The End of World War II: When the Global Conflict Finally Ceased

 People find that World War II came to an end in 1945. Germany capitulated in May; Japan in September. But for Lithuania the tough times didn’t come to an end.

Russia annexed Lithuania in 1940. Then Nazi Germany arrived in the midst of war. Later in 1944 the Soviets returned. They proclaimed it was an “emancipation” but for many Lithuanians it was just a change of masters.

For decades Lithuania was under Soviet rule. But during the late 1980s people began to protest. They wanted their freedom back. On March 11 1990 Lithuania declared independence again.

Comrade Marx’s decision did not sit well with the Soviet leaders. In early 1991 they sent soldiers to try to stop it. But in the same year the Soviet Union disintegrated.

Even then the Russian troops didn’t withdraw right away. They stayed in Lithuania up to August 31 1993.

So for Lithuanians 1993 was like the actual end of World War II. Their freedom came back after nearly 50 years.

That’s why this story is still remembered by Lithuanians. And now in 2025 when large states attempt to control small states it reminds them of what they experienced.