Lietuvieši Latvija Neatkarības kara laikā 1918.-1920. gadā

ENOne of the most important and numerous of all the ethnic minorities in the territory of Latvia at the end of 19t h and beginning of the 20t h century were the Lithuanians (particularly in the big cities - Riga and Liepāja). As in case of Latvians, for Lithuanians it was the period of national consolidation process, which was interrupted by World War I. After the war, Latvia and Lithuania gained independence, however, it had to be defended in fierce conflicts with Bolsheviks, Germans, white Russians and - in the case of Lithuanians - with Poles. Latvian War of Independence was a particularly complex process even in comparison with neighboring countries and because of this intricate character, the participation and activities of Lithuanians also are particularly spectacular. The aim of the article is to explore the situation and the main tendencies in the activities of Lithuanians who were the fifth largest ethnic minority in Latvia during the War of Independence. The aim is achieved by considering the statistical data of Lithuanian population (there were about 26 000 Lithuanians in Latvia in 1920, their number having decreased in comparison with pre-war time but still quite significant), and by analyzing political, social and cultural activities of Lithuanian organizations and structures (including their participation in the work of National Council and local administration of cities and towns). The participation of ethnic Lithuanians in the fight for independence in the ranks of Latvian Army and civil structures of Latvian state is analyzed, as well.The analysis was carried out in the context of Latvian-Lithuanian relations, which were very complicated and had a great influence on the consolidation process among Lithuanians. Lithuanians of Latvia during the War of Independence united and began their ethnic activities in the Republic of Latvia. During the different stages of The War of Independence a gradual increase of support for Latvian independence could be observed among Lithuanians. Overall, about several hundred Lithuanians took an active part in the fight for Latvian independence as officers and soldiers; many of them perished or were wounded, and numerous were decorated for their bravery. Many of the local Lithuanians fulfilled different jobs at the courts and local authority institutions of the Latvian state. The attitude of Lithuanians towards Latvian state is an example that represents general attitudes among substantial part of non-Latvian population, and just like in case of other ethnic minorities it was generally propitious. Out of all the ethnic minorities, the attitude of the majority of Lithuanians toward the new Latvian state was the most favourable. This was largely due to a similar situation of Lithuanian state - both states had several common enemies, they also shared features like fighting against "old elite" represented by other nationalities (in case of Latvians - Baltic Germans, Poles and Russians, in case of Lithuanians - Poles and Russians). Almost non-existent participation of Lithuanians in the previous ruling classes in Latvia, who had lost their influence, was one of the factors that contributed to an overall supportive attitude toward the new state.