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The Lithuanian Wars of Independence constituted a single, continuous conflict spanning from December 1918 to November 1920.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Lithuanian Wars of Independence were, in fact, a series of three distinct conflicts fought between December 1918 and November 1920, rather than a single continuous engagement.
Lithuania declared its re-establishment of independence on February 16, 1918, during the German occupation of World War I.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Council of Lithuania declared the re-establishment of Lithuania's independence on February 16, 1918, while the country was still under German occupation during World War I.
German occupation authorities immediately supported Lithuania's declaration of independence by allowing the formation of a national military.
Answer: False
Explanation: German occupation authorities did not support Lithuania's declaration of independence by allowing the formation of a national military; instead, they imposed restrictions on such developments.
The initial national government established in Lithuania following the German withdrawal was led by Mykolas Sleževičius.
Answer: False
Explanation: The first national government formed after the German withdrawal was led by Augustinas Voldemaras. Mykolas Sleževičius later formed a cabinet on December 26, 1918.
The movement for Lithuanian independence gained significant traction during the 18th century, following the partitions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
Answer: False
Explanation: The movement to restore an independent Lithuania gained significant momentum in the early 20th century, building upon the Lithuanian National Revival of the 19th century, not the 18th century.
Germany occupied Lithuanian territory from 1915 until the declaration of Lithuanian independence in February 1918.
Answer: False
Explanation: The German occupation of Lithuania commenced in 1915 but extended beyond the declaration of independence in February 1918, lasting until the conclusion of World War I in November 1918.
The Act of Independence asserted Lithuania's right to self-determination within its ethnic territories.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Act of Independence articulated Lithuania's inherent right to self-determination, stipulating the establishment of a state confined to its ethnic territories.
The German occupation of Lithuania during World War I lasted until the signing of the Act of Independence.
Answer: False
Explanation: The German occupation of Lithuania during World War I extended beyond the signing of the Act of Independence on February 16, 1918, lasting until the armistice in November 1918.
The Lithuanian Council's ability to establish civil institutions was initially hindered by German restrictions following the declaration of independence.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indeed, German occupation authorities imposed limitations on the Lithuanian Council, preventing it from establishing crucial civic institutions, including a military and police force, in the immediate aftermath of the independence declaration.
The armistice ending World War I on November 11, 1918, immediately led to the complete withdrawal of all German military forces from Lithuania.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the armistice of November 11, 1918, signaled the end of German military control, the withdrawal of all German forces from Lithuania was not instantaneous and occurred over a period following the armistice.
The Lithuanian Wars of Independence were primarily fought to regain territory lost during World War I.
Answer: False
Explanation: The principal aim of the Lithuanian Wars of Independence was to defend the nation's newly restored independence declared in 1918, rather than solely to reclaim territories lost during World War I, although territorial disputes were a significant component of the conflicts.
What period do the Lithuanian Wars of Independence primarily cover?
Answer: 1918 - 1920
Explanation: The Lithuanian Wars of Independence primarily cover the period from December 1918 to November 1920, marking the critical years following World War I.
What historical event led to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania being annexed by the Russian Empire?
Answer: The Partitions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
Explanation: The final Partitions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1795 led to the annexation of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania by the Russian Empire.
During World War I, which foreign power occupied Lithuanian territory?
Answer: Germany
Explanation: Germany occupied Lithuanian territory from 1915 until the conclusion of World War I in November 1918.
On what date did Lithuania formally declare the re-establishment of its independence?
Answer: February 16, 1918
Explanation: Lithuania formally declared the re-establishment of its independence on February 16, 1918.
How did German occupation authorities initially react to Lithuania's declaration of independence?
Answer: They suppressed the publication of the Act of Independence.
Explanation: In the initial phase, German occupation authorities actively suppressed the dissemination and publication of the Act of Independence.
Which of the following was a restriction imposed by Germany on the Lithuanian Council after acknowledging its declaration of independence?
Answer: Limitation on establishing a military force
Explanation: Germany prohibited the Lithuanian Council from establishing a national military force, a police force, or other essential civic institutions.
What was the immediate effect on Lithuania when Germany signed the armistice ending World War I on November 11, 1918?
Answer: Germany lost control over Lithuania.
Explanation: The signing of the armistice resulted in the cessation of German control over Lithuania.
Who formed the first national government of Lithuania after the German withdrawal following WWI?
Answer: Augustinas Voldemaras
Explanation: Augustinas Voldemaras formed the first national government of Lithuania following the German withdrawal.
The movement for Lithuanian independence intensified during the early 20th century, building upon which earlier cultural movement?
Answer: The Lithuanian National Revival
Explanation: The early 20th-century independence movement built upon the foundations laid by the Lithuanian National Revival of the 19th century.
