The Grand Duchy of Lithuania began to form during a period of significant changes in the foreign policy environment.
During the formation of the state,the conquest of the vast territory of Rus by the Mongol-Tatars. This fact was favorable, since the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was thus protected from the invasion from the east for the next century.
From the second half of the 12th century Lithuanians were divided into two ethnic groups. To the first belonged the upper Lithuania (aukshtayte), to the second - the lower one or "Zhmud" (press).
It should be noted that the Lithuanians were on morea lower level in political development than the East Slavic peoples. Gradually the Lithuanian princes in some Russian cities are approved on the tables. After Mindovg (the prince of Lithuania) destroys his opponents, "centralization" takes place. In this period the nucleus of the new state begins to form. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Russian continues to develop and with the receivers of Prince Mindovg, in particular during the reign of Gedimin. During his reign, the territory of the upper Lithuania, as well as the territories of Black Russia (Ponemanya), joined the state. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania annexed part of the Turovo-Pinsk and Polotsk lands.
The capital of the state for a certain period was on the Russian territory in the city of Novgorod the Lithuanian. Then she was transferred to Vilna.
The case for the formation of a new state, whichthe first Grand Dukes of Lithuania (Gedimin and Mindovg) began, followed by Keystut and Olgerd. The functions were divided between them. Thus, the defense of the country from the knights lay on the shoulders of Keystut, while Olgerd was engaged in the seizure of Russian territories. As a result, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania annexed the Kiev, Polotsk, Volyn, Chernihiv-Seversk territories, as well as Podillia. Old Russian lands at the same time had an autonomous status.
At the end of the 14th century, the dynasty of rulers stopped the Polish state. The daughter of Louis Jadwig ascended to the throne of Poland. After the coronation, a marriage was concluded between Jadwiga and Jagiello (the heir of Olgerd).
After the wedding of Jagiello and Jadwiga in 1385 wasthe Krev union was signed (the union of Lithuania and Poland). In addition, there was a baptism of Lithuania pagan in the Catholic faith. This led to a weakening of the Orthodox faith and the elimination of pagan religion.
The period of 14-15 centuries is marked andinternal state confrontation of the educated sons of Olgerd and Keystut tribal branches. As a result, the Grand Lithuanian Principality was divided into spheres of influence. Sitting in Lithuania sat Vytautas (son of Keystut).
According to historians, this period has become an epoch of prosperity for the state.
After Vytautas' death, the era of decline in the history of Lithuania began.
In 1413 the Gorodel Union was concluded.With its signing begins the process of polonization of the principality and the spread of Catholicism. In addition, with the conclusion of the Gorodel Union, preconditions for Poland's attack on the Russian territory of the Grand Duchy began to be created.
The conditions that were created in the state,contributed to the outbreak of war. In historical sources it is called "Svidrigailo revolt" (Olgerd's son). Lithuania split into two parts. Sigismund (son of Keystut) sat in Lithuania. On the Russian lands, Svidrigailo began to reign. His uprising was crushed.
After the death of Sigismund, Casimir ascended the throne. During his reign, the Lithuanian lands unite, the basis of the Uniate policy is being restored. However, they remain very fragile.
Continued activity Casimir his successors -Sigismund and Alexander. After them the government took Sigismund-Augustus. In the conditions of the incessant struggle between the Russian state and Lithuania in 1569, the Lublin Union was concluded in Poland. It was of great importance in the historical development of Central and Eastern Europe. After the conclusion of the union, Rzeczpospolita appeared - a new power, in which the Grand Duchy managed to maintain a certain independence.
