In September 1939, as Europe dissolved into war, refugees flooded across borders by foot and train, carrying sacks of belongings and layers of fear. Lithuania—a tiny republic under impossible pressure—did not close its gates.

This episode uncovers Lithuania's crucial, often forgotten role in the story of wartime rescue. Not just a backdrop, it was an active player: a fragile, sovereign state that made quiet but resolute choices to open its borders, granting refugees time, space, and breathing room amid global inaction. We explore how this "temporary capital" of Kaunas became a vortex of desperation and courage, setting the stage for extraordinary acts of defiance. Drawing on historian Timothy Snyder's insights, we examine how the loss of Lithuanian sovereignty in June 1940 unraveled protections and opened the door to industrial-scale horror.

But Lithuania's story is a reminder that even small nations can hold the line—until the clock runs out.

Lithuania: From Empire to Crossroads

The Desert Phenomenon

The Flood Begins

The Clock Runs Out

The Uncomfortable Truth

🎙️ History Shadows: The Transit Zone Episode 2 of our series exploring the incredible story of rescue and resistance in wartime Kaunas.

📚 Next Episode: The Underground Republic—the shadowy networks of Polish intelligence operatives reorganizing in Vilnius under the cover of humanitarian aid.

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