The native-born Germans who lived in Prussia since the expansion of the 13th century resided mostly in the western and southwestern parts of Duchy of Prussia and were an ethnic minority there until the 18th century. Germans were the politically dominant ethnic group in East Prussia. The percentage of Germans in Lithuania Minor was low prior to 1709–1711. Later, Germans became the main ethnic group of Prussia, in the number of people as well. By 1945, Soviets had genocided them all, whether Prussian, Lithuanian, or German; in winter the physically fit walked across the frozen bays and anyone who remained at home was eliminated.