Key Takeaways
- The blank map of Europe from March to September 1939 provides a snapshot of the political landscape at the beginning of World War II.
- This map showcases the European countries and the shifting borders during that period.
- It highlights the geopolitical tensions and territorial disputes that later led to the outbreak of the war.
History
The blank map of Europe from March to September 1939 illustrates the political situation in Europe just before the outbreak of World War II. This period marked a significant turning point in history, as tensions between major powers escalated and territorial disputes intensified.
During this time, Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany had already annexed Austria in March 1938 through the Anschluss. Hitler’s expansionist ambitions continued, and in September 1938, Germany demanded the cession of the predominantly German-speaking Sudetenland region from Czechoslovakia. This demand was met through the Munich Agreement, which resulted in the German occupation of the Sudetenland.
Further territorial changes occurred in March 1939 when Germany violated the Munich Agreement and invaded and occupied the remaining parts of Czechoslovakia, establishing the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. This aggressive action heightened tensions in Europe and placed other countries on high alert.
Simultaneously, the Soviet Union, led by Joseph Stalin, had its expansionist interests. In August 1939, Germany and the Soviet Union signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression treaty. This pact included a secret protocol that divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence between the two powers.
Just a week after the signing of the treaty, Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Poland’s invasion triggered the start of World War II, as Britain and France, fulfilling their commitment to Poland, declared war on Germany.
Unique Insights
- The blank map of Europe from March to September 1939 showcases the rapid territorial changes due to German expansion and aggressive policies.
- The geopolitical tensions and shifting alliances of this period set the stage for the global conflict that would soon unfold.
- The collaboration between Germany and the Soviet Union, as symbolized by the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, added an unexpected dimension to the prelude of World War II.
Relevant Facts
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 1938 | Anschluss: Nazi Germany annexes Austria. |
| September 1938 | Munich Agreement: Germany occupies the Sudetenland. |
| March 1939 | Germany invades and occupies the remaining parts of Czechoslovakia, establishing the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. |
| August 1939 | Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact: Germany and the Soviet Union sign a non-aggression treaty. |
| September 1, 1939 | Germany invades Poland, triggering the start of World War II. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What caused the territorial changes in Europe during this period?
The territorial changes in Europe were primarily caused by Germany’s expansionist policies under Adolf Hitler and their violation of previous agreements.
2. Why did Germany invade Poland?
Germany invaded Poland to achieve Hitler’s goal of establishing lebensraum, or living space, for the German people and to expand their influence in Eastern Europe.
3. How did the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact impact Europe?
The signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact resulted in a temporary non-aggression between Germany and the Soviet Union while secretly dividing Eastern Europe into spheres of influence.
4. What role did the Munich Agreement play in the lead-up to World War II?
The Munich Agreement allowed Hitler to annex the Sudetenland, a region of Czechoslovakia, contributing to the erosion of Czechoslovakia’s territorial integrity and emboldening Germany.
5. Which countries declared war on Germany after the invasion of Poland?
Britain and France declared war on Germany following the invasion of Poland as they had commitments to protect Poland’s sovereignty.
6. How did the invasion of Poland impact the start of World War II?
The invasion of Poland by Germany on September 1, 1939, acted as a catalyst that led to the declaration of war by Britain and France, marking the start of World War II.
7. What were the long-term consequences of the events depicted on the map?
The events shown on the map set the stage for World War II, one of the deadliest conflicts in history, and led to significant geopolitical rearrangements after the war, including the establishment of the United Nations and the beginning of the Cold War.
External Links
LSI Keywords
- Blank map of Europe March-September 1939
- Europe political landscape
- World War II prelude
- German expansionist policies
- Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
- Territorial changes in Europe
- Spheres of influence in Eastern Europe
- History of Anschluss
- Events leading to the invasion of Poland
- Impact of the Munich Agreement
- Start of World War II
- Geopolitical rearrangements after the war
