Europe in 1912: Mapping Countries and Dinnertimes

Europe in 1912

The year 1912 marked a pivotal time in European history. New countries were emerging while old empires were on the verge of collapse. Boundaries were being redrawn across the continent after wars and political upheavals. When looking at a 1912 map of Europe, you can see both change and continuity from previous decades.

Prominent Empires in 1912

Some of the most powerful empires in 1912 Europe included:

• British Empire
• German Empire
• Austro-Hungarian Empire
• Russian Empire
• Ottoman Empire

The reach of these empires extended across large swaths of territory. The British in particular had colonial holdings across the world. But the stability of these empires would soon be shaken by growing nationalism and unrest.

New Countries Established

While old empires still dominated the map, new nations were beginning to emerge across Europe. Some examples of new countries established around 1912 include:

• Bulgaria - established in 1908
• Albania - declared independence in 1912
• Norway - broke away from Sweden in 1905

The Balkan region saw much change and conflict during this period as ethnic groups pushed for self-determination. Wars in the Balkans preceded World War I and redrew many borders.

When Do Europeans Eat Dinner?

Dinnertime varies across European countries and regions. Here is an overview of common dinner times in different parts of Europe:

United Kingdom and Ireland

The people of Britain and Ireland typically eat their evening meal early, between 5-7 pm. Families often gather to eat dinner before settling in for the night.

Spain and Portugal

As Mediterranean countries, Spain and Portugal follow later dinner schedules informed by the region's culture. People generally eat dinner from 9-11 pm. This leaves time for an afternoon siesta and evening walks before the day's final meal.

Central Europe

Countries like Germany, Switzerland, Austria and others in Central Europe normally eat dinner sometime between 6-8 pm. Work schedules have a big influence on when food is prepared and served.

France and Italy

Italian and French dinner times mirror those in Spain and Portugal. Most families gather to eat between 8-10 pm. Lingering over dinner is an integral experience in these cultures.

Scandinavia

Early dinnertimes are also common in the northern European countries of Norway, Sweden, and others. After a typically heavy midday meal, many Scandinavians eat dinner relatively early in the evening around 5-6 pm.

Other Aspects of European Life

Dinnertime is just one small lens into European culture and history. Many other sociological factors have shaped the European continent over the centuries, including:

• Religion - Most early Europeans were Catholic, while Protestants shaped northwestern countries.
• War & Conflict - World War I originated in Europe and realigned many borders.
• Politics - Democratic systems took hold along with ideological movements like socialism.
• Industry - European colonial reach was driven by ambitions of power and resources.
• Geography - Europe's landscape ranges from frigid arctic zones to sunny Mediterranean coasts.

Modern Europe still resonates with echoes of its dynamic past. Shared community experiences like dinnertime preserve cultural identity across generations despite national differences. Whether dining early or late, food continues to be a cornerstone of European life against the continent's ever-evolving backdrop.

FAQs

What were some of the largest empires in Europe in 1912?

The largest empires in 1912 Europe included the British Empire, German Empire, Austro-Hungarian Empire, Russian Empire and Ottoman Empire.

What new countries became independent around 1912?

Some new countries established around 1912 were Bulgaria (1908), Albania (1912), and Norway (1905) which broke away from Sweden.

What time do people usually eat dinner in Spain and Portugal?

Spain and Portugal, as Mediterranean countries, tend to eat dinner quite late, often between 9-11 pm.

When do people in Central European countries like Germany have dinner?

Central Europeans usually eat dinner between 6-8 pm, as work schedules have a significant influence on dinnertimes.

Why can dinnertimes teach us about culture?

Dinnertime variations demonstrate cultural differences across European regions. Shared community meals like dinner preserve identity despite national diversity.