Lithuanian activists Józef Albin Herbaczewski, priest Antanas Viskantas or Jurgis Aukštuolaitis, who had been released from prison, and published bilingual or Lithuanian-language press for this purpose. Meanwhile, British influence was increasing in the Baltic States, interested primarily in limiting German, but also French influence. A British military mission
12827-592: The railroad stations in Kalkūni and Turmantas . The situation was investigated by British and French observers and reported to the Entente. The situation somewhat improved only in late spring 1920, when most Polish troops were deployed in Ukraine during the Polish–Soviet War. At the time Lithuania faced a severe budget crisis – in 1919 its revenue was 72 million while expenses reached 190 million German marks . While
12954-449: The same time, the Soviets and Lithuanians negotiated the Soviet–Lithuanian Peace Treaty , which was signed on July 12, 1920. Russia recognized Lithuanian independence and withdrew any territorial claims. The treaty drew the eastern border of Lithuania, which the Lithuanians continued to claim as their de jure state border until World War II. Vilnius Region , including Braslaw (Breslauja), Hrodna (Gardinas), Lida (Lyda), and Vilnius ,
13081-401: The same. Also, a special Control Commission was to be dispatched to the conflict zone to oversee the implementation of the resolution. It was clear that the League had only a narrow goal to prevent armed hostilities and not to resolve the underlying territorial dispute. The Lithuanian government accepted the resolution, but Poland reserved full freedom of action in preparation for the attack on
13208-497: The second demarcation line, known as the Foch Line . It was approved by the Entente on July 26. The Lithuanians were informed about the new line only on August 3. Two major modifications favorable to the Poles were made: the Suwałki Region was assigned to Poland and the entire line was moved about 7 km (4.3 mi) west. Again, both Poles and Lithuanians protested the line as it would require them to withdraw their armies from
13335-432: The situation. The Poles, lacking authority to discuss political issues, were concerned with military aspects. They sought permission to transport Polish troops through the territory of Lithuania, wanted access to a portion of the Saint Petersburg–Warsaw railway , and demanded that the Lithuanian troops would withdraw from the Suwałki Region behind the Curzon Line . The Lithuanians refused to discuss military matters without
13462-629: The support of Poland. The fighting spread to Lithuania in October 1919. Poland offered to help, but the Lithuanians refused to allow passage through their territory. Fearing a Polish attack, Lithuania reached an agreement with the Bermontians and signed a truce on October 30, establishing the Tauragė-Šiauliai demacration line. After the Latvian army breached the front, the Lithuanian army joined
13589-493: The time were not immediately hostile, both armies met in several points ( Merkinė , Vievis and Širvintos ), and even cooperated against the Bolsheviks in Giedraičiai area on May 11, 1919. At first, both Poles and Lithuanians cooperated against the Soviets, but soon the cooperation gave way to increasing hostility. Lithuania claimed neutrality in the Polish–Soviet War. As the Polish Army forced its way further into Lithuania,
13716-468: The treaty, while according to Pranas Čepėnas and Wiktor Sukiennicki [ pl ] the signed agreement mentioned nothing regarding territorial questions. The treaty (published in full by Raimundas Lopata [ lt ] ) was of interim nature and stated only that: "With regard to the frontier, a principle of a common frontier is accepted, which will be determined by a joint agreement based on ethnic, historic and economic principles". After
13843-489: The unstable political situation in both countries did not facilitate contacts between the two governments. Lithuanians protested the presence of Polish troops on Lithuanian territory in early January 1919, but the information reached Warsaw when Vilnius was already in Bolshevik hands. The Poles responded on February 12 by rejecting Lithuanian demands for lands they considered their own, but offered to open direct diplomatic talks. The Lithuanian delegation reached Warsaw on April 18,
13970-433: The whole interwar, and breaking all diplomatic relations with Poland due to the latter's control of the city. Diplomatic relations were only restored as a result of the March 1938 Polish ultimatum to Lithuania . Vilnius was regained by Lithuania on 28 October 1939, following the Soviet–Lithuanian Mutual Assistance Treaty , twenty years after losing its capital. However, Lithuania as a whole lost its independence less than
14097-400: The Żeligowski's campaign still continued outside Vilnius, the League called for a popular referendum in the disputed area, which was again rejected by the Lithuanian representation. Poland disclaimed all responsibility for the action, maintaining that Żeligowski had acted entirely on his own initiative. This version of the event was redefined in August 1923 when Piłsudski, speaking in public at
14224-597: Was a threat to Lithuanian Jews . On the other hand, Voldemaras battled negative propaganda that the Council of Lithuania was a German puppet, that Lithuanians harboured pro-Bolshevik attitudes, or that Lithuania was too small and weak to survive without a union with Poland. Under article 87 of the Versailles Treaty , the Principal Allied Powers reserved to themselves the right to determine Poland's eastern frontier. The war situation and
14351-418: Was an imitation of a sovereign state which repressed Lithuanian organizations, education, censored and suspended Lithuanian publications. After a variety of delays, a disputed election took place on 8 January 1922, and the territory was annexed by Poland. Several years later the Polish leader Józef Piłsudski confirmed that he personally ordered Żeligowski to stage a mutiny. The Polish–Lithuanian border in
14478-409: Was chaotic, as multiple countries, notably Lithuania, Poland, and Soviet Russia, vied with each other over control of overlaping areas. The Polish–Lithuanian conflict was centered on Vilnius , which the Council of Lithuania declared the capital of the restored Lithuanian state . Control of Vilnius was transferred from Germans to Poles on January 2, 1919, but the Polish paramilitary lost the city to
