The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, led to the creation of several new nations in Europe following World War I. These nations were established primarily from the territories of the defeated Central Powers, particularly the Austro-Hungarian, Russian, German, and Ottoman Empires.
Here are the new nations that emerged:
- Poland: Re-established as an independent nation after being partitioned among Russia, Prussia, and Austria in the late 18th century.
- Czechoslovakia: Formed from the territories of Bohemia, Moravia, and parts of Silesia, which were previously part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
- Yugoslavia: Created as the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, it included territories from the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Kingdom of Serbia.
- Austria: Became a separate nation after the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
- Hungary: Also emerged as an independent nation following the breakup of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
- Finland: Gained independence from Russia.
- Estonia: Declared independence from Russia.
- Latvia: Also declared independence from Russia.
- Lithuania: Gained independence from Russia.
These new nations were part of the broader effort to redraw the map of Europe and promote national self-determination, a principle championed by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson. However, the creation of these nations also led to significant ethnic and territorial disputes that would have long-lasting effects on the region.