The German financial assistance provided to Lithuania in late 1918, amounting to one hundred million marks, was framed as:
Answer: Reparations for wartime damages
Explanation: This financial aid was framed as reparations for wartime damages.
The Act of Independence asserted Lithuania's right to create a state within which specific territories?
Answer: Territories within its ethnic Lithuanian borders
Explanation: The Act of Independence asserted Lithuania's right to self-determination and statehood within its ethnic Lithuanian territories.
The development of the Lithuanian army was significantly hampered by a lack of experienced military commanders and adequate funding.
Answer: True
Explanation: The nascent Lithuanian army's development and organization were significantly hampered by deficiencies in funding, armaments, ammunition, and experienced military leadership.
Volunteers joining the Lithuanian military in late 1918 were promised free land as an incentive.
Answer: True
Explanation: An initial incentive offered to Lithuanian volunteers enlisting in the military was the promise of free land.
Povilas Lukšys holds the distinction of being the first Lithuanian officer killed in the Wars of Independence.
Answer: False
Explanation: Povilas Lukšys was the first Lithuanian soldier to die in the wars. The first Lithuanian officer killed was Antanas Juozapavičius.
Augustinas Voldemaras initially believed Lithuania required a substantial military force to defend its newly declared independence.
Answer: False
Explanation: Augustinas Voldemaras initially posited that Lithuania did not require a substantial military force, advocating instead for a minimal militia, a perspective that proved untenable amidst the ensuing military conflicts.
The Lithuanian army numbered around 8,000 men by the conclusion of the summer in 1919.
Answer: True
Explanation: By the end of summer 1919, the Lithuanian army comprised approximately 8,000 soldiers.
Antanas Juozapavičius, commander of the 1st Infantry Regiment, was the first Lithuanian soldier killed in the wars.
Answer: False
Explanation: Antanas Juozapavičius was the first Lithuanian officer killed in the wars, perishing during the battle for Alytus on February 12, 1919. Povilas Lukšys is recorded as the first Lithuanian soldier to die, near Taučionai on February 8, 1919.
German volunteers played a supportive role for Lithuanian forces in early conflicts against the Bolsheviks.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indeed, German volunteer units, including the Saxon Volunteers and Brigade Shaulen, offered significant military assistance to Lithuanian forces in their early engagements against the Bolsheviks.
What was a major obstacle hindering the development and organization of the new Lithuanian army?
Answer: Shortage of funding and arms
Explanation: Key obstacles included insufficient funding, a scarcity of arms and ammunition, and a shortage of experienced military commanders.
What incentive was initially offered to Lithuanian volunteers joining the military?
Answer: Free land
Explanation: An initial incentive offered to Lithuanian volunteers enlisting in the military was the promise of free land.
Who was the first Lithuanian soldier recorded to have died in the Wars of Independence?
Answer: Povilas Lukšys
Explanation: Povilas Lukšys is recognized as the first Lithuanian soldier to die in the wars, falling near Taučionai on February 8, 1919.
What was the approximate strength of the Lithuanian army by the end of summer 1919?
Answer: Approximately 8,000 men
Explanation: By the end of summer 1919, the Lithuanian army comprised approximately 8,000 soldiers.
Who was the first Lithuanian officer to die in the Wars of Independence, and where did it happen?
Answer: Antanas Juozapavičius, during the battle for Alytus
Explanation: Antanas Juozapavičius, commander of the 1st Infantry Regiment, was the first Lithuanian officer killed, during the battle for Alytus on February 12, 1919.
What was the initial, unrealistic view held by Augustinas Voldemaras regarding Lithuania's military needs?
Answer: A small militia was sufficient as warfare was not anticipated.
Explanation: Voldemaras initially believed that Lithuania required only a small militia, deeming a larger military unnecessary as warfare was not anticipated, a perspective that proved to be unrealistic.
The Bolsheviks aimed to establish a capitalist economic system in Lithuania as part of their conflict.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Bolshevik objective was to incorporate Lithuania into their global proletarian revolution, not to establish a capitalist economic system. Their aim was socialist or communist expansion.
Vilnius was captured by the Red Army on January 5, 1919, and subsequently handed over to Lithuanian control under a peace treaty in July 1920.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the Red Army did capture Vilnius on January 5, 1919, the city was handed over to Lithuanian control in June 1920, following the Soviet defeat in the Battle of Warsaw, not under a treaty signed in July 1920.
The Lithuanian-Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic (Litbel) was declared shortly after the Red Army captured Vilnius.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Lithuanian-Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic (Litbel) was formally declared on February 27, 1919, shortly after the Red Army's capture of Vilnius.
Pavel Bermondt-Avalov led an army composed primarily of Lithuanian nationalists seeking to restore the Grand Duchy.
