The term "annexation" refers to a type of aggression from one country towards another, during which their territories can unite. In this case, it is necessary to distinguish the concept under consideration with another common term - occupation, which implies the abolition of the legal ownership of the occupied territory.
Examples of annexation
A striking example is the events in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the annexation took place - this was the occupation by Austria of these lands in the 19th century, which could mean only one thing - weakening the influence of the Austrian supremacy with the subsequent return to it of certain legal freedoms (for example, the return of the right to bear its previous name ) Another example is the annexation of the United States of Hawaii. 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 an aggressive policy of a stronger country in relation to the state, which was an order of magnitude weaker.
The history of the annexation in Russia
Thus, annexation is, in accordance with international law, unlawful forcible accession and seizure by one country of the territory of another. In Russia, this concept was first encountered in the 19th century and it meant the accession of a region or region to another state. Moreover, there is no at least a formally declared act of refusal of the former owner of this territory (state). The synonyms of this term were “annexation” and “annexation”.
Is annexation a gross violation of rights?
The annexation is a gross violation of international rights. The invalidity of such territorial seizures, which are the result of the 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 governing the inadmissibility of interference in the internal affairs of countries, the Declaration identifying the principles of international law and relating to areas of cooperation and friendly relations between states (1970). The inadmissibility of the annexation is also indicated by the act of the Conference on Cooperation and Security in Europe (Final Act).
Contribution is a related concept
Annexation and indemnity - often these two concepts closely interact with each other. So, the second term involves the imposition of certain payments on a defeated country.
In 1918, after the First World War, “a world without annexations and indemnities” was proposed. However, with regard to Russia, unfavorable peace conditions were imposed on this state, subject to settlement only by 1922. Thus, such a world, based on historical reality, cannot be. Based on the definition of the word, annexation is a kind of continuation of aggressive actions, although not such as during the war years.
The concept of occupation
Annexation must be distinguished from occupation. So, annexation refers to the implementation of certain actions that do not entail changes in the legal affiliation of the territory. As already mentioned above, Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was in the occupation of 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.
IN AND. Lenin on the annexation
Lenin was given a definition of this concept. In his opinion, annexation is forcible accession, foreign oppression, expressed in the annexation of foreign territory.
Negative effects of indemnity
The concept of indemnity, which denotes the compulsory collection of payments or property exemptions from a defeated state at the end of hostilities, has already been used above. The basis of indemnity is such a concept as “winner's right”. This principle is used regardless of the availability of justice in the conduct of war by the victorious state. The size, forms and conditions of payment of indemnity are determined by the winner. This concept arose as a means by which the population of a defeated state or city peculiarly bought off from possible looting.
History provides vivid examples of the use of indemnity. So, in order to ensure restrictions on uncontrolled robbery of the population, in 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 rather grossly violated. The Geneva Convention, which designated the protection of civilians in 1949, did not provide for 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, peace treaties provided for the principles of non-use of indemnities. To replace it, as already mentioned above, come reparations, substitutions, restitution and other types of material responsibilities of countries.
Annexation of Czechoslovakia by Germany
Turning to the events of the Second World War, it is necessary to note the succession of Hitler in achieving his goals. Therefore, if Western politicians took his statements seriously, timely measures could stop Hitler much earlier. But the facts are undeniable. So, after the annexation of the Sudeten Hitler, it was decided to occupy all of Czechoslovakia. Such a step allowed the German politician, in addition to economic benefits, to obtain 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 has repeatedly made statements about the need to prevent a European war. However, after the events in Munich, the German politician began to understand that the subsequent such crisis could end only in war. Moreover, any "flirting" with London also lost their meaning.
Among the recent attempts at diplomacy is the signing in 1938 of an agreement with France, 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 position 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 the provocations of separatism. The government in Prague made recent efforts to save the remnants of statehood. So, he disbanded the Slovak and Ruthenian (Transcarpathian) governments, and also introduced martial law on the territory of Slovakia. Such a situation in this territory completely suited Hitler. Thus, in 1939, Slovak Catholic leaders (Josef Tiso and Ferdinand Durkansky) were invited to Berlin, where they prepared the documents that proclaimed the independence of Slovakia. At the same time, the Reich called for the taking of a new state under its protection. Thus, the annexation of Czechoslovakia by Germany was carried out.