The map of Europe in 1939, on the eve of World War II, presents a complex tapestry of national borders, alliances, and areas of contention that ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the war. Understanding the prewar borders and the political landscape of Europe at that time is crucial for grasping the events that led to the Second World War.
Europe in the late 1930s was still reeling from the aftermath of World War I and the Treaty of Versailles, which had imposed harsh penalties on Germany, contributing to widespread resentment among the German population. The rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in 1933 marked a significant shift in European politics, as Hitler sought to dismantle the Treaty of Versailles and expand German territory, appealing to nationalist sentiments and a desire for revenge and restoration of German greatness.
The Interwar Period and the Rise of Aggression
The period between the two World Wars saw a fragile peace, with the establishment of the League of Nations designed to prevent future wars. However, the League proved ineffective in stopping aggressive expansion by nations like Japan, Italy, and Germany. The policy of appeasement, notably practiced by Britain and France, involved giving in to certain demands of these aggressive powers in the hope of avoiding war, but this policy ultimately emboldened Hitler.
In Europe, several key events and border changes occurred in the lead-up to 1939:
The Remilitarization of the Rhineland (1936): Hitler’s first major aggressive move was the remilitarization of the Rhineland, a demilitarized zone established by the Treaty of Versailles to buffer France from Germany. This act was a direct challenge to the Treaty and the Locarno Pact, which had guaranteed the zone’s demilitarized status.
The Anschluss with Austria (1938): Germany annexed Austria in March 1938, creating a Greater Germany. This move was met with little resistance from the international community, emboldening Hitler further.
The Munich Agreement and the Annexation of Sudetenland (1938): Later in 1938, Hitler demanded the annexation of the Sudetenland, a region of Czechoslovakia with a majority German-speaking population. The Munich Agreement, signed by Germany, Italy, France, and Britain, allowed for the annexation of the Sudetenland by Germany, in an attempt to appease Hitler and avoid war. However, this agreement is often seen as the culmination of the policy of appeasement and a failure to stand against Nazi aggression.
The Occupation of the Rest of Czechoslovakia (1939): In March 1939, Germany occupied the remainder of Czechoslovakia, splitting it into the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, which was directly controlled by Germany, and the puppet state of Slovakia.
The German-Polish Border Dispute and the Danzig Issue: One of the most contentious issues leading up to the war was the status of the Free City of Danzig (now Gdańsk, Poland) and the Polish Corridor, which separated East Prussia from the rest of Germany. Hitler demanded the return of Danzig and the construction of an extraterritorial highway through the Polish Corridor, which Poland refused, supported by guarantees from Britain and France.
The Invasion of Poland and the Outbreak of War
On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland. This act of aggression prompted the United Kingdom and France to declare war on Germany on September 3, 1939, marking the beginning of World War II. The Soviet Union, under the terms of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact with Germany, invaded Poland from the east on September 17, 1939, further dividing the country.
The Complex Web of Alliances and the Final Push to War
The political and military alliances in Europe on the eve of World War II were complex and multifaceted:
- The Axis Powers: Germany, Italy, and later Japan formed the core of the Axis alliance.
- The Allied Powers: Initially, this included France, the United Kingdom, and Poland, later to be joined by the Soviet Union after Germany’s invasion in 1941, and the United States after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
- The Non-Aggression Pact between Germany and the Soviet Union: Also known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, this treaty included a secret protocol dividing Eastern Europe into Soviet and German spheres of influence, directly leading to the invasion and partition of Poland.
Conclusion
The map of Europe in 1939 reflects a continent on the brink of war, with tensions simmering from the unaddressed grievances of World War I, the aggressive expansion of fascist powers, and the failure of the League of Nations to enforce peace. The appeasement policy, the remilitarization of the Rhineland, the Anschluss, the annexation of Sudetenland, and the eventual occupation of the rest of Czechoslovakia set the stage for the outbreak of the Second World War, a conflict that would reshape the world order and leave deep scars that would influence international relations for decades to come.
Historic Implications and Contemporary Relevance
Today, the lessons of 1939 serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked aggression and the importance of collective action against authoritarianism and expansionism. The history of this period is filled with cautions about the pitfalls of isolationism and the necessity of international cooperation and strong, principled diplomacy.
The Legacy of 1939
The year 1939 marked the end of an era of attempted peace and the beginning of a global conflict that would claim millions of lives. The complexities of European politics, the strategies of fascist leaders, and the responses of the international community all played roles in shaping the course of history. As the world continues to navigate the challenges of global governance, conflict prevention, and international cooperation, the lessons of 1939 remain as relevant as ever.
FAQ Section
What was the primary reason for Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939?
+The invasion was primarily driven by Hitler’s desire to reclaim territory lost after World War I, particularly the Polish Corridor, and the Free City of Danzig, which were seen as vital to Germany’s territorial integrity and national pride.
How did the policy of appeasement contribute to the outbreak of World War II?
+The policy of appeasement, practiced by Britain and France, involved giving in to Germany’s demands in the hope of avoiding war. However, this policy ultimately emboldened Hitler, as he interpreted appeasement as weakness and an indication that the Western powers would not stand in his way.
What was the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, and how did it influence the start of World War II?
+The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was a non-aggression treaty between Germany and the Soviet Union, signed in August 1939. It included a secret protocol dividing Eastern Europe into Soviet and German spheres of influence, which directly led to the invasion and partition of Poland by both countries in September 1939, marking the beginning of World War II.
