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The territorial landscape of Germany has undergone drastic transformations between 1919 and 1945, significantly reshaping its borders and the map of Europe. These changes reveal the complexities of geopolitical shifts during the first half of the 20th century.
Post-World War I Losses
The Treaty of Versailles in 1919 dealt a heavy blow to Germany’s territorial integrity. The nation lost over 27,000 square miles (43,452 sq km)—approximately 13% of its European land—and nearly 7 million people. Alsace-Lorraine returned to France, Northern Schleswig joined Denmark, Eupen-Malmedy went to Belgium, and Poland gained significant territories, including the Polish Corridor. Beyond Europe, Germany’s colonies were redistributed among the Allied powers.
The Interwar Period
In the 1930s, under Nazi leadership, Germany reversed some losses but sowed the seeds for World War II. The Anschluss annexed Austria in 1938, and the Sudetenland, with its majority German population, was incorporated after the Munich Agreement. These expansions temporarily bolstered Germany’s borders but escalated tensions in Europe.
Post-World War II Adjustments
After 1945, the Potsdam Conference determined Germany’s postwar borders. Territories east of the Oder-Neisse line, including Silesia and Pomerania, were ceded to Poland, while parts of East Prussia went to the Soviet Union. Germany was divided into four occupation zones, and the Saarland was placed under French administration.
Visualizing the Changes
A comprehensive map offers invaluable insight into Germany’s territorial shifts from 1919 to 1945. Below is an illustration highlighting these changes:
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