In December 1926, Lithuania experienced a significant political upheaval when a military coup overthrew the existing government. Led by a coalition of military officers and nationalist politicians, this coup aimed to address the instability that had plagued the country since its independence from Russia in 1918. Antanas Smetona, a prominent political figure who had previously served as the first President of Lithuania, emerged as the key leader following the coup's success. He quickly consolidated power, effectively sidelining various political factions and establishing an authoritarian regime.

The events leading up to the coup were marked by economic difficulties, social unrest, and a fragmented political landscape characterized by frequent changes in leadership. The military, frustrated with the ineffective governance and growing disorder, initiated the takeover with the objective of restoring control and ensuring national unity. Smetona, seen as a stabilizing figure, was supported by nationalist groups and segments of the military elite, facilitating his rise to the presidency and setting the course for an era of centralized authority and limited political pluralism.

Smetona’s regime implemented policies that emphasized national identity and conservatism, restricting civil liberties and suppressing dissent. This political shift had profound implications for Lithuanian society and governance, steering the country towards authoritarianism. Smetona's presidency lasted until 1940, which saw the eventual incorporation of Lithuania into the Soviet Union following World War II, highlighting the lasting effects of the coup on the nation’s trajectory.