The Forgotten Nations That No Longer Exist—What Happened to Them?

[별고을]

The Forgotten Nations That No Longer Exist—What Happened to Them?

Festivaltopia

Story by Luca von Burkersroda

13/03/2025 

더 이상 존재하지 않는 잊혀진 나라들—그들에게 무슨 일이 일어났는가?

루카 폰 부르커스로다(Luca von Burkersroda)의 이야기

The Kingdom of Hawaii (1795–1893)©unsplash

The Kingdom of Hawaii was a sovereign state in the Pacific Ocean, established in 1795. This idyllic archipelago was ruled by a monarchy until 1893, when Queen Liliʻuokalani was overthrown by American and European business interests.

This coup led to Hawaii's annexation by the United States in 1898. As a result, Hawaii transitioned from an independent monarchy to becoming the 50th U.S.

state in 1959. The history of Hawaii raises important questions about colonialism and the loss of sovereignty.

Even today, native Hawaiians continue to grapple with issues of cultural identity and self-determination.

하와이 왕국 (1795년–1893년)©언스플래쉬

하와이 왕국은 1795년에 설립된 태평양의 주권 국가였습니다. 이 목가적인 군도는 1893년까지 군주제의 통치를 받았지만, 1893년 릴리우오칼라니 여왕이 미국과 유럽의 재계에 의해 전복되었습니다.

이 쿠데타로 인해 1898년 하와이는 미국에 합병되었습니다. 그 결과 하와이는 독립 군주제에서 1959년 미국의
50번째
주로 전환되었습니다. 하와이의 역사는 식민주의와 주권 상실에 대한 중요한 질문을 제기합니다.

오늘날에도 하와이 원주민들은 문화적 정체성과 자기 결정권에 대한 문제와 씨름하고 있습니다.

The Republic of Texas (1836–1845)©unsplash

The Republic of Texas was born out of a rebellion against Mexican rule in 1836. For nearly a decade, it existed as an independent nation, with a unique blend of cultures and traditions.

In 1845, Texas joined the United States, a move that contributed to the Mexican-American War. This conflict significantly expanded U.S.

territory, shaping the nation's future. Today, the spirit of the Republic of Texas is alive in the state's distinctive cultural identity and periodic discussions about independence.

The legacy of this short-lived nation is a testament to the complex history of American expansion.

The Confederate States of America (1861–1865)©wikimedia

The Confederate States of America was an unrecognized breakaway state formed by Southern states that seceded from the Union during the American Civil War. From 1861 to 1865, the Confederacy fought to preserve its way of life, which included the institution of slavery.

The defeat and dissolution of the Confederacy marked a turning point in U.S. history, leading to the abolition of slavery and a redefinition of federal and state powers.

The legacy of the Confederacy remains contentious, with ongoing debates about race, history, and national identity. Symbols and monuments of the Confederacy continue to be scrutinized and re-eval‎uated.

The Ottoman Empire (1299–1922)©rawpixel

The Ottoman Empire was a formidable power that ruled over vast territories in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa for over six centuries. It was a melting pot of cultures, religions, and ethnicities.

The decline of the empire began in the 19th century, and World War I hastened its end. By 1922, the Ottoman Empire was officially dissolved, paving the way for the establishment of modern Turkey.

Yugoslavia (1918–1992)©unsplash

Formed after World War I, Yugoslavia was a multi-ethnic state in the Balkans. It was a patchwork of diverse cultures and nationalities, held together by a common Yugoslav identity.

However, rising ethnic tensions and political conflicts in the 1990s led to its disintegration into several independent nations, including Serbia and Croatia. The breakup of Yugoslavia was marked by brutal wars, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement.

The dissolution of Yugoslavia serves as a reminder of the complexities of national identity and the challenges of multiculturalism in a post-Cold War Europe.

East Germany (1949–1990)©rawpixel

East Germany, officially known as the German Democratic Republic (GDR), was a socialist state that existed from 1949 until its reunification with West Germany in 1990. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 was a pivotal moment, symbolizing the end of Communist rule in Eastern Europe.

The reunification of Germany not only transformed the political landscape of Europe but also had lasting social and economic implications. The legacy of East Germany continues to influence discussions about identity, memory, and the impacts of division.

The experience of living under a socialist regime remains a topic of interest and reflection.

Czechoslovakia (1918–1993)©wikimedia

Czechoslovakia was created after World War I as a new state in Central Europe. It was a nation with a rich cultural heritage, blending Czech and Slovak traditions.

In 1993, it peacefully split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, an event known as the Velvet Divorce. This separation is notable for its non-violent nature, contrasting with other national breakups in history.

The peaceful dissolution highlights the importance of dialogue and mutual respect in resolving national disputes. Today, both nations continue to thrive independently, yet they share a common history that shapes their cultural identities.

Tibet (1912–1951)©unsplash

Tibet was an independent region until it was annexed by China in 1951. This incorporation remains a contentious issue, with ongoing debates about human rights, cultural preservation, and autonomy.

The Tibetan independence movement has garnered international attention, with many advocating for the rights of the Tibetan people. Tibet's rich cultural and religious heritage is a vital aspect of its identity, despite the challenges it faces.

The situation in Tibet serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding national sovereignty and the struggles of indigenous populations against larger state powers.

The Mughal Empire (1526–1857)©wikimedia

The Mughal Empire was a significant power in the Indian subcontinent, known for its rich cultural and architectural contributions. It was an era of artistic and intellectual flourishing, with the construction of iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal.

The empire began to decline in the 18th century due to internal strife and the rise of British colonial rule. The official dissolution of the Mughal Empire occurred in 1857 after the Indian Rebellion against British rule.

The legacy of the Mughals is still evident in India's cultural heritage, influencing art, architecture, and cuisine.

The Austro-Hungarian Empire (1867–1918)©wikimedia

The Austro-Hungarian Empire was a major European power that was characterized by its diverse population and complex political structure. It collapsed after World War I, leading to the formation of several independent nations, including Austria and Hungary.

The empire's fall significantly reshaped the political landscape of Central and Eastern Europe, contributing to the rise of nationalism and ethnic tensions. The legacy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire is still felt today, as the historical complexities of its diverse populations continue to influence contemporary politics and identity.

The impact of its dissolution is evident in the region's ongoing cultural and political dynamics.