1. Overview
Aleksandras Stulginskis (Aleksandras Stulginskisɐlʲɛkˈsɐˑndɐs stʊlʲˈɡʲɪnʲsʲkʲɪsLithuanian; February 26, 1885 - September 22, 1969) was a prominent Lithuanian politician and the second President of Lithuania, serving from 1922 to 1926. He played a crucial role in the establishment of the independent Lithuanian state, advocating steadfastly for a democratic republic and actively participating in the Lithuanian independence movement. After his initial presidency, Stulginskis briefly served as acting president in 1926 following a military coup led by Antanas Smetona, which ultimately removed him from power. His unwavering commitment to democracy and national sovereignty was further tested in his later life, which was marked by severe persecution under Soviet rule, enduring arrest and imprisonment for his pre-war political activities.
2. Early Life and Background
Aleksandras Stulginskis's early life and education laid the groundwork for his future contributions to Lithuanian society and politics. His initial academic pursuits were rooted in theology, but he later shifted his focus to agricultural sciences, which he applied through his work as a farmer and publisher.
2.1. Childhood and Education
Stulginskis began his theological studies in Kaunas, Lithuania, and subsequently continued his studies in Innsbruck, Austria. However, he ultimately decided against pursuing a career as a priest. Instead, he transitioned to the field of agricultural sciences, enrolling at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Halle (now part of the Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg) in Halle, Germany. He successfully graduated from the university in 1913, equipped with a comprehensive understanding of agricultural practices and principles.
2.2. Early Activities and Social Engagement
Upon completing his studies, Stulginskis returned to Lithuania and began working as a farmer. He was a prolific writer and contributed numerous articles on agronomy to the Lithuanian press, sharing his knowledge and insights with the agricultural community. In 1918, he initiated the publication of two significant agricultural journals: ŪkininkasFarmerLithuanian and Ūkininko kalendoriusFarmer's CalendarLithuanian, which served as important resources for Lithuanian farmers. Beyond his professional endeavors, Stulginskis was an early and active participant in the political landscape, notably as one of the founding members of the Lithuanian Christian Democratic Party. In 1917, his leadership qualities were recognized when he was elected as the head of the party's Central Committee, solidifying his role in organized politics even before Lithuania achieved full independence.
3. Path to Lithuanian Independence
Aleksandras Stulginskis played a pivotal role in Lithuania's struggle for independence, demonstrating strong leadership and unwavering commitment to the establishment of a sovereign and democratic state. His efforts during World War I and his instrumental involvement in the declaration of independence were crucial to the nation's foundational period.
3.1. Activities During World War I
During the tumultuous period of World War I, Aleksandras Stulginskis relocated to Vilnius, which became a hub of Lithuanian political activity. He remained deeply involved in politics, serving as a prominent leader of the Central Committee of the Lithuanian Christian Democratic Party. In 1917, he notably signed a memorandum addressed to U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, advocating for the international recognition of Lithuanian statehood by the United States. This action underscored his vision for a globally recognized, independent Lithuania. In contrast to some of his political contemporaries, such as Antanas Smetona, Stulginskis maintained a strong pro-Entente stance, aligning with the Allied powers. He was also instrumental as one of the co-organizers of the 1917 Vilnius Conference, a critical gathering that paved the way for the declaration of independence. Following the conference, he was elected as a member of the Council of Lithuania, further solidifying his influence in the burgeoning national movement.
3.2. Signing the Act of Independence
On February 16, 1918, Aleksandras Stulginskis achieved a historic milestone by becoming one of the twenty signatories of the Act of Independence of Lithuania. This declaration formally established Lithuania as an independent state, free from foreign dominion. Stulginskis was a passionate advocate for a democratic republic as the form of government for the new Lithuanian state. Reflecting his commitment to republican ideals, he vigorously opposed any attempts to establish a monarchy, a concept that was briefly considered with Mindaugas II as the proposed king of Lithuania from July to November 1918. His firm stance ensured that Lithuania's foundational principles were rooted in popular sovereignty.
3.3. Organization of National Army and Defense
In the critical and often perilous early days of Lithuania's independence, Stulginskis assumed the vital responsibility of organizing the country's national army. His efforts were directed towards defending the newly independent nation against significant external threats. This included potential aggressions from both Bolshevik forces, who sought to spread their influence, and Polish incursions, which aimed to contest Lithuania's territorial integrity. His work in establishing a national defense force was fundamental to safeguarding Lithuanian sovereignty during its formative years.
4. Political Career and Presidency
Aleksandras Stulginskis's political career after Lithuania's independence was marked by his dedication to public service, holding various ministerial and parliamentary roles before ascending to the presidency. His tenure as the second President was characterized by his commitment to democratic processes, even amidst the turbulent political climate that eventually led to his removal by military coup.
4.1. Various Ministerial and Parliamentary Roles
Following Lithuania's declaration of independence, Aleksandras Stulginskis held several pivotal ministerial and parliamentary positions, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to the nascent state's governance. Between 1918 and 1919, he served concurrently as Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Internal Affairs, and Minister of Agriculture, playing a broad role in the new administration. From May 1920 to 1922, he served as the Speaker of the Constituent Assembly of Lithuania, a body crucial for establishing the country's democratic framework. By virtue of this position, he also functioned as the acting president of the republic during this period, bridging the gap to a formal presidential election.
