The modern world is a very high paced environment. We are used that politics dictate what happens but sometimes things don’t go as planned. For the past 10 years, world map didn’t change much, however, last 100 have seen the disappearance of super countries with a sometimes long history. Check out the list of the European countries which ceased to exist.
1. Czechoslovakia
Even though there are many reasons for this country to fall apart, cultural was the main one as there were two major nationalities present. Heavily influenced by the USSR, the communist government has tried to manage a couple of major crisis situations. As you can guess now it is two countries – the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Most of the people over 40 still refer to this region by its old name.
2. Yugoslavia
The country was formed by uniting Balkan kingdoms. Yugoslavia was ruled for a long time by Tito whose dictatorship still managed to unite different cultural groups. After his death country went into slow decay suffering economically and politically finally breaking into independent countries. Many remember it by civil wars which left thousands dead.
3. USSR
It was the biggest American rival in the 20th century. The communist party with such leaders as Lenin and Stalin was leading the USSR promising happy living for all. The first country to launch a man into space, it couldn’t deal with the benefits of capitalism which was surrounding the country. The people wanted a better life and eventually, republics within the USSR rebelled and declared independence.
4. Prussia
Prussia has a long history and was one of the most powerful countries in central Europe. This country was the predecessor of Germany. Prussia as a Kingdom stopped existing in 1918, however, as a free state it has existed until 1947. Prussia was known for its military mastery and had a strong voice in international politics. People still use Prussian to refer to someone from particular areas of Germany.
5. East Germany
This part of Germany was controlled by the USSR after World War II. It was highly controlled with communist doctrine and compulsory Marxism-Leninism studies. Berlin Wall was one of the most famous symbols of this division. The fall of the Berlin Wall was the first step towards a united Germany. The fall in 1989 and then reunification in 1990 meant that the country could be connected both physically and culturally and enter new history.
6. The Kingdom of Bohemia
This monarchy has later formed Czechoslovakia, but originally it was an influential country which was founded in the 12th century. It would become a part of newly formed countries and eventually join the Central Powers. After defeat in World War I, it has been dissolved. Now it is the modern territory of the Czech Republic, Germany and Poland.
7. Ottoman Empire
This is the longest existing empire which stretched across wide territories around Medditerian and Black Seas. In the 19th century, the empire has started to lose in wars and experiences diplomatic isolation. Ottoman empire wanted to change things so allied with Germany which was a losing side in upcoming wars. The country has stopped existing in 1922 when Turkey, last biggest territory, went independent.