Fun with Maps ISSUE 2025-145

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (September 10, 2025) – In today’s edition of Fun with Maps, the anniversary of the signing of a significant European treaty is recognized.           

World War II’s Beginning

The Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye was signed on September 10, 1919 by the victorious Allies of World War I. 

It dissolved the dual monarchy which had been ruling the Austro-Hungarian empire, bringing to an end to powerful Hapsburg domination of the eastern central part of Europe.

A new Republic of Austria was formed, along with recognition of the countries of Hungary, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. 

Austria-Hungary lost just over 60% of its former territory in the negotiations due to the formation of the newly established countries as well as small bits being ceded to Italy, Germany, Romania, and other neighboring lands.

Germany was punished in a separate treaty.  Both treaties managed to create disruptions that drove the populus sentiment against the “winners” and allowed for the evolution of nationalist forces, especially in Germany, to gain power (code for Adolf Hitler).  

The Chateau of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, where the treaty signing took place, is located in the outskirts of Paris and today houses the National Museum of Archaeology.  During France’s occupation in World War II, the chateau was commandeered by the German army as its French headquarters.

Here is Cram’s map of Austria-Hungary , the Empire, from 1890.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.