The term "annexation" implies a kind of aggression of one country against another, during which their territories can unite. At the same time, it is necessary to distinguish the concept under consideration from another common term - occupation, which implies the abolition of the legal ownership of the occupied territory.
Examples of annexation
A vivid example is the events in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the annexation took place - this was the occupation of these lands by Austria in the 19th century, which could mean only one thing - the weakening of the influence of Austrian supremacy with the subsequent return of certain legal freedoms to them (for example, return of the right to bear the former name). Another example is the US annexation of the Hawaiian Islands. We must not forget about such an event as the annexation of Czechoslovakia by Germany or the annexation of Crimea by Russia. This concept was the result of the implementation of the aggressive policy of a stronger country in relation to the state, which was an order of magnitudeweaker.
History of annexation in Russia
Thus, annexation is, in accordance with international law, the illegal forcible annexation and seizure of territory by one country by another. In Russia, this concept was first encountered in the 19th century and it denoted the accession of a region or region to another state. At the same time, there is no at least formally announced act of refusal of the former owner of this territory (state). Synonyms for this term were "annexation" and "annexation".
Annexation - a gross violation of rights?
Annexation is a flagrant violation of international law. The invalidity of such territorial seizures, which are the result of the emergence of annexation, is indicated by certain international agreements and acts. For example, this is the verdict of the Nuremberg Military Tribunal (1946), as well as the UN Declaration regulating the inadmissibility of interference in the internal affairs of countries, the Declaration indicating the principles of international law and relating to the areas of cooperation and friendly relations between states (1970). The act of the Conference on Cooperation and Security in Europe (Final Act) also speaks of the inadmissibility of annexation.
Contribution is a related concept
Annexation and indemnity - often these two concepts closely interact with each other. Thus, the second term implies the imposition of certain payments on the defeated country.
In 1918 after the Firstworld war was proposed "peace without annexations and indemnities." However, as far as Russia is concerned, unfavorable peace conditions were imposed on this state, which were to be settled only by 1922. Thus, based on historical reality, such a world cannot exist. Based on the definition of the word, annexation is a kind of continuation of aggressive actions, although not the same as during the war years.
The concept of occupation
Annexation must be distinguished from occupation. So, annexation is the implementation of certain actions that do not entail changes in terms of the legal ownership of the territory. As already mentioned above, Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was occupied by Austria-Hungary and annexed by it only in 1908, can serve as an example. Until this period, this state formally belonged to the Ottoman Empire.
V. I. Lenin on annexation
Even Lenin gave a definition to this concept. In his opinion, annexation is a forced annexation, foreign national oppression, expressed in the annexation of foreign territory.
Negative consequences of contributions
Above, such a concept as indemnity has already been used, which means the forced collection of payments or property seizures from the defeated state at the end of hostilities. Contribution is based on such a concept as “the right of the winner”. This principle is used regardless of the existence of justice in the conduct of war by the victoriousstate. The amount, forms and terms of payment of the contribution are determined by the winner. This concept arose as a means by which the population of a defeated state or city was bought off in a peculiar way from possible plunder.
History provides vivid examples of the use of indemnity. Thus, in order to ensure restrictions on the unrestrained robbery of the population, within the framework of the articles of the Hague Convention in 1907, the amount of collection was limited. However, during the two world wars, these articles were violated quite roughly. The Geneva Convention, which designated the protection of civilians in 1949, did not provide for a levy. The Entente states, in the process of creating the Versailles Peace Treaty, signed in 1919, were also forced to abandon this type of income, but replaced it with reparations. In 1947, the peace treaties provide for the principles of non-admission of the use of indemnities. As mentioned above, it is being replaced by reparations, substitutions, restitutions and other types of material liability of countries.
Annexation of Czechoslovakia by Germany
Turning to the events of the Second World War, it is necessary to note Hitler's consistency in achieving his goals. Therefore, if Western politicians had taken his statements seriously, then timely measures could have stopped Hitler much earlier. But facts are undeniable things. So, after the annexation of the Sudetenland by Hitler, a decision was made to occupy the whole of Czechoslovakia. Such a step allowed the German politician,in addition to economic benefits, also gain a geopolitical advantage in the eastern part of Europe, which contributed to the successful conduct of hostilities in Poland and the Balkans.
In order for the capture of Czechoslovakia to be bloodless, it was necessary to upset the Czechoslovak statehood. Hitler repeatedly made statements about the need to prevent a European war. However, after the events in Munich, the German politician began to understand that such a subsequent crisis could only end in war. At the same time, any "flirting" with London also lost its meaning.
Among the latest attempts at diplomacy is the signing of an agreement with France in 1938, which guaranteed the inviolability of the respective borders. This was a kind of addition to the Munich Anglo-German declaration, designed to ensure a short peace of Germany on the western flank. And from the perspective of Paris, these agreements marked the initial stage of a completely new stage in European diplomacy.
However, Hitler was completely occupied by Czechoslovakia. It was Germany that carried out provocations of separatism. The government in Prague made the last attempts to save the remnants of statehood. So, he dissolved the Slovak and Ruthenian (Transcarpathian) governments, and introduced martial law on the territory of Slovakia. Such a situation in this territory completely suited Hitler. Thus, in 1939, the Slovak Catholic leaders (Josef Tiso and Ferdinand Durkansky) were invited by him to Berlin, where the prepared documents were signed, in whichSlovak independence was proclaimed. At the same time, the Reich was called upon to take the new state under its protection. Thus, the annexation of Czechoslovakia by Germany was carried out.
