| Abstract [eng] |
Background. In interwar Lithuania, various preparedness strategies were developed in response to growing military threats, however, the role of civilians and medical personnel in this process has often been addressed fragmentarily in historiography. This topic remains relevant today, as increasing geopolitical tensions emphasize the importance of societal and healthcare system preparedness for potential crises, making it essential to evaluate these processes in a broader context. Aim and objectives. To analyse the development of medical and societal preparedness for war threats in interwar Lithuania. To achieve this aim, the study identifies the main directions of preparedness, assesses the role of the medical system, and examines the involvement of society in preparing for potential wartime situations. Methods. The study was based on the analysis of primary and secondary historical sources, with particular attention to the interwar professional press, especially the journal “Medicina”, as well as official state documents published in “Vyriausybės žinios” and archival materials. A historical comparative analysis method was applied to assess the development of the medical system, civil defence, and societal preparedness for war threats. The study was conducted from September 2025 to May 2026. Results. The study revealed that in interwar Lithuania the primary focus was on the threats posed by air attacks and chemical warfare, which were regarded as the main dangers of modern war. At the state level, a civil defence system was gradually developed, including public warning systems, evacuation organization, construction of shelters, and implementation of chemical protection measures, which were reflected in both legal acts and practical guidelines. In addition, practical training and exercises for civilians were organized to prepare them for actions during air raids. Meanwhile, military medical personnel actively prepared for the treatment of injuries, infectious diseases, and effects of chemical agents, developing principles of military sanitation and surgery, with a strong emphasis on hygiene and prevention, as reflected in professional publications. However, the training of medical students for wartime conditions began relatively late and remained limited and fragmented. Finally, civilian education was carried out through hygiene promotion, public lectures, informational publications, and the activities of social organizations, but it lacked consistent coordination at the state level. Conclusions. Medical and societal preparedness for war threats in interwar Lithuania was developed but remained fragmented and not fully developed. Although efforts were made to create an effective system by combining state initiatives, medical community activities, and public education, its implementation was delayed and insufficiently consistent, particularly in the training of civilians and medical students. |
