Grand Duchy of Lithuania began to take shape in a period of significant changes in the foreign environment.
During the formation of the state held the conquest of the vast territory of Russia Tatars.This fact is favorable, as the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was thus protected from invasion from the east side of the next century.
the second half of the 12th century Lithuanians were divided into two ethnic groups.The first group includes the upper Lithuania (aukshtayte), the second - the lower or "Zhmud" (Zemaite).
should be noted that the Lithuanians were at a lower level in the political development than the eastern Slavic peoples.Gradually, the Lithuanian princes in some Russian cities are approved on the tables.After Mindovg (Duke of Lithuania) destroys his opponents, there is a "centralized".During this period begins to form the core of the new state.Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Russian continues to evolve and receivers Duke Mindaugas, in particular during the reign of Gediminas.During his reign in the state entered the territory of Lithuania top and attached thereto territory of Black Rus (Poneman).Grand Duchy of Lithuania to join him and some of Turov-Pinsk and Polotsk land.
capital of the state for a certain period was on the territory of Russia in the city of Novgorodok Lithuanian.Then it was moved to Vilna.
matter for the formation of the new state, which started the first Grand Dukes of Lithuania (Gediminas and Mindaugas), after they continued Algirdas and Kęstutis.Between them they were divided functions.Thus, the defense of the country from the knights lay on the shoulders of Keistut, Algirdas also engaged in the capture of Russian territories.As a result, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania to join him Kiev, Polotsk, Chernigov, Chernigov-Seversk area, as well as skirts.Old Russian land thus has an autonomous status.
At the end of the 14th century, the Polish state cut short Dynasties.In Poland the daughter of Louis ascended the throne Jadwiga.After the coronation, the marriage was contracted between Jadwiga and Jagiello (heir Algirdas).
After the wedding, Jagiello and Jadwiga in 1385 was signed Krevo union (the union of Lithuania and Poland).In addition, there was a pagan baptism of Lithuania in the Catholic faith.This has led to a weakening of the Orthodox faith and the elimination of the pagan religion.
period 14-15 centuries marked and domestic opposition educated sons Algirdas and Keistut tribal branches.As a result, Grand Duchy of Lithuania was divided into spheres of influence.Prince of Lithuania Vytautas villages (son Keistut).
According to historians, this period was the era of prosperity for the state.
After the death of Vytautas the era of decline in the history of Lithuania.
In 1413 was imprisoned union of horodło.With it begins the process of signing polonization principality and spread Catholicism.In addition, the conclusion of Gorodelskoy union began to create the preconditions for an attack on Poland Russian territory of the Grand Duchy.
conditions, which were created in the country, contributed to the outbreak of war.In historical sources it is called "Arise Svidrigaylo" (son of Algirdas).Lithuania was split into two parts.Sigismund (son Keistut) sat down in Lithuania.On the Russian lands began to reign Svidrigaylo.His rebellion was suppressed.
After the death of Sigismund ascended the throne Casimir.During his rule, the Lithuanian lands together, restored the foundation Uniate policy.However, they remain highly volatile.
continuing operations Casimir his successors - Sigismund Alexander.After they took the reign Sigismund Augustus.In the ongoing struggle between the Russian state and Lithuania in 1569 he was imprisoned in Poland, the Union of Lublin.It was very important in the historical development of Central and Eastern Europe.After the conclusion of the union appeared Rzeczpospolita - a new power, which included the Grand Duchy has managed to maintain a certain independence.
