Acta Historica Universitatis Klaipedensis

The article analyzes the extent to which the historiographic topic of the post-World War II settlers of the Klaipeda region has been studied. Existing research is examined to determine which topics have been re-searched and which have not yet been studied. The research of the post-World War II settlers of the Klaipėda region is compared to research of the former East Prussian territories including the Kaliningrad region, Varmia and Masuria.

The article analyses the attitude of the Soviet Lithuanian nomenclature towards industrial development in Klaipeda, as well as its position relative to other regions in Lithuania. In contrast to other Lithuanian ci-ties and districts, Soviet era Klaipėda inherited an existing economic structure. Consequently, the expansion goals of the enterprises influenced the city’s development more than the government’s long-range plans and strategies. The attitude of Lithuanian nomenclature towards Klaipėda’s development is seen in the long-term strategies prepared by the government of Soviet Lithuanian. In the article, the behaviour of Klaipėda city administrators is seen in opposition to the interests of Soviet Lithuanian nomenclature. In contrast, the close relationship of city administrators and managers of Soviet enterprises stimulated Klaipėda’s industrial growth.

The article is based on documents from the Lithuanian State Central Archive, memoirs and historical studies of Lithuanian authors. It is devoted to new historical investigations of the Klaipėda Uprising in 1923, its political preparation, the military operation itself, the role of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, the social position and place of origin of the Lithuanian volunteers. A list of volunteers, partisans and riflemen, who participated in the Klaipėda Uprising, is presented in the appendix for the first time.