After decades of Soviet rule, public resistance in Lithuania remained rare but began gaining momentum in the 1970s and 1980s. Acts of cultural defiance—such as musicians using nationalist poetry in songs—and symbolic protests like the Kaunas unrest in 1972 reflected the growing dissatisfaction with Soviet control. By the late 1980s, resistance intensified, laying the groundwork for Lithuania’s eventual path to independence.
Rise of Sąjūdis and National Awakening
In 1987, environmental and nationalist groups began forming, with new organizations promoting political and social awareness. A pivotal moment came with the founding of Sąjūdis on June 3, 1988, a political and social movement that initially aligned with the regime but soon shifted to opposing Soviet control. Public discontent grew, and protests against the Communist regime intensified, culminating in large-scale demonstrations, such as the violent protest on October 28, 1988. Public outrage led to resignations in the Communist Party of Lithuania (CPL) and more moderate leadership.
In late 1988, the CPL took several conciliatory actions to regain public support, such as restoring Vilnius Cathedral to the Catholic Church, legalizing the national anthem and flag, and recognizing Lithuanian as the state language. These reforms marked a critical step in Lithuania's reassertion of cultural identity and national sovereignty.
Collapse of Soviet Control and the Declaration of Independence
By 1989, organizations like the Writers Union began splitting from Soviet counterparts, and Sąjūdis-backed candidates won most seats in the Congress of People’s Deputies elections, weakening the Communist Party’s grip on power. Facing growing opposition, the CPL agreed to free elections for the Lithuanian SSR's Supreme Soviet in 1990, which it lost to Sąjūdis-supported candidates.
On March 11, 1990, Lithuania became the first Soviet republic to declare independence, triggering a cautious international response. The USSR opposed the move, with most countries withholding formal recognition until August 1991, following the failed August coup in Moscow.
Bloody Sunday and the Final Struggle for Freedom
The Soviet military responded harshly to Lithuania’s push for independence. On January 13, 1991, Soviet forces attacked protesters at the Vilnius Television Tower, resulting in 14 deaths and hundreds of injuries. Lithuanians refer to this tragedy as “Bloody Sunday.” The non-violent resistance displayed by protesters, who faced Soviet tanks while singing and linking arms, gained international attention and strengthened Lithuania’s position.
With the collapse of the Soviet Union later in 1991, Lithuania’s independence was fully recognized by the international community. The courage and persistence of the Lithuanian people became a defining symbol of the Baltic struggle for sovereignty.