After the restoration an independent State of Lithuania in 1918 February 16, the network of institutions which implemented the functions of rebuilding Lithuanian cities and towns was formed, the legal framework inherited from the Russian Empire was changed, and specialists responsible for the rebuilding process were mobilized. In this way, the foundation for the modernization process of Lithuanian cities and towns and the implementation of modernization ideas had to be laid. Based on the general features of modernization emerging after the First World War, such as urbanization, industrialization, education and others, we could say that Lithuania has merged into the global processes of modernization. In the 1920s, the Baltic States experienced a period of relative stability, modernization and impressive economic growth. The adoption of the Western model of social and political system in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe has created favorable conditions for modernization processes in the fields of social, economic, political and cultural processes. Assessing the context of Lithuania’s development, the liquidation of the consequences of the war posed certain obstacles to modernization: the chaotic planning process of cities and towns and the development of construction, the lack of living space, and the unequal development of the necessary infrastructure for urban life. Taking this into account, the project is designed to evaluate the preconditions and process of Lithuanian modernization, in the context of the reconstruction of Lithuanian cities and towns in 1918-1925.
Project funding:
Research Council of Lithuania (RCL), National Research Programme “Modernity in Lithuania”
Project results:
The main goal of the project is to prepare a monograph, which analyzes the preconditions and modernization of Lithuanian modernization of Lithuanian cities and towns in 1918-1925 rebuilding contexts.
The main purpose of this monograph is to analyse the process of reconstruction of Lithuanian cities and towns in 1918-1925. The reconstruction of Lithuanian cities and towns can be defined as a process that took place in 1918-1925, during which attempts were made to form the main principles of the reconstruction of cities and towns and to carry out reconstruction works.
Based on the general features of modernisation that emerged after the First World War, such as urbanisation, industrialisation, education and others, we could say that Lithuania joined the global modernisation processes. After the independence struggle, a period of relative political stability and economic growth was experienced, which allowed for the improvement of the infrastructure of cities and towns and the living conditions of society. The adoption of Western ideas of urban planning created favourable conditions for the development of modernisation processes in the sphere of social, economic, political, cultural processes. The aspiration to build modern buildings for residents, to ensure a hygienic environment, and to reduce the risk of fires became apparent. Not only the immediate environment, but also the public space became important – here a network of administrative and other institutions was planned to ensure the public and the state’s activities, paying attention to the need for public green spaces, while developing the residents’ right to recreation.
Period of project implementation: 2021-03-08 - 2022-12-31
Project coordinator: Kaunas University of Technology
