It is hardly an exaggeration to say that it was of considerable importance in the history of western civilization that the courageous Lithuanian rulers were able to withstand the pounding waves of the Tartar hordes which threatened to overrun Europe. Although the power of Lithuania declined rapidly until the state was absorbed first by Poland and later by Russia. the people clung valiantly to their traditions. language. and religion. Even the harsh Czarist efforts to stamp out the language and the cruel deportation of large numbers of the people to Siberia failed to destroy the tenacious spirit of freedom. None but the brave deserve the fair. And the fair was liberty.
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deportation