Watch the astonishing transformation of the world map over 100 years since WWI

Watch the astonishing transformation of the world map over 100 years since WWI

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Changes in Europe 2.1 Poland and the Baltic States 2.2 The Balkans 2.3 Iceland and Romania 2.4 Treaty of Versailles and other treaties 2.5 Lithuania and the Peace of Riga 2.6 Soviet Union and Turkey 2.7 Ireland and Germany 2.8 Austria, Saar, and the Cold War
3. Changes in Africa 3.1 Colonization and Independence 3.2 Major border changes 3.3 South Sudan and recent changes
4. Changes in the Middle East 4.1 End of the Ottoman Empire and Mandate system 4.2 Israel and Palestine conflict 4.3 Independent nations and minor changes
5. Changes in Asia 5.1 Japan and the Pacific 5.2 India and Pakistan 5.3 Korea and China 5.4 Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries
6. Changes in the Americas and Oceania 6.1 Decolonization of British Empire 6.2 Other border changes
7. Conclusion

Article: The Ever-Changing World Map: A Century of Border Transformations

Introduction:

The world map has continuously evolved over the past century, with major events such as world wars, decolonization, and geopolitical shifts reshaping the borders of nations. From Europe to Africa, the Middle East to Asia, and the Americas to Oceania, no region has been immune to these transformations. In this article, we will explore the significant border changes that have occurred in the last 100 years, highlighting the key events and their impact on the global geopolitical landscape.

Changes in Europe:

1. Poland and the Baltic States:

   • Re-establishment of Poland as an independent nation after 123 years of rule by the German, Austrian, and Russian Empires.
   • Independence declarations by Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.

2. The Balkans:

   • Creation of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia from the remnants of Austria-Hungary.
   • Union of Romania with Transylvania and neighboring provinces.

3. Iceland and Romania:

   • Iceland gains independence from Denmark, entering into a personal union with them.
   • Expansion of Romania through the union with Transylvania and neighboring provinces.

4. Treaty of Versailles and other treaties:

   • Dramatic alteration of German and European borders through the Treaty of Versailles.
   • Saar Basin and Memel territory placed under Allied administration.
   • Creation of the Free City of Danzig under the protection of the League of Nations.

5. Lithuania and the Peace of Riga:

   • Loss of capital city Vilnius and surrounding territory to Poland in the Peace of Riga.
   • End of hostilities in the Baltics with the consolidation of power by the Soviet Union.

6. Soviet Union and Turkey:

   • Establishment of the Soviet Union and the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire.
   • Border changes in the Transcaucasian region and Turkey's acquisition of Armenian and Georgian territories.

7. Ireland and Germany:

   • Irish independence and the establishment of the Irish Free State.
   • Rise of Nazi party in Germany and annexation of territories leading to World War II.

8. Austria, Saar, and the Cold War:

   • Annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in violation of the Treaty of Versailles.
   • Creation of the Saar Protectorate and division of Germany and Austria post-World War II.
   • Cold War tensions and stability in Europe.

Changes in Africa:

1. Colonization and Independence:

   • Scramble for Africa and the division of the continent among European powers.
   • Independence movements and decolonization of African nations.

2. Major border changes:

   • Transfers of German colonies to Britain, Australia, and New Zealand after World War I.
   • Independence of Egypt from British protectorate and creation of Tangier as an international free zone.
   • Border disputes and settlements among African nations.

3. South Sudan and recent changes:

   • Independence of South Sudan from Sudan after years of civil war.
   • Border adjustments and unresolved conflicts in various African regions.

Changes in the Middle East:

1. End of the Ottoman Empire and Mandate system:

   • Collapse of the Ottoman Empire and establishment of the Mandate system.
   • Creation of independent nations such as Iraq and Jordan from former Ottoman territories.
   • Israel and Palestine conflict and the partition plan for Mandatory Palestine.

2. Israel and Palestine conflict:

   • Israel's declaration of independence and surrounding Arab states' invasion.
   • Israeli victory and control over designated territory, including Jerusalem.
   • Palestinian declaration of independence and the ongoing dispute over sovereignty.

3. Independent nations and minor changes:

   • Independence of various Middle Eastern nations from European mandates.
   • Border adjustments and territorial disputes among Middle Eastern states.

Changes in Asia:

1. Japan and the Pacific:

   • Transfer of German colonies in the Pacific to Japan after World War I.
   • Japanese expansion in Manchuria and creation of puppet states in China.
   • Reversal of Japanese conquests and occupation by Allied Powers after World War II.

2. India and Pakistan:

   • Partition of British India into independent dominions of India and Pakistan.
   • Split of Korea into separate republics and ongoing division.

3. Korea and China:

   • Korean War and division of the Korean Peninsula.
   • Chinese Civil War and establishment of the People's Republic of China.
   • Status of Taiwan and political complexities.

4. Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries:

   • Vietnam War and reunification of Vietnam.
   • Independence of various Southeast Asian countries from colonial powers.

Changes in the Americas and Oceania:

1. Decolonization of British Empire:

   • Independence of numerous countries in the Americas and Oceania from British rule.
   • Border adjustments and reestablishment of sovereignty.

2. Other border changes:

   • Resolutions of territorial disputes among countries in the Americas.
   • Changes in time zones and international date lines.

Conclusion:

The world map has experienced significant changes over the past century, influenced by major events such as world wars, decolonization, and geopolitical shifts. Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas have all witnessed border transformations that have Shaped the Current global geopolitical landscape. While some changes have brought stability and peace, others Continue to be unresolved and sources of conflict. As we move forward, it is vital to strive for peaceful resolutions and respect for the self-determination of nations.