Two Maps, Two Stories: Rethinking the Founding Dates of European Nations

Europe's Founding Dates: A Question of Definition When was a country truly "founded?" This question is at the heart of a recent online video that has sparked discussion among history buffs and political science enthusiasts. The video, created by WHAT HISTORY!, uses two maps of Europe to compare the dates of national establishment and the ratification of current constitutions. The result is a fascinating exploration of historical interpretation and the complexities of defining a nation's beginnings. The first map displays the year each country was established, while the second shows the year of their current constitution's ratification. The video's creator, Eric, highlights stark discrepancies. For example, the first map shows France's founding in 486 AD, referencing the Franks, while the second shows 1958, the year of its current constitution. This difference, Eric explains, stems from different interpretations of what constitutes a nation's founding. "The idea of what a country is under this definition is a little fuzzy," says Eric in the video. He goes on to discuss how Finland's establishment in 1809 differs significantly from its declaration of independence in 1917. The video concludes by emphasizing that both maps offer valuable perspectives but highlight the subjectivity inherent in defining historical events. The contrasting viewpoints presented in the video make for an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of history and nationhood.