4.2. Second President of Lithuania
Aleksandras Stulginskis was formally elected as the second President of Lithuania, serving a full term from 1922 to 1926. His election and subsequent re-election in 1922 underscored public trust in his leadership during a critical period of state-building. On June 7, 1926, he peacefully transferred power to his successor, Kazys Grinius, in what was seen as a smooth and democratic transition, adhering to the principles of a constitutional republic.
4.3. Acting Presidency and the 1926 Coup
Stulginskis's involvement in the presidency briefly resumed following an unexpected political development. After Kazys Grinius's sudden resignation on December 17, 1926, Stulginskis temporarily stepped in as acting president. However, his tenure in this capacity was remarkably short-lived. Just two days later, on December 19, 1926, he was removed from power by a military coup led by his predecessor, Antanas Smetona. This event represented a significant setback for Lithuania's nascent democracy, as it involved the forceful overthrow of a constitutionally appointed government and the return of Smetona to the presidency, circumventing the democratic process.
4.4. Later Parliamentary Activities
Despite his removal from the presidency, Aleksandras Stulginskis continued to serve in the political arena, indicating his enduring commitment to public life. He was elected as the Speaker of the Seimas (the Lithuanian parliament) in 1926, a position of considerable legislative influence. He held this role until the Seimas was dissolved in April 1927, marking the end of his direct involvement in formal political office.
5. Life After Retirement and Soviet Persecution
After withdrawing from active politics, Aleksandras Stulginskis devoted himself to managing his farm. However, his life took a drastic turn with the Soviet occupation of Lithuania, leading to his arrest, imprisonment, and extended exile.
5.1. Retirement from Politics and Farm Management
In 1927, Aleksandras Stulginskis officially retired from active political life, choosing to dedicate his time and efforts to managing his farm located in western Lithuania. Even in his retirement, he remained a thoughtful observer of national affairs and a vocal advocate for democratic principles. He occasionally spoke out, emphasizing what he considered to be the indispensable necessity of democracy for the nation's continued well-being and future prosperity, reflecting his consistent ideological stance.
5.2. Arrest and Imprisonment by Soviet Authorities
The onset of World War II and the subsequent Soviet occupation of Lithuania brought severe personal hardship for Stulginskis. In June 1941, he and his wife were arrested by the Soviet NKVD, the notorious Soviet secret police. Stulginskis was subsequently deported to a gulag labor camp in the remote Krasnoyarsk region of Siberia, a vast and harsh penal system known for its brutal conditions. His wife was also deported, to the Komi Republic. After the conclusion of World War II, in 1952, Soviet authorities formally sentenced him to 25 years in prison. The charges against him were specifically for his alleged "anti-socialist and clerical policies in pre-war Lithuania," which were transparently politically motivated accusations designed to discredit his contributions to an independent, democratic Lithuanian state.
5.3. Release and Return to Lithuania
Following the death of Joseph Stalin in 1956, which brought a period of de-Stalinization, Aleksandras Stulginskis was finally released from the gulag. Despite being granted permission to emigrate from the Soviet Union, he steadfastly refused this option, demonstrating his unwavering commitment and loyalty to his homeland. Instead, he chose to return to the Lithuanian SSR, the Soviet-occupied territory of Lithuania. He settled back in his former city of Kaunas, where he lived out the remainder of his years.
6. Death
Aleksandras Stulginskis passed away in Kaunas on September 22, 1969, at the age of 84. At the time of his death, he held a unique historical distinction as the last surviving signatory of the Act of Independence of Lithuania, a testament to his long and impactful life dedicated to his nation's freedom and sovereignty.
7. Legacy and Assessment
Aleksandras Stulginskis is remembered as a foundational figure in independent Lithuania, whose legacy is defined by his commitment to democracy, his diligent public service, and his enduring spirit in the face of political adversity.
7.1. Historical Assessment
Aleksandras Stulginskis is historically assessed as a diligent and dedicated leader who played a crucial role in the early years of independent Lithuania. He was notable for his perceived lack of overt political ambition, which allowed him to focus on the stability and foundational development of the nascent Lithuanian state. His presidency and earlier contributions, particularly his advocacy for a democratic republic, were crucial in laying the groundwork for a stable and sovereign Lithuania. Historians often highlight his earnest efforts to establish democratic institutions and ensure the peaceful functioning of the government during a volatile period.
7.2. Criticism and Controversies
The primary and most significant "criticism" leveled against Aleksandras Stulginskis during his lifetime originated from the Soviet authorities. In 1952, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison based on charges of "anti-socialist and clerical policies in pre-war Lithuania." These accusations were widely regarded as politically motivated, designed by the Soviet regime to delegitimize his contributions to an independent, democratic Lithuanian state. Rather than reflecting genuine controversies or missteps in his governance, these charges were a direct consequence of his steadfast opposition to totalitarian ideologies and his commitment to a free and self-governing Lithuania.
7.3. Commemoration and Memorials
Aleksandras Stulginskis's enduring legacy is honored through various commemorative efforts in Lithuania. He was actively involved in the establishment of the Agricultural Academy in 1924, recognizing the importance of agricultural education for the nation's progress. In a significant posthumous recognition of his contributions, the Lithuanian University of Agriculture, which was the direct successor to the Agricultural Academy he helped found, was officially renamed Aleksandras Stulginskis University in June 2011. This renaming serves as a lasting memorial to his foundational work in both agricultural development and the broader advancement of the Lithuanian state.