The 100th Anniversary of the Annexation of Klaipeda Region to Lithuania

The northern part of Little Lithuania along the lower Nemunas and the Baltic Sea is called Klaipėda region. It consists of the present cities of Klaipėda and Neringa, as well as part of the territories of Klaipėda, Šilutė, Tauragė, Jurbarkas, Kretinga districts and Pagėgiai municipalities.

Historically, Klaipėda region since the 13th century. until the 20th century was ruled by the Germans - first by the Order of the Swordsmen, then by the Kingdom of Prussia and finally by the unified German Empire. However, after Germany's defeat in the First World War, the land was temporarily given over to the administration of France, whose troops were stationed here in 1920-1923.

in 1923 In January, the Klaipėda Region uprising takes place - a military action to join Lithuania, after which this region became part of Lithuania. It is estimated that 12 volunteers from Greater Lithuania, 2 French soldiers and 1 German policeman died during this uprising.