The party was established on 17 October 1902 at count Zubov manor in Dabikinė near Akmenė by activists publishing Varpas.
[2] In 1906, it adopted a political program prepared by Kazys Grinius, Jonas Vileišis, Povilas Višinskis, Juozas Bortkevičius and Jurgis Šaulys.
The program supported education and cooperation, promoted participation in public life, and advocated national unity.
Some members, including Petras Leonas and Andrius Bulota, of the party were elected into the State Duma of the Russian Empire.
The 2000 elections saw the LDP run as part of the Union of "Young Lithuania", New Nationalists and Political Prisoners.