Signing of Act of Independence of Lithuania

Date: February 16, 1918 • Location: Berlin, Germany

The Council of Lithuania signed the Act of Independence (pictured), proclaiming the restoration of an independent Lithuania.

The Council of Lithuania, later called the State Council of Lithuania was a governing council convened at the Vilnius Conference that took place between 18 and 23 September 1917. The twenty men who composed the council at first were of different ages, social statuses, professions, and political affiliations. The council was granted the executive authority of the Lithuanian people and was entrusted to establish an independent Lithuanian state. On 16 February 1918, the members of the council signed the Act of Independence of Lithuania and declared Lithuania an independent state based on democratic principles. 16 February is celebrated as Lithuania's State Restoration Day. The council managed to establish the proclamation of independence despite the presence of German troops in the country until the autumn of 1918. By the spring of 1919, the council had almost doubled in size. The council continued its efforts until the Constituent Assembly of Lithuania first met on 15 May 1920.