Kazys Grinius facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kazys Grinius
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| 3rd President of Lithuania | |
| In office 7 June 1926 – 17 December 1926 |
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| Preceded by | Aleksandras Stulginskis |
| Succeeded by | Jonas Staugaitis (Acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 17 December 1866 Selema, Augustów Governorate, Russian Empire |
| Died | 4 June 1950 (aged 83) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Lithuanian Popular Peasants' Union |
| Spouses | Joana Pavalkytė-Griniuvienė Kristina Arsaitė-Grinienė |
| Children | Liūtas Grinius (died 1989) |
| Alma mater | Imperial Moscow University (1893) |
Kazys Grinius was an important Lithuanian leader. He was the third President of Lithuania, serving from June 7, 1926, to December 17, 1926. Before becoming president, he was the fifth Prime Minister of Lithuania. He held that role from June 19, 1920, until January 18, 1922. Kazys Grinius was born on December 17, 1866, and passed away on June 4, 1950.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Kazys Grinius was born in a village called Selema. This village was near Marijampolė in an area that was part of the Russian Empire at the time.
He went to the University of Moscow to study medicine. After finishing his studies, he became a doctor. When he was young, he started getting involved in politics in Lithuania. The authorities of the Russian Empire, called the Tsarist authorities, did not like his political activities and treated him unfairly.
In 1896, Grinius helped start two important political groups. These were the Lithuanian Democratic Party (LDP) and the Lithuanian Popular Peasants' Union (LVLS) party.
Family Life and Challenges
In 1896, Kazys Grinius married Joana Pavalkytė. They lived in a town called Virbalis for some time. Their son, Kazys, was born in 1899, and their daughter, Gražina, was born in 1902.
During World War I, his family lived in a city called Kislovodsk. Sadly, in 1918, during an attack by the Red Army, his wife and daughter were killed. They were buried in the Kislovodsk cemetery.
Political Career in Lithuania
When Lithuania became an independent country in 1918, Kazys Grinius played a key role. He became a member of the Constituent Assembly of Lithuania, which was like a special parliament. He was part of the Lithuanian Popular Peasants' Union party.
Serving as Prime Minister
Grinius served as the Prime Minister of Lithuania from 1920 to 1922. During his time as Prime Minister, he signed an important agreement with the Soviet Union. This treaty helped establish peaceful relations between the two countries.
Becoming President
In 1926, Kazys Grinius was chosen to be the President of Lithuania by the Third Seimas, which was the country's parliament. However, his time as president was very short. He served for only six months.
He was removed from office in a coup (a sudden, illegal takeover of power). This coup was led by Antanas Smetona. The reason given for the coup was a false claim that communists were planning to take over Lithuania. After Grinius was removed, two other people briefly held the presidency before Antanas Smetona became president himself.
Later Life and Legacy
When Nazi Germany invaded Lithuania in 1941, Grinius refused to work with the German occupiers. He believed that Lithuania should not be controlled by any foreign power.
In 1944, when the Soviet army took control of Lithuania again, Grinius left the country. He moved to the United States in 1947. He passed away in Chicago, Illinois in 1950.
After Lithuania regained its independence in 1990, Kazys Grinius's remains were brought back to Lithuania. He was buried there, honoring his contributions to the country.
