Context
Kaunas, Lithuania
Jonas Makauskis lived here, with his family. Kaunas is close to Vilnius, Lithuania's capital-- as a result, social, work, and political connections were strong between the communities of these two important Lithuanian cities. Most of Jonas's work took place in Kaunas, and most photo accounts of his life were taken there as well.
Ellis Island Opens: 1892
Ellis island is an open option to those fleeing a country such as Lithuania
First wave of Lithuanian immigrants: 1865-1916
Halted mostly due to Lithuania's independence in 1916
Communities start to develop in cities like Chicago, IL, Brooklyn, NY and Brockton, MA
Independence: 1918-39
Lithuania was declared an independent country
Governments working to sustain economic and societal growth
Jonas's involvement in parliament started at the First Seimas, the first Lithuanian Parliament system.
In 1940, the first signs of disaster start to show: Soviet powers closing in on control.
Word spreads to representatives like Jonas to leave the country.
World War II: 1941-45
Soviet Union began occupations in 1940; targeted government officials, especially those fighting for continued sovereignty
Declared Lithuania the Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic in 1944
Vilnius is occupied July 13, 1944
Kaunas is occupied August 1, 1944
Strict officials and laws
"There was always someone watching and listening to your actions and words"
Harsh consequences for opposition to Soviet forces
Imprisonment likely of a family like the Makauskis' who had deep ties to Lithuanian government
Lithuanian Conflict Phase: 1944-1953
A revolt against the Soviet powers begins August 3, 1944
Attempted coup is staged
20,000 Lithuanian Partisans, 13,000 Soviet soldiers, 2,600 unaffiliated citizens killed
Suppression from Soviet officials ultimately stifles the uprising
Displaced Persons Act: 1948
Around 36,000 Lithuanians allowed into the United States
Jonas and family in 1951
Immigrants tend to move into New York, and some to Massachusetts
Many are offered low-paying, low-skilled professions
General discrimination prevents many intelligent immigrants from pursuing their former careers
Occupation continued after the war
Lithuania declares independence 1991
Still a cautious tone because of suspicious Russian activity