Q&A · 2:46:41-2:47:38

Which European successor states emerge after an early peace?

An earlier settlement removes the final year of collapse that created many of the historical borders of Central and Eastern Europe.

Question

Would Finland, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and the other postwar states still emerge if peace came in 1917?

Short answer

Finland might still separate, but Poland and Czechoslovakia are less likely to appear in their historical form, Austria-Hungary may federate rather than disintegrate, and Russia could remain Menshevik rather than Soviet.

Notes

In this proposed peace, Britain chiefly wants German maritime power reduced, while France is more concerned with Germany on land. Russia's non-Bolshevik government also needs an outcome it can present as a victory. Finland is already moving toward separation and remains a possible independent state. Poland and Czechoslovakia are less likely to take their historical forms in this reconstruction. Austria-Hungary could become more federated, and the possible borders remain open to negotiation.