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THE SITUATION of the Jews in independent Lithuania differed in many respects from that in Poland, but also had many similarities. Lithuania proclaimed its independence on Armistice Day, 11 November 1918. The new government, led by President Antanas Smetona, succeeded in forming an effective administration and army. It consolidated its independence in the face of serious threats from the Soviets, Poles, and White Russians but failed to retain its hold on the country's capital, Vilna (Vilnius, Wilno), which was finally seized by Polish forces in October 1920 although it did gain control of the Baltic port of Klaipe.da (Memel). The incorporation of Vilna into Poland was bitterly resented by the Lithuanians, who refused to establish diplomatic relations with Poland and closed the frontier between the two states, creating a situation of ‘no peace, no war’. (See Map 17.)
Given the pervasive atmosphere of insecurity generated by the unresolved problem of the borders, it is not surprising that the highly democratic constitution adopted in 1922, with its advanced system of proportional representation, did not work well. Some successes were achieved. The radical land reform introduced in April 1922 brought into being small and medium holdings consolidated out of separate strips of land, making them more viable, and alleviated peasant discontent while greatly weakening Polish influence in the countryside. Post-war hyperinflation was brought under control, and in October 1922 a new currency, the litas, was introduced. However, the country was still confronted with serious economic difficulties since such industry as had grown up was closely linked with the now inaccessible Russian market.
A moderately left-wing Cabinet took power in June 1926, but soon alienated the Right by what were regarded as its excessive concessions to the national minorities, its willingness to negotiate with the Poles, and its softness towards the communists and the Soviet Union. It was overthrown by a military coup in December 1926 and a right-wing regime, with Antanas Smetona as president and Augustinas Voldemaras as prime minister, took power. A number of leading politicians were arrested and stiff measures taken against the opposition, particularly after an unsuccessful revolt in September 1927 and an attempt on Voldemaras's life in May 1929.
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