Welcome to Fatshimetrie, the online media that explores the fascinating stories of countries that ceased to exist. In an ever-changing world, it is important to look at these vanished nations that have left their mark on world history.
Let’s discover together these ten countries that you may not have known existed, as well as the reasons why they disappeared.
1. Gran Colombia (1819-1830)
Gran Colombia was a large state in South America, formed after the region’s independence from Spain. Under the leadership of Simón Bolívar, Gran Colombia included the territories of modern Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama, as well as parts of Peru and Brazil. Unfortunately, internal conflicts and regional rivalries led to its dissolution in 1830, giving way to several independent nations.
2. East Germany (1949-1990)
The German Democratic Republic, or East Germany, was established after World War II, when Germany was divided into two parts, East and West. Under control of the Soviet Union, East Germany transformed into a socialist state. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 set the stage for German reunification, and in 1990, East Germany ceased to exist.
3. Czechoslovakia (1918-1993)
Czechoslovakia was formed in 1918 from the territories of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This central European nation included the Czech and Slovak ethnic groups. Despite internal ethnic tensions and political unrest, Czechoslovakia remained intact until the Velvet Divorce in 1993, which resulted in its peaceful division into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
4. Rhodesia (1965-1979)
Rhodesia was an unrecognized state in southern Africa, corresponding to present-day Zimbabwe. It proclaimed independence from Britain in 1965, but faced international isolation and conflict with nationalist forces. In 1979, after years of guerrilla warfare and diplomatic pressure, Rhodesia established a majority black government, becoming Zimbabwe in 1980.
5. The Austro-Hungarian Empire (1867-1918)
The Austro-Hungarian Empire was a major power in Europe, encompassing Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and parts of Italy, Poland, Romania, and the Balkans. This dual monarchy, characterized by significant ethnic diversity, collapsed at the end of World War I, giving rise to several independent states.
6. New Granada (1821-1858)
New Granada was a country in South America resulting from the dissolution of Gran Colombia. Comprising present-day Colombia and Panama, it became the Grenadian Confederation in 1858, then the United States of Colombia in 1863, and finally the Republic of Colombia in 1886. This series of name changes reflects the political evolution of the region .
7. The Confederate States of America (1861-1865)
The Confederate States of America was composed of 11 southern United States states that seceded from the Union due to disputes over states’ rights and slavery. Led by Jefferson Davis, the Confederacy fought against the Union in the Civil War. The defeat of the Confederates in 1865 led to the abolition of slavery and the reintegration of the southern states into the United States.
8. The Ottoman Empire (1300-1922)
The Ottoman Empire was one of the most enduring empires in history, spanning parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Founded in 1300, it lasted until the beginning of the 20th century. After World War I, the Empire was dismantled, and the Republic of Turkey was established in 1923. The fall of the Ottoman Empire profoundly reshaped the Middle East and southeastern Europe.
9. Hawaii (1795-1898)
The Kingdom of Hawaii was a unified monarchy founded by King Kamehameha I after uniting the Hawaiian Islands. It was an independent nation until 1898, when the United States annexed it following a coup d’état led by American businessmen and plantation owners. Despite the annexation, many Native Hawaiians continue to assert sovereignty.
10. The Tuvan People’s Republic (1921-1944)
The Tuvan People’s Republic was a partially recognized state in what is now Russia. Established with Soviet support after the fall of the Qing dynasty, it was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1944, becoming the Tuva Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic within Russia. This annexation marked the end of Tuva as an independent entity.
These stories of countries that have disappeared are reminders of the complexity of world history and geopolitics. By exploring these short-lived nations, we can better understand the forces that shaped the world we live in today. Stay tuned to Fatshimetrie to discover more captivating stories from the past that continue to influence our present.