Answer: False
Explanation: Pavel Bermondt-Avalov led the West Russian Volunteer Army, which was predominantly a German-Russian force consisting of former prisoners of war and Freikorps members, not Lithuanian nationalists.
The Bermontians enforced the use of the Lithuanian language in administration within the territories they occupied.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Bermontians enforced the use of the Russian language for administration in the occupied territories and were known for their predatory actions against the local population.
A significant victory for Lithuanian forces against the Bermontians occurred near Radviliškis, resulting in the capture of numerous aircraft and artillery.
Answer: True
Explanation: A significant Lithuanian victory occurred near Radviliškis on November 21-22, 1919, resulting in the capture of 30 aircraft and 10 artillery pieces from the Bermontian forces.
Vincas Mickevičius-Kapsukas led the temporary revolutionary government formed in Vilnius in December 1918.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indeed, Vincas Mickevičius-Kapsukas chaired the temporary revolutionary government formed in Vilnius on December 8, 1918, which was composed entirely of members of the Communist Party of Lithuania.
The Bermontians were ultimately defeated and expelled from Lithuania following intervention by the Russian White Army.
Answer: False
Explanation: The defeat and expulsion of the Bermontians were facilitated by the intervention of Entente forces, specifically overseen by French General Henri Niessel, not by the Russian White Army.
The West Russian Volunteer Army, led by Bermondt-Avalov, aimed solely to fight Bolshevik forces.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the stated objective of Bermondt-Avalov's army was to fight the Bolsheviks, its underlying agenda was to maintain German influence and control in the occupied territories.
The Bermontians were completely removed from Lithuanian territory by the end of October 1919.
Answer: False
Explanation: The complete removal of the Bermontian forces from Lithuanian territory was achieved by December 15, 1919, not by the end of October of that year.
Which of the following was NOT one of the three primary conflicts constituting the Lithuanian Wars of Independence?
Answer: War against German Freikorps
Explanation: The three primary conflicts were against Bolshevik forces, Bermontians, and Poland. While German Freikorps were involved in some capacities, a distinct war against them was not one of the three main conflicts.
Who led the temporary revolutionary government formed in Vilnius on December 8, 1918?
Answer: Vincas Mickevičius-Kapsukas
Explanation: Vincas Mickevičius-Kapsukas served as the chairman of the temporary revolutionary government formed in Vilnius on December 8, 1918.
What was the primary objective of the Bolsheviks in their conflict with Lithuania?
Answer: To conquer Lithuania as part of a global proletarian revolution
Explanation: The Bolsheviks sought to conquer Lithuania as part of their broader agenda of a global proletarian revolution.
The declaration of the Lithuanian-Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic (Litbel) occurred on which date?
Answer: February 27, 1919
Explanation: The declaration of the Lithuanian-Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic (Litbel) took place on February 27, 1919.
Who was Pavel Bermondt-Avalov?
Answer: The leader of the West Russian Volunteer Army
Explanation: Pavel Bermondt-Avalov was the commander of the West Russian Volunteer Army, a multinational force primarily composed of German Freikorps members and Russian prisoners of war liberated by Germany.
What was a notable characteristic of the Bermontians' actions in occupied western Lithuania?
Answer: Enforcing the Russian language for administration and looting the populace
Explanation: The Bermontians imposed the Russian language for administrative purposes and engaged in widespread looting and robbery of the local population.
The Lithuanian victory near Radviliškis against the Bermontians resulted in the capture of:
Answer: 30 airplanes and 10 cannons
Explanation: The victory near Radviliškis resulted in the capture of 30 airplanes and 10 cannons.
Which foreign representative intervened to oversee the withdrawal of German troops and end the conflict with the Bermontians?
Answer: General Henri Niessel
Explanation: French General Henri Niessel intervened to halt further hostilities and supervised the withdrawal of German forces.
Which agreement designated a demarcation line affecting Bolshevik movements towards key Lithuanian cities like Kaunas?
Answer: An agreement between Soviet forces and German representatives
Explanation: An accord between Soviet forces and German representatives established a demarcation line, thereby diverting Bolshevik advances from Kaunas and directing them through Alytus or Kėdainiai.
Which of the following groups was NOT part of Pavel Bermondt-Avalov's West Russian Volunteer Army?
Answer: Lithuanian nationalists
Explanation: The West Russian Volunteer Army comprised Russian prisoners of war and Freikorps members; Lithuanian nationalists were not part of this force.
The Suwałki Agreement, signed on October 7, 1920, successfully prevented armed conflict between Poland and Lithuania.
Answer: False
Explanation: Although the Suwałki Agreement was intended to prevent conflict, it ultimately failed to do so. Shortly after its signing, General Lucjan Żeligowski's mutiny led to the Polish seizure of Vilnius, escalating tensions.
General Lucjan Żeligowski's mutiny resulted in the permanent incorporation of Vilnius into Lithuania following World War II.
