A magnificent pictorial map of Germany during the mid-20th century is presented, capturing a period of intense internal and international deliberation surrounding the feasibility and scope of German reunification.
Illustrated within the map are the borders of Germany as it stood on December 31, 1937, which represented the furthest reach achieved without violating international laws. Consequently, following the conclusion of the war, certain nationalists advocated for the restoration of these borders upon reunification.
The map's adornments are truly remarkable, featuring pictorial elements that showcase the rich tapestry of traditional German culture. Throughout the map, towns and cities are artfully displayed, with meticulous attention given to the largest urban centers.
The "German Question" is about whether the German-speaking people in Europe should be united under one leadership. This issue has been discussed since the 19th century. Initially, it focused on whether Austria should be included in the unification of Germany. However, the frequent changes in the size of the German state during the first half of the 20th century made this question less important.
The German Question became relevant again when East and West Germany were divided after World War II. After the uprisings in East Germany were suppressed in 1953, people in West Germany started talking about the possibility of reunification in the future. The Soviet Union had taken away a significant amount of land from East Germany, including important parts of the old Kingdom of Prussia, so it was uncertain what the borders of a reunited Germany would be.
Many Germans argued that the borders should go back to how they were on December 31, 1937. This date is after the legal annexation of the Saar but before the Anschluss (annexation of Austria) and the invasion of Czechoslovakia. These borders were also used by the Allies when they first divided Germany. However, after the Soviet Union dissolved, a part of Germany shown on this map ended up being divided between Russia and Poland, and the country became much smaller.
