Lithuania's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union marked a pivotal moment in 1990 when the country became the first Soviet republic to assert its sovereignty. This move was facilitated by the pro-independence movement, known as Sąjūdis, which had gained substantial support among the Lithuanian populace in the late 1980s. The first free elections in Lithuania, held in 1990, resulted in a government that was responsive to the demands for independence. On March 11, the Supreme Council of Lithuania, composed of members from various political backgrounds, voted overwhelmingly for the declaration, signaling a clear break from Soviet authority.

The declaration emphasized Lithuania's commitment to establish a democratic state and declared the restoration of the Lithuanian state’s independence. The moment was emotionally charged, filled with speeches advocating for freedom and self-determination. Notably, it became a rallying point for other Soviet republics, igniting similar movements across the region. In the aftermath, Lithuania faced immediate pressure from the Soviet Union, which attempted to reassert control, leading to heightened tensions and confrontations between Lithuanian forces and Soviet troops in the following years.