RIČARDAS VAINORA

Lithuania’s Fight for Freedom 1794–1993

Five Frame Exhibit

Description: The exhibit tells the story of Lithuania’s fight for freedom between 1794–1993. The uprising of 1794 against the Russian Empire began simultaneously in Poland and Lithuania, led by Tadas Kosciuska. It is considered to be the beginning of the national liberation movement in Lithuania. Thereafter, a series of uprisings against the Russian rule, a struggle for the Lithuanian language rights and cultural survival followed. During the next century, Lithuania was occupied twice by Germany, twice by the Soviet Union, and once attempted by Poland. On February 16, 1918, Lithuania proclaimed the restoration of the independent state and, after prolonged occupation, again on March 11, 1990. The Russian occupation army was finally withdrawn from Lithuania on August 31, 1993. This exhibit is illustrated chronologically with vast examples of relevant philatelic material.