Answer: False
Explanation: General Lucjan Żeligowski's mutiny led to the Polish seizure of Vilnius. This resulted in the Vilnius region being separated from Lithuania until World War II, with Kaunas serving as the temporary capital.
The conflict between Lithuania and Poland is considered by historians to be a separate event from the Polish-Soviet War.
Answer: False
Explanation: Historiographical consensus considers the conflict between Lithuania and Poland as an integral part or continuation of the larger Polish-Soviet War, rather than a completely separate event.
The conflict between Lithuania and Poland began in earnest only after the signing of the Suwałki Agreement.
Answer: False
Explanation: Armed clashes between Lithuanian and Polish forces predated the Suwałki Agreement, having begun as early as the spring of 1919, although the conflict intensified significantly later.
Following General Żeligowski's mutiny, Vilnius became the permanent capital of Lithuania.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following General Lucjan Żeligowski's mutiny and the capture of Vilnius, the city was not permanently established as the Lithuanian capital. Instead, Kaunas served as the temporary capital for 19 years due to the Polish control over Vilnius.
The Suwałki Agreement was an attempt to avoid armed conflict between which two nations?
Answer: Lithuania and Poland
Explanation: The agreement was an effort to avert armed conflict between Lithuania and Poland.
What action did General Lucjan Żeligowski take on October 8, 1920, leading to the capture of Vilnius?
Answer: He led a mutiny with the 1st Lithuanian-Belarusian Division.
Explanation: General Lucjan Żeligowski initiated a mutiny involving the 1st Lithuanian-Belarusian Division, which resulted in the seizure of Vilnius on October 9, 1920.
What was the long-term consequence for Lithuania following Żeligowski's mutiny and the capture of Vilnius?
Answer: Kaunas became the temporary capital for 19 years.
Explanation: The Vilnius region remained detached from Lithuania until World War II, during which time Kaunas served as the temporary capital for nineteen years following the Polish seizure of Vilnius.
The conflict between Lithuania and Poland during this period is often considered a continuation of which larger war?
Answer: The Polish-Soviet War
Explanation: The conflict is often considered by historians to be a continuation of the Polish-Soviet War.
What was the immediate consequence of General Lucjan Żeligowski staging a mutiny on October 8, 1920?
Answer: The capture of Vilnius by his forces
Explanation: The mutiny led to the rapid seizure of Vilnius by Żeligowski's forces on October 9, 1920.
The Polish seizure of Vilnius following General Żeligowski's mutiny led to Kaunas serving as the temporary capital for how many years?
Answer: 19 years
Explanation: Kaunas served as the temporary capital of Lithuania for a period of 19 years.
What was the ultimate territorial outcome for the Vilnius region as a result of the war against Poland?
Answer: Poland controlled it until World War II.
Explanation: As a consequence of the war with Poland, the Vilnius region came under Polish control and remained so until World War II.
The peace treaty signed between Lithuania and Soviet Russia on July 12, 1920, recognized Lithuania's independence but not its claim to the Vilnius Region.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the statement, the peace treaty signed on July 12, 1920, between Lithuania and Soviet Russia recognized both Lithuania's independence and its sovereign rights over the Vilnius Region.
The Lithuanian Wars of Independence concluded with Lithuania regaining full control over the Vilnius region.
Answer: False
Explanation: The conclusion of the Lithuanian Wars of Independence did not result in Lithuania regaining full control over the Vilnius region; it remained under Polish control until World War II.
The Lithuanian peace treaty with Soviet Russia recognized Lithuania's independence and its right to the Vilnius Region.
Answer: True
Explanation: The treaty signed on July 12, 1920, marked a significant diplomatic achievement, as Soviet Russia recognized Lithuania's independence and its territorial claims to the Vilnius Region.
What was the significance of the peace treaty signed between Lithuania and Soviet Russia on July 12, 1920?
Answer: Soviet Russia recognized Lithuania's independence and its right to the Vilnius Region.
Explanation: The treaty formally recognized Lithuania's independence and affirmed its sovereign rights over the Vilnius Region.
What impact did the Lithuanian Wars of Independence have on the country's international recognition?
Answer: They delayed international recognition of Lithuania's independence.
Explanation: The protracted conflicts significantly delayed Lithuania's attainment of international recognition for its restored independence.
Which entity stopped the Lithuanian counteroffensive attempt in November 1920, which had achieved success at Širvintos and Giedraičiai?
Answer: The League of Nations Military Commission
Explanation: The Military Commission of the League of Nations intervened to stop the Lithuanian counteroffensive.
The Lithuanian Wars of Independence delayed Lithuania's international recognition and hindered the establishment of what?
Answer: Its civil institutions
Explanation: The wars hindered the establishment of Lithuania's civil institutions.