Lithuanian Armed Forces: an important organizer of national education in the period of 1919–1940

Established 100 years ago, the Lithuanian Armed Forces besides their main mission to defend a newly restored Lithuania from external enemies and safeguard its independence, did not neglect other challenges that a young state faced in a difficult situation at that time. Due to unfavourable historical circumstances, the Lithuanian written language was developed rather late compared to other European countries. Influenced by the Polish culture, the Lithuanian script was used only for religious needs for several centuries. After more than hundred years of Russification and 40 years of the Lithuanian press ban that lasted from 1864 to 1904, Lithuania, possibly the most illiterate country in Europe at the beginning of the 20th century, declared independence in 1918. Consequently, national education was the first and most topical initial goal for Lithuania. As the armed forces required educated servicemen as well, the Educational Division under the Ministry of National Defence was established in 1919 to provide education for servicemen and spread propaganda during the ongoing struggles for independence. Later, the division changed its name and subordination, however, up to 1940 it had remained an important establishment making an outstanding contribution to national education allowing the Lithuanian Armed Forces to be called an important organizer of national education alongside school, family, society and church. The article discusses 5 monographs, doctoral thesis and scientific and popular science articles published on the topic. It is noteworthy that only the contribution of the Lithuanian Armed Forces to patriotic education is best investigated, nevertheless, further studies are fostered. Researches on their input into physical training are scarce and highly recommended