History by Period

The most important dates and facts of the history of Kaunas

Here are presented the main dates and facts of Kaunas history chronologically divided into 8 historical periods according to the historical stages of Lithuania. The information is collected and systematised from the various sources about the most important events of Kaunas history, the most significant achievements of Kaunas in every historical period. The brief descriptions of the dates and facts are supplemented with illustrations, sources and references. The related dates and facts of Kaunas history are merged with references.

until 1795

Kaunas from its Origins to the Fall of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania

until 1795

The old history of Kaunas reveals about the self-governed city created by a multi-ethnic and multicultural community.

1795–1915

Under the Rule of Tsarist Russia

1795–1915

19th century Kaunas was the center of the periphery of the Russian Empire, the center of the Kaunas province and the Samogitian diocese and the city-fortress surrounded by a fortress ring.

Have been built over 30 years Kaunas fortress was occupied after 10-day battles in 1915. By the Kaiser’s German army occupied city became the part of Oberosto.

1918–1940

The First Republic of Lithuania

1918–1940

Interwar Kaunas was the Provisional Capital of Lithuania. It was the “golden age” of Kaunas, in 20 years the provincial city became a metropolis of Lithuania.

1940–1941

The First Soviet Occupation

1940–1941

In the grip of the totalitarian system the residents of Kaunas experienced the scourge of the nationalization of property, deportations and other repressions.

1941 June Uprising briefly revived the hopes of independence, but they were quickly dissipated by the German’s occupation regime.

1944–1990

The Second Soviet Occupation

1944–1990

Kaunas retained the memory of the Provisional Capital and opposed the russification pursued by the Soviet system.

1990 – ...

The Second Republic of Lithuania

1990 – ...

Kaunas is a free and developing city. Combining its identity with the best traditions of the Provisional Capital.

Belfry tower of Catholic Seminary decorated with a Soviet star 1966. Photo by A. Dumbliauskas [From personal archives]
Nemunas view. Postcard [From KCPL collections]
Empire bank. Postcard [From KCPL collections]
Simonas Daukantas pedestrian bridge to Nemunas island. Photo by R. Vaitilavičienė. 2009 [From KCPL collections]