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In 1914, the borders of Europe were shaped by a complex web of historical, cultural, and political factors. The continent was dominated by several major empires, including the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Russian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the German Empire. These empires controlled vast territories and diverse ethnic groups, which often led to tensions and conflicts.
When World War I broke out in 1914, it had a profound impact on the borders of Europe. The war was characterized by massive military mobilization and unprecedented destruction, and it led to significant changes in the political landscape of the continent.
The Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire collapsed, leading to the creation of new nations and redrawn borders in their former territories.
The disintegration of empires and the redrawing of borders led to the creation of new nations. For example, Czechoslovakia emerged from the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, while the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (later renamed Yugoslavia) was formed from the remnants of the Austro-Hungarian and the Ottoman Empire.
Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania emerged as independent nations due to the collapse of the Russian Empire.
The map of Europe below shows modern European borders, superimposed over Europe in 1914 immediately before World War I.
If you’d like to learn more about the First World War, you may enjoy the following books:
