Despite the Soviet renunciation in 1920 of "all sovereign rights possessed by Russia over the Lithuanian people and territory." Lithuania was forcefully incorporated into the U.S.S.R. in 1940. It was one of the first countries to suffer under the brutal occupations of Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. After the war the Soviets ordered largescale deportations of Lithuanians to Siberia and many Russians have settled in Lithuania. For a long time the country was completely closed off to foreigners. who are now permitted to visit the capital city of Vilnius. Stalins attempt to disperse the Baltic peoples has Since been abandoned. and in the small towns and farms of rural Lithuania the ancient tradition of national independence has not been forgotten.
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deportations