| Abstract [eng] |
Master’s thesis consists of the Introduction, four Parts with sections, Conclusions, References, Bibliography, and Appendixes. The first part reviews political situation in the country during the period when Sąjūdis was established. The study examines the circumstances of establishment and development of Sąjūdis, as well as its juridical legitimation. The second and the third parts investigate initiation processes of Sąjūdis divisions in the districts of Pakruojis and Šiauliai, also the influence of press in the provinces to local people. The fourth part is devoted to the concept and forms of memory and respect, analysis and assessment of the recollections of Sąjūdis‘ contemporaries. The reform politics of Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, impelled the ideas of publicity and democracy. That was an inducement to create separate reformation organizations in the USSR soviet republics. Lithuania has established the Reform Movement Sąjūdis to reorganize the state. The initiation of Sąjūdis is considered to be June 3, 1988, when the group of 35 members came together and formed Sąjūdis Initiative Group (Lithuanian: Sąjūdžio iniciatyvinė grupė) in Vilnius. A number of Sąjūdis formations were established throughout the country. Lithuania experienced national Rebirth (Lithuanian: Atgimimas). The processes of Atgimimas in the provinces were slower and varied from the processes in larger cities. The latter opened Sąjūdis divisions in the summer of 1988, meanwhile in the provinces they appeared at the end of autumn. The division in Pakruojis and Šiauliai were found in September and October. Sąjūdis raised hopes to create the State of Lithuania based on democratic administration. The first mass meetings took place in 1988 and Sąjūdis was introduced to local people. After a while the movement spread to smaller towns and villages, supported by Sąjūdis Initiative Groups. According to Sąjūdis historiography, it is observed that historians have carried out comprehensive researches of the processes of Sąjūdis formation in larger cities of Lithuania, however, not in smaller towns. The movement of Sąjūdis was active not only in the capital of Lithuania but also in the provinces and smaller towns. Even though, in the provinces national rebirth faced more challenges. Above all, the provinces had lack of intellectual forces. People living in the provinces were less courageous and resolute. They needed encouragement and leading which they received from Sąjūdis headquarters in Vilnius. Historiography presents no explicit evaluation of Sąjūdis activities in Northern Lithuania, either in Pakruojis and Šiauliai districts. Therefore, one of the aims of this research was to question contemporaries of that time and local Sąjūdis members applying the method of interviewing. Their recollections benefit of analyzing the activities of Pakruojis and Šiauliai divisions. Moreover, the interviews are recorded and will be retained for generations to come. That is the way to pay respects to the Reform Movement. Sąjūdis was the main factor which enabled people to express their opinion about social injustice, imperfection of a communist party and to proclaim national feelings. Sąjūdis council of Pakruojis and Šiauliai took the initiative to organize the first mass meetings in the provinces, began reconstructions of memorials which were destroyed in soviet times, gave publicity to environmental problems, passed resolutions, and collected signatures for petitions. Members of Sąjūdis debated with local people in offices, distributed print of Sąjūdis, and invited people along to join Sąjūdis movement. People who were disappointed about inaction of the Communist party of Lithuania were joining Sąjūdis, whereas a number of citizens feared of losing jobs or privileges and, therefore, they were ignoring the movement. The biggest number of citizens living in the provinces was restrained observers. The study highlights the relevance of ambiguity in Sąjūdis activities. The Reform movement was accepted and supported in Šiauliai district by local authorities and press. Though, Sąjūdis activities in Pakruojis district experienced occasional distrust and disunity. There were tentions in relations with local authorities and confrontations with local press. The main supporters and followers of Sąjūdis were educated people: teachers, engineers, medical doctors, and environmentalists. The activities of the Reform movement in the provinces did not contrast with the common trend in Lithuania. In Šiauliai district Sąjūdis managed to evoke national feelings far more than in Pakruojis. It was determined by professional relations, communication with local authorities, and support of local press. In conclusion, it is noteworthy to acknowledge that Sąjūdis has brought national awakening and regeneration as well as Re-establishment of the State of Lithuania. |
