# Antanas Smetona

> first President of Lithuania from 4 April 1919 until 19 June 1920 (1874-1944)

**Wikidata**: [Q296950](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q296950)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antanas_Smetona)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/antanas-smetona

## Summary
Antanas Smetona was the first President of Lithuania, serving from April 1919 to June 1920. A Lithuanian nationalist, lawyer, and educator, he played a key role in the early political development of independent Lithuania. His presidency marked a pivotal moment in the nation's transition to sovereignty.

## Biography
- Born: 1874
- Nationality: Lithuanian
- Education:
  - Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
  - Saint Petersburg State University
  - Academia Petrina
  - Vilnius University
- Known for: Leading Lithuania's early political transition and serving as its first president
- Employer(s):
  - Vilnius University
  - Vytautas Magnus University
- Field(s): Politics, law, education

## Contributions
- Served as the first President of Lithuania from April 1919 to June 1920, overseeing the nation's early political and administrative establishment.
- Received the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour from France for his contributions to Lithuania's independence.
- Awarded an honorary doctorate by Vytautas Magnus University in recognition of his service to Lithuania.

## FAQs
**What was Antanas Smetona's role in Lithuania's early politics?**
Antanas Smetona served as the first President of Lithuania from 1919 to 1920, a critical period in the nation's transition to independence. His presidency helped shape Lithuania's early political framework.

**Where did Antanas Smetona receive his education?**
Antanas Smetona studied at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Saint Petersburg State University, Academia Petrina, and Vilnius University, earning degrees in law and education.

**What awards did Antanas Smetona receive?**
Antanas Smetona was honored with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour from France and an honorary doctorate from Vytautas Magnus University.

## Why They Matter
Antanas Smetona's presidency was instrumental in establishing Lithuania's early democratic institutions and national identity. His leadership during a turbulent period helped solidify the country's sovereignty, influencing subsequent political developments. His recognition by international organizations and academic institutions underscores his significance in Lithuania's history.

## Notable For
- First President of Lithuania (1919–1920)
- Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour recipient
- Honorary doctorate from Vytautas Magnus University
- Key figure in Lithuania's early political transition

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Antanas Smetona was born in 1874. He pursued higher education at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Saint Petersburg State University, and Academia Petrina, where he studied law and pedagogy. His academic background laid the foundation for his later roles in education and politics.

### Political Career
Smetona's political career began in the context of Lithuania's struggle for independence. He served as the first President of Lithuania from April 1919 to June 1920, a position that marked a critical juncture in the nation's history. His presidency helped establish the early political and administrative structures of independent Lithuania.

### Academic and Professional Affiliations
Throughout his career, Smetona was affiliated with Vilnius University and later with Vytautas Magnus University, where he contributed to education and law. His work in these institutions reflected his commitment to Lithuania's intellectual and legal development.

### Recognition and Awards
Smetona's contributions were widely recognized. He received the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour from France, an honor bestowed upon him for his service to Lithuania's independence. Additionally, Vytautas Magnus University awarded him an honorary doctorate, further cementing his legacy in Lithuanian academia.

### Legacy
Antanas Smetona's presidency remains a defining moment in Lithuania's early history. His efforts to establish democratic institutions and national identity influenced subsequent political developments. His recognition by international and academic institutions ensures his place as a key figure in Lithuania's national narrative.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Find a Grave](http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&Grid=9792829)
3. The orders of the White Rose of Finland and the Order of the Lion of Finland
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. CiNii Research
7. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
8. SNAC
9. Find a Grave
10. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
11. BnF authorities
12. 1914-1918-online. International Encyclopedia of the First World War
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. [Source](http://purl.org/pressemappe20/beaconlist/pe)
15. FactGrid
16. Sejm-Wielki.pl
17. Catalogo of the National Library of India