Why Did Germany Not Attempt to Re-Annex East Prussia/Kaliningrad During World War II?
The Historical Context:
The history of Germany and East Prussia during and after World War II is complex and often overshadowed by the broader narrative of the war. Decisions made by key figures, particularly Helmut Kohl, during the 1990s have played a crucial role in delineating the present-day geopolitical landscape. The transfer of Kaliningrad from Nazi Germany to the Soviet Union in 1945 was one of the most significant events that has shaped the region's current status.
Marshal Georgy Konstantinovich Zhukov, in his Titudes, recounts the occupation of East Prussia, stating that 'people were simply driven out, sometimes after a massacre or a reduction in the size of the city.' This brutal evacuation led to the displacement of millions of ethnic Germans who, even today, long for their ancestral lands.
The Offer to Germany in the 1990s
Considering these historical events and the current geopolitical situation, an offer was made to Germany in the 1990s by Russia. They proposed to return Kaliningrad (formerly known as East Prussia) and even went as far as to allow for a referendum among the inhabitants to decide their future. However, Germany ultimately chose to adhere to the post-WWII agreements that had already been established.
Helmut Kohl, then the West German Chancellor, refused this opportunity. The reasons for this decision are multi-faceted and reflect the pragmatic nature of German policymaking in the post-war era. Kohl had his hands full dealing with the reunification of East and West Germany. Furthermore, the cultural and emotional ties to Prussia and the lost provinces were not as strong as they once were, particularly in the more western regions of Germany.
The Strategic Importance of Kaliningrad
From a strategic standpoint, Kaliningrad serves Russia a unique purpose. It is the only remains of Russia's territorial expanse that remains ice-free all year round. This makes it crucial for both maritime and naval operations in the Baltic Sea. Russia would be risking much by ceding this territory, especially given its geopolitical importance in the region.
The map below clearly shows the physical separation of Kaliningrad from Germany. The Kaliningrad Oblast, formerly East Prussia, is surrounded by Polish and Lithuanian territories. Today, Kaliningrad is ethnically predominantly Russian, with only a minority from neighboring countries. Therefore, any attempts by Germany to re-annex this territory would face significant logistical and political challenges.
Conclusion
The decision by Germany not to attempt the re-annexation of East Prussia/Kaliningrad was a practical and pragmatic one. The region's current status is the result of complex historical events, strategic considerations, and geopolitical realities. While the desire to reconnect with lost territories is understandable, current conditions make such a move unrealistic and potentially problematic.
Despite the emotional pull of reclaiming ancestral lands, the realities of territorial and demographic changes mean that re-annexation is not a viable option. The modern geopolitical landscape and strategic importance of Kaliningrad to Russia make any such attempt highly improbable and fraught with challenges.