Kaunas

Kaunas was granted Magdeburg rights, allowing it the status of an autonomous city. This significant event marked the beginning of Kaunas as an officially recognized settlement with rights to self-governance and trade privileges, laying the foundation for its economic and social development. It was a crucial step in transforming the town into an important center for trade and crafts in Lithuania.

In 1843, the Russian Empire established the Kaunas Governorate, reorganizing the administrative divisions within its territories. This move was part of broader administrative reforms within the empire, impacting Kaunas by designating it as a governorate capital, thus elevating its political and administrative significance within the region.

After World War I and the independence of Lithuania in 1918, and with Vilnius being occupied by Polish forces in 1920, Kaunas was declared the temporary capital of Lithuania. This status persisted until 1939 and was crucial for the city as it became the central hub for political, economic, and cultural life in Lithuania during this period.

The University of Lithuania was officially opened in Kaunas, marking a significant advancement in higher education and research in the newly independent state. It was later renamed Vytautas Magnus University. The founding of this institution was a major step in fostering an educated society and promoting national development through advanced learning and scholarship.

On June 15, 1940, as part of the first Soviet occupation of Lithuania during World War II, Soviet troops entered Kaunas and took control of the city. This occupation was part of a broader Soviet annexation of the Baltic states, leading to significant political and social changes, including the suppression of Lithuanian sovereignty and repression of local populations.

Kaunas was liberated from Nazi occupation by Soviet forces during World War II. The battle for the city was part of the larger Soviet offensive to recapture the Baltic states from the Germans. Following liberation, the city was once again under Soviet control, leading to another period of significant political and social change.

Romas Kalanta, a 19-year-old, self-immolated in a public protest against the Soviet regime in Kaunas. His act sparked days of unrest and demonstrations, highlighting local resistance to Soviet authority. This event became a symbol of Lithuanian resistance against Soviet occupation and triggered wider awareness of the political repressions faced by the Baltic peoples.

Kaunas participated in 'The Baltic Way,' a peaceful political demonstration against Soviet occupation. People joined hands to form a human chain across the Baltic states. This event underscored the unity and determination of the Baltic peoples to achieve independence, representing a pivotal moment in the struggle for freedom from Soviet rule.

On March 11, 1990, Lithuania declared its independence from the Soviet Union, with Kaunas playing a central role in the political and cultural landscapes during this historic process. The restoration of independence marked the beginning of a new era for Kaunas, involving significant political, economic, and social transformations as the city adapted to the challenges of nation-building.

Kaunas was selected as the European Capital of Culture for the year 2022. This decision acknowledged the city's rich cultural history and aimed to promote cultural diversity and foster European integration through arts and culture. Extensive preparations and events were planned to celebrate this designation, enhancing Kaunas's identity as a cultural and artistic hub in Europe.