This repressive policy was intensified after another revolt in 1863. but the Lithuanians resisted and remained faithful to their religion. language. and traditions. In the 20th century the Soviet regime has dealt no less harshly with the Lithuanians than its czarist predecessor. Stalin attempted to eliminate the Baltic national minorities by massive deportations. When the Russians reoccupied the country in 1944. some 80.000 Lithuanians fled to Western Germany. Another 60.000 were found in East Germany and deported to Siberia. During 1945 and 1946 an additional 145.000 Lithuanians were deported. and some 60.000 were deported in March 1949 in answer to passive resistance of the farming population to the collectivization of agriculture. Although the postStalin regime has permitted about a third of these deportees to return to Lithuania. it has resorted to more indirect tactics to repress freedom and the spirit of nationhood in this captive Baltic republic of the U.S.S.R. Thousands of Russians have moved into Lithuania. where they man army garrisons and hold the key government posts. Religious and cultural freedoms are severely restricted.
Keywords matched
deported deportations deportees