Power Relations on the Smetona–Voldemaras Line. The Role of the Iron Wolf Organization in the Lithuanian Political System Cover Image

Stosunki władzy na linii Smetona–Voldemaras. Rola organizacji Żelaznego Wilka w litewskim systemie politycznym
Power Relations on the Smetona–Voldemaras Line. The Role of the Iron Wolf Organization in the Lithuanian Political System

Author(s): Martinas Malužinas
Subject(s): History, Political history, Recent History (1900 till today), Interwar Period (1920 - 1939)
Published by: Instytut Historii im. Tadeusza Manteuffla Polskiej Akademii Nauk
Keywords: Antanas Smetona; Augustinas Voldemaras; Iron Wolf; political system; coup d’etat; Voldemarists; Polish minority; Jewish minority.

Summary/Abstract: When addressing the issues of the development and role of the relations between Antanas Smetona and Augustinas Voldemaras and their supporters’ groups in the Lithuanian political system in 1926–1940, it is necessary to point out the essential elements that contributed to the confl ict between the two leaders of the Nationalist Union, namely the importance of secret paramilitary organisations (such as the Iron Wolf) in Smetona’s and Voldemaras’ regime, the question of ideology and political thought, and domestic policy towards national minorities in Lithuania. The confl ict within the ruling party determines the subject scope of the article, while the subjective content refers to the President of the Republic of Lithuania Antanas Smetona, Prime Minister Augustinas Voldemaras, and activities of the Voldemarists. The territorial scope covers the Lithuanian lands and the areas under the Lithuanian administration (including the area of Klaipeda). The chronological framework of the research spans the period between 1926 and 1940.

  • Issue Year: 128/2021
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 937-958
  • Page Count: 22
  • Language: Polish