Nauru Island: In 1914 the German colony, Nauru Island, is captured by
Australia.
Paulau Island: In 1914 the Germany colony, Paulau (also spelt Pelew), is
occupied by Japan.
The Americas Columbia: In 1903 Panama breaks away from Columbia and forms an
independent state.
Cuba: In 1902, following the defeat of Spanish forces in the Spanish-
American War, Cuba gains independence from Spain.
Nicaragua: In 1912 America occupies the independent state of Nicaragua.
American intervention is officially to support the government in a civil war.
Eastern Europe and the Ottoman Empire Albania: During the 19th century much of ethnic Albania territory had been
ceded by the Ottoman Empire to the bordering Slavic states. In 1912 uprisings
in the Balkan region led to the foundation of Albania as an independent state.
In 1913 the surrounding states of Montenegro, Serbia and Greece seize large
parts of Albania.
Macedonia: Between 1912 and 1913 Serbia seizes large parts of Macedonia
during the widespread fighting in the Balkans region.
Ottoman Empire: Between 1912 and 1913 the Ottoman Empire loses nearly
all European territory to Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece and Albania.
7
Geopolitical changes from 1914 to 1918 The First World War significantly changed the imperial structure. The defeated powers - the German Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Ottoman Empire - were dismantled. At the same time independence movements in various Russian territories caused the collapse of the Russian Empire. The peace settlement in Europe created new states that would influence international relations for decades to come.