14605-623: Was established in Kaunas, headed by Richard Barrington Ward. On September 19, 1919, along with 21 other British officers, General Frank Percy Crozier joined the newly established Lithuanian Army as an advisor to the General Staff. On September 25, 1919, the UK recognized the Lithuanian state de facto. The British also provided military equipment. Latvia fought against the German-Russian forces of Pavel Bermondt-Avalov . Latvia enjoyed
14732-766: Was incorporated into Poland as the Wilno Voivodeship in 1922. The prolonged mediation by the League of Nations did not change the situation and the status quo was accepted in 1923. In March 1923, the Conference of Ambassadors recognized the armistice line as a de jure Polish–Lithuanian border, awarding Vilnius to Poland. However, the International Court of Justice in The Hague arbitrated in 1931 that Poland broke international law by occupying Vilnius. Lithuania remained adamant regarding its claim to Vilnius as its constitutional capital throughout
14859-599: Was looking for support in Germany and Russia. In Paris, Voldemaras made contact with Russian delegates to the Paris Conference, who resented an independent Poland and were also interested in limiting its influence in the east and blocking a Polish-Lithuanian agreement. However, they had no real power in Russia, besides that they themselves considered Lithuania part of Russia, so no agreement was reached. Contacts with
14986-476: Was not much, greater success was achieved in gaining the support of Kaunas Poles. The coup was initially scheduled for the night of August 27 to 28 but was postponed to September 1. The outbreak of the Sejny uprising, which reinforced resentment against Poles in Lithuania, further hindered the success of the coup. The postponement of the start of the coup turned out to be a fatal mistake, as some PMO units did not receive information about it and began operations on
15113-667: Was opposed both by the Lithuanian government and by the Dmowski's faction in Poland. Stanisław Grabski , representative of Dmowski's faction, was in charge of the Treaty of Riga negotiations with the Soviet Union , in which they rejected the Soviet offer of territories needed for the Minsk canton (Dmowski preferred Poland that would be smaller, but with higher percentage of ethnic Poles). The inclusion of territories predominant with non-Poles would have weakened support for Dmowski. At
15240-473: Was part of the Lithuanian Wars of Independence and lasted from May 1919 to 29 November 1920. Since the spring of 1920, the conflict happened alongside the wider Polish–Soviet War and was affected by its progress. It was subject to unsuccesful international mediation at the Conference of Ambassadors and the League of Nations . After World War I, the military and political situation in the region
15367-598: Was recognized by all nations of the Entente, officially invited to the Paris Peace Conference , and became one of the founding members of the League of Nations . Poland also enjoyed a close alliance with France . Lithuania did not receive international recognition (it was first recognized de jure in July 1920 by Soviet Russia as part of the peace treaty) as the Entente hoped to revive the Russian Empire within its former territory, which included Lithuania. Lithuania
15494-400: Was recognized to Lithuania. On August 6, after long and heated negotiations, Lithuania and Soviet Russia signed a convention regarding the withdrawal of Russian troops from the recognized Lithuanian territory. However, the troops began to retreat only after the Red Army suffered a heavy defeat in Poland. The Bolshevik forces reached Lithuanian territory on July 7, 1920, and continued to push
15621-506: Was reinforced by the constant presence of the German army in Lithuania. The Germans' departure from Kaunas on July 11, 1919, created the conditions for military action. Polish newspapers ran a propaganda campaign claiming that the Council of Lithuania was simply a German puppet. It managed to win the support of some Lithuanian politicians, most notably the aforementioned Gabrys, Defense Ministry employee Jurgis Aukštuolaitis, and even Lithuanian army commander Silvestras Žukauskas. However, it
15748-411: Was represented by Adam Ronikier . Both sides recognized each other's statehood. In the treaty, Lithuania guaranteed the rights of the Polish minority, while Poland promised to refrain from anti-Lithuanian propaganda. Voldemaras later maintained that Ronikier renounced Polish claims to Vilnius. However, Alfred E. Senn wrote that the issue of the border and the belonging of Vilnius was not addressed in
15875-467: Was signed, resulting in a joint fight for the liberation of Daugavpils , which was successful on January 5, 1920 . Lithuanian troops attempted an early entry into the city, but without success. In April 1920, Lithuania held its first parliamentary elections, among the constituencies established were cities outside the Lithuanian administration: Vilnius, Lida , Grodno and Białystok . The Polish minority had limited opportunities for election campaigning,
16002-641: Was supported by German loans. The military presence in Lithuania also gave Germany cover for East Prussia and the ability to control the situation in Russia. The Lithuanian delegation was also present at the Paris Peace Conference, where its leader Augustinas Voldemaras focused on receiving recognition of independent Lithuania and its borders. Voldemaras demanded 125,000 square kilometers for Lithuania, not only with Vilnius but also Suwałki and Białystok . He also accused Poland of being partitionist, and portrayed Poland as an anti-Semitic state that
16129-716: Was transformed into Postawy County . On 20 January 1926, following the bill from 22 December 1925, Wilno Land was transformed into the Wilno Voivodeship , becoming the last voivodeship of the Second Polish Republic to be formed. Wilno Land was divided into 8 counties that were divided into the 118 municipalities , 13 of which were cities. Republic of Central Lithuania 54°30′N 25°45′E / 54.500°N 25.750°E / 54.500; 25.750 The Republic of Central Lithuania ( Polish : Republika Litwy Środkowej , Lithuanian : Vidurio Lietuvos Respublika ), commonly known as
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