Lietuvos istorijos XVIII amžius? : hipotetiniai pasvarstymai

Abstract

The aim of the article is to discuss the periodization of Lithuanian history with special attention being paid to the 18th century. Writing about this century, the majority of Lithuanian authors ascribe it to the Age of Two Nations in One Republic and divide it into two periods: 1697-1763 and 1764- 1795. The first one is marked by economic and social decline while the second is treated as a time of reform and enlightenment, yet at the same time it is defined as the downfall of the Republic. While analysing the 18th century, the Polish historians include Lithuanian affairs in their works, however, they are not given much consideration. It is proposed in this article to look upon the rule of Augustus II and Augustus III as distinct periods not only in Poland, but also in Lithuania. The beginning of the 18th century was a time of great political, military, demographic and economic crisis. Lithuania was the arena of fighting between pro-Sapiegian and anti-Sapiegian coalitions and the North War. The demographic and economic decline began after the epidemic of plague. The first quarter of the 18th century appears to be similar to the last quarter of the 17th century - the so-called nobility democracy is disrupting the public life and the baroque dominates in the arts and cultural life. Differences are more apparent in the political sphere, especially in relations with Poland. 1717 is the year which Ivinskis called the year of the Silent Seimas. Its decisions point to Lithuania's dependence on Russia though one should also take into consideration actions taken by other countries. The second quarter of the 18th century is marked by deepening political crisis and at the same time certain advance in economics and culture. The latter helped to determine the essence of the third quarter of the 18th century which culminated in 1795 - the fall of the Republic. Thus it is suggested to join the first quarter of the 18th century to the 17th century and to look upon the second and the third quarter as one period that ended in 1795. Further studies are of course needed in order to modify the existing periodization of Lithuanian history.