Origins of the dispute with Lithuania over Vilnius and the Vilnius Region in October 1920

The article aims to present the current state of research concerning the genesis and beginnings of the Polish-Lithuanian dispute over Vilnius and the Vilnius Region in connection with General Lucjan Żeligowski’s action in October 1920. The author has described as broadly as possible the genesis (with an emphasis on the role of Soviet Russia), course and direct consequences of the so-called Żeligowski ‘Mutiny’ inspired by Józef Piłsudski, its internal background and international conditions. Żeligowski’s revolt against Lithuania, which resulted in the creation of the quasi-state of Central Lithuania in the Vilnius area, and the subsequent incorporation of that territory into the Republic of Poland, was an element of Piłsudski’s concept his the eastern policy. Because of the unfavourable international situation and the reluctant attitude of the Lithuanians, Marshal Piłsudski decided upon the incorporation of Vilnius and the Vilnius Region into Poland, rather than create a federation with Lithuania. This fact significantly influenced the Polish-Lithuanian relations in the interwar period. The article applies the inductive and deductive method and the direct and indirect method of establishing facts. The comparative method and inference from the silence of sources have been used as well