The role of Forest

Brothers in Lithuanian
History (1944-1953)
Research question: Why the commemoration of Forest Brothers is used
for political purposes in Lithuanian domestic politics?
Outline
• Background information
• Debates
• Research question
• Paper Structure
• Sources
• Data Analysis
• Theoretical Framework
• Preliminary Findings
 • The basic facts without
politicizing the story.
In the late 40s – early 50s,
after the end of WW2, there
was a group of around 30
thousand people hiding in
forests of Lithuania and
rebelling against the
established USSR government
on the territory of the current
Lithuania.

• Different historical narratives

of two countries provoked
Background information political conflict

or Why Should We Care?

Two different
perspectives:
• In Lithuania, forest brothers are seen as
national heroes, fighters for an
independent and democratic society
during the Soviet’ occupation years.

• The position of Russia on forest brothers –

leftovers of Fascism in Lithuania after the
end of WW2. They are seen as
perpetrators of Jewish and local
Lithuanian population.
 During the
recent years
the narrative
about Forest
Brothers
appear to
become
exceedingly
politicized.
Events
• 2016|The scandal around the book|
“Vanagaite dare to challenge nationalist
narratives in Eastern Europe and to
whitewash the darker corners of her
country’s history during World War II and
its aftermath"
• 2017|Release of the film by NATO –
“Forest Brothers - Fight for the Baltics”|
has resulted into the international scandal.
• 2017|Announcement of 2018 as a
commemoration year of Forest Brother
Ramanauskas-Vanagas provoked another
scandal.
• 2018 |Release of the film by Foreign
Ministry of Lithuania – “Lithuanian
Freedom Fighters” (synonym to Forest
Brothers). No reaction yet.
• 2018|Reburial of Ramanauskas-Vanagas
initiated another discussion around this
already debatable topic.
Research question:

• Why the commemoration

of Forest Brothers is used
for political purposes in
Lithuanian domestic
politics?
Paper structure
• History of Forest Brothers (1944-1953)
• The use of Forest Brothers in political agenda
• International disputes around Forest Brothers
• Why it is used as a tool in domestic politics
• Analysis of sources primary and secondary
sources
• Findings
 Secondary Sources
Media
Books about forest brothers

Primary sources
• Parliament speeches
• Statements of Lithuanian officials in
media
• Reaction of foreign officials on the
commemoration events regarding
Forest Brothers (ex. Russian Foreign
Ministry, OSCE, USA monument)

Sources
Preliminary Findings
• Thank you for your attention!

Research question: Why the commemoration of Forest Brothers is used

for political purposes in Lithuanian domestic politics?