Proclamation of Independence (Lithuania)

The Proclamation of Independence of Lithuania, declared on February 16, 1918, was a formal statement asserting Lithuania's sovereignty, ending over a century of foreign rule. It declared the country a self-governing and independent nation, emphasizing its right to self-determination, cultural identity, and political independence. This proclamation marked Lithuania’s intent to establish itself as a free, democratic state, separate from imperial powers such as Russia and Germany. It laid the foundation for Lithuania’s continued independence, which was ultimately recognized internationally, shaping its national identity and sovereignty.