Establishment of the American Lithuanian National Union in 1949: Unification of Lithuanian Nationalist Organizations in the USA

Abstract

Abstract. In 1941, Lithuanian nationalists in the USA, having withdrawn from the common political organization of Lithuanian Americans, the American Lithuanian Council (ALC), began independent political activities in the struggle for Lithuania’s independence. They established their own organizations: in 1941, the Union for the Liberation of Lithuania, to which the American Friends of Lithuania was affiliated, in 1943, the American Lithuanian Nationalist Center, and in 1944, the American Lithuanian Mission. The nationalist movement weakened in 1946–1947, and the constant desire for unity in political activities among the Lithuanian diaspora in the USA and Europe compelled the nationalists to change their positions. In 1947, negotiations began between the leaders of the Lithuanian nationalists in the USA and the ALC leadership regarding the nationalists’ return to ALC, with conditions: a) the merging of nationalist organizations and b) the cessation of separate political activities. In 1948–1949, the reorganization of nationalist organizations took place over the course of almost a year, culminating in a joint Congress held on May 21–22, 1949, when a unified nationalist organization, the American Lithuanian National Union (ALNU), was established. Key contributions were made by nationalist leaders: Antanas Olis, Pijus J. Žiūris, Juozas Bačiūnas, Kazys Karpis, Vincas Rastenis, Albinas S. Trečiokas, Juozas Ginkus, and others. Nationalist representatives joined ALC as the fourth faction alongside Catholics, socialists,
and moderates. The ALNU committed to broadly strengthening Lithuanian identity in the diaspora and, within ALC, participating in activities for the liberation of Lithuania. These issues have not yet been deeply studied in the history of Lithuanian Americans, despite there being ample sources.