After World War II, there was a monumental shift in the geopolitical landscape of the world.
Colonial empires like those of Britain and France collapsed, allowing many regions to break free from colonial control and gain independence.
Simultaneously, several countries ceased to exist after the war, involving complex historical backgrounds and political transitions.
1. Soviet Union
Formerly known as Tsarist Russia, it was once one of the largest empires in the world, with a territory spanning millions of square kilometers. However, the losses suffered during World War I sparked internal discontent and turmoil.
The February and October Revolutions led to the demise of Tsarist Russia, replaced by the Soviet regime. To garner support from various regions, Lenin allowed the formation of the Soviet Union, composed of multiple constituent republics.
However, the Soviet-German pact did not last, and the German invasion in 1941 forced the Soviet Union into the anti-fascist camp, where it played a significant role in the war effort. Nevertheless, the post-war rivalry between the superpowers, the USA and the USSR, intensified, eventually leading to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 into multiple independent countries.
2. Yugoslavia
The formation of Yugoslavia was linked to the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. During WWII, Yugoslavia became a target for Germany and suffered heavy losses.
Post-war, Yugoslavia was reconstituted, but internal conflicts erupted, culminating in its breakup in 1992.
3. South Confederation
Following the disintegration of Yugoslavia, Serbia and Montenegro formed the South Confederation, but internal conflicts led to its dissolution in 2003.
4. Federal Germany and Democratic Germany
Germany was divided into East and West after the war, with East Germany under Soviet control and West Germany managed by the USA, UK, and France.
During the Cold War, there was significant antagonism between East and West Germany. However, the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked the beginning of German reunification, which was completed in 1990.
5. South Vietnam and North Vietnam
Vietnam was a French colony and occupied by Japan during WWII. Post-war, France attempted to regain control of Vietnam but faced resistance from the Vietnamese people.
A 20-year civil war erupted between North and South Vietnam, with the US intervening in the Vietnam War. However, they withdrew in 1975, leading to the annexation of South Vietnam by North Vietnam and the unification of Vietnam.
6. Czechoslovakia
The establishment of Czechoslovakia stemmed from the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
In 1918, Czech and Slovak territories formed Czechoslovakia, but it split into two independent countries in 1993.
7. Sikkim
Sikkim was a British protectorate and gained independence in 1947 but was soon annexed by India.
8. Arab Federation
Comprising Egypt, Syria, and North Yemen, the Arab Federation lasted only three years before dissolution, revealing internal divisions and conflicts during its brief merger.
In summary, the political map of the world underwent significant changes after World War II, with the rise of new nations and the demise of old ones reflecting the tumultuous upheavals of the time.
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