Abstract
IN the rearrangement of European States which has taken place geographical conditions have, perhaps, not always had the consideration which they deserve, but in an inquiry such as that upon which we are engaged they naturally occupy the first place. It is to the land within the frontier, and not to the frontier itself, that our main consideration should be given. The factors which we have to take into account are those which enable a people to lead a common national life, to develop the economic resources of the region within which they dwell, to communicate freely with other peoples, and to provide not only for the needs of the moment, but so far as possible for those arising out of the natural increase of the population. The principle of self-determination has likewise played an important, if not always a well-defined, part in the rearrangement of Europe. The basis upon which the new nationalities have been constituted is, on the whole, ethnical, though it is true that within the main ethnical divisions advantage has been taken of the further differentiation in racial characteristics arising out of differences in geographical environment, history, language, and religion. But no more striking illustration could be adduced of the strength of ethnic relationships at the present time than the union of the Czechs with the Slovaks, or of the Serbs with the Croats and the Slovenes. Economic considerations, of course, played a great part in the settlement arrived at with Germany, but, on the whole, less weight has been attached to them than to ethnic conditions.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
MCFARLANE, J. Geographers and the Reconstruction of Europe*. Nature 106, 92–96 (1920). https://doi.org/10.1038/106092a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/106092a0