The Lithuanian independence movement refers to the efforts by the people of Lithuania to gain independence from foreign rule, particularly from the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union. The movement gained momentum in the early 20th century, culminating in the declaration of independence on February 16, 1918. This marked the establishment of the first independent Lithuanian state. After a brief period of independence, Lithuania was occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940. The independence movement revived in the 1980s, fueled by the Sąjūdis movement, which advocated for national sovereignty. Lithuania regained its independence on March 11, 1990, becoming the first Soviet republic to do so.