In the 20th century, the political map of the world was forever changed by two world wars and many local conflicts. Dozens of countries have appeared and disappeared in the flames of war. Noteworthy is the fact that by the beginning of the 20th century there were only a few dozen independent states on the planet. By the end of a century rich in events of world significance, there were already a little less than two hundred of them. Nevertheless, some of the newly formed countries did not survive to this day and disappeared in the millstones of history along with their flags, government and everything else.
Today, we will tell you about the nine most famous countries that ceased to exist for one reason or another in the 20th century.
Neutral Moresnet
Years of existence: from 1816 to 1920
After the fall of the empire created by Napoleon, Europe had to revise its borders. This small piece of land of about 3.5 km², located between modern Germany and Belgium, was left no man's land when the borders were redrawn. The resulting neutral zone was jointly ruled by the Netherlands and Prussia.
The state, whose inhabitants were considered stateless, but which had its own flag and coat of arms, existed until 1920. Then, after the First World War, according to the Treaty of Versailles, Moresnet went to Belgium.
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Republic of Salo
Years of existence: from 1943 to 1945
Also known as the Italian Socialist Republic. Salo was a puppet state in Italy ruled by Mussolini. The Linden country was recognized only by Germany, Japan and other states from the Nazi bloc, and significant support from German troops was required to maintain control over it. The government of the republic claimed that they owned the entire northern part of Italy and Rome, but, in fact, it was governed from the small town of Salo, located on the shores of Lake Garda. ISR ceased to exist in 1945, when the last fascist occupiers were expelled from the country by the forces of the allies.
United Arab Republic
Years of existence: from 1958 to 1971
It was a short-term political alliance between Egypt and Syria, held together by a shared hatred of Israel. Syria withdrew from the republic after 3 years, as it could not settle its differences with an ally. Egypt until 1971 continued to be called the UAR.
Sikkim
Years of existence: from 1642 to 1975
Sikkim was a small independent principality under the rule of the Namgyal dynasty since 1642 (Phuntsog Namgyal became the first king). In 1975, Sikkim was absorbed by India and became its 22nd state. During the independence of Sikkim, the famous Silk Road to China passed through it.
Ceylon
Years of existence: from 1505 to 1972
This country located in South Asia is now known as the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Ceylon has a rich history of international relations, being from the 7th century a trade center for Arabs, and then for Europeans. Ceylon was ruled in turn by the Portuguese, then the Dutch and finally the British, from whom Ceylon gained full independence in 1948. In 1972, Ceylon changed its name to Sri Lanka.
Czechoslovakia
Years of existence: from 1918 to 1993
Czechoslovakia was formed on the remnants of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and existed peacefully until 1938, when the Wehrmacht invaded. In 1945, Soviet troops liberated the country and appointed politicians loyal to the USSR at its head. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia left the union of socialist republics. In 1992, the Czechs and Slovaks, who had serious differences in culture, decided to split into two separate states.
East Germany
Years of existence: from 1949 to 1990
The wall that divided the country into two parts, East and West Germany, was built after World War II. Then, in response to the creation of the Federal Republic of Germany under the control of the United States, Great Britain and France, the Soviet Union founded the German Democratic Republic. In 1990, the wall was broken, and the people, divided into two parts, became one again.
Yugoslavia
Years of existence: from 1918 to 1992
Like Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia was founded on the wreckage of the Austro-Hungarian Empire by uniting parts of different countries, mainly Hungary and Serbia. In fact, Yugoslavia was a large, boiling cauldron in which over 20 ethnic groups with different cultures and traditions were brewed. The Kingdom of Yugoslavia was occupied by Germany during the Great Patriotic War. After its graduation, Josip Tito, the leader of the partisan detachments, created socialist Yugoslavia and became its dictator. In 1992, socialist Yugoslavia was divided into Croatia, Bosnia, Slovenia, Serbia, Macedonia and Montenegro.
Tibet
Years of existence: from 1912 to 1951
In the history of Tibet, which dates back several thousand years, 1912 is a significant date. It was then that the XIII Dalai Lama announced the independence of Tibet from China and proclaimed an independent Tibetan state. In 1951, Chinese troops invaded and occupied Tibet. In 1959, a rebellion broke out against the Chinese invaders, but it was quickly suppressed. Tibetans have called for independence to this day, and they have many supporters among world politicians and prominent figures in the arts and sciences.