East Prussia Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

East Prussia

Ostpreußen

Province of the Kingdom of Prussia (until 1918) and the Free State of Prussia

1772–1829
1878–1945

Flag

Coat of arms

East Prussia in the German Empire.

Capital

Königsberg

Area

• 1905

36,993 km² (14,283 sq mi)

Population

• 1905

2,025,741

History

• Created

31 January 1773

• Province of Prussia

3 December 1829

• Province restored

1 April 1878

• Soviet capture

1945

Preceded by

Succeeded by

Duchy of Prussia

Soviet Union
Polish People's Republic

Today part of

Lithuania

Poland

Russia

East Prussia (German: Ostpreußen) was a special region in Europe. It was a province of the Kingdom of Prussia. This kingdom was a powerful German state. East Prussia existed from 1773 to 1829. Then, it was brought back from 1878 until 1945.

Its main city and capital was Königsberg. After World War II, East Prussia was divided. Parts of it became part of the Soviet Union (now Russia and Lithuania). Other parts became part of Poland. The German people living there had to move away. Königsberg was renamed Kaliningrad in 1946.

What Was East Prussia?
- East Prussia's Location
- The Capital City: Königsberg
East Prussia Through History
Related Topics
Images for kids
See also

What Was East Prussia?

East Prussia was a large area in central Europe. It was known for its beautiful landscapes. These included forests, lakes, and the Baltic Sea coast. The region had a rich history. Many different groups of people lived there over time.

East Prussia's Location

East Prussia was located on the southeastern coast of the Baltic Sea. It was east of the main part of Prussia. This made it a bit like an island of land. It was surrounded by other countries. These included Poland and Lithuania.

The Capital City: Königsberg

Königsberg was the most important city in East Prussia. It was a center for trade and culture. A famous philosopher named Immanuel Kant lived there. The city had a large castle and a university. It was a very busy place.

East Prussia Through History

East Prussia's history is long and interesting. It changed hands many times. It was first created as a province in 1773.

Early Years as a Province

The area became a province of the Kingdom of Prussia. This happened after a big event called the First Partition of Poland. This event changed the maps of Europe. East Prussia was then joined with another province. This happened in 1829.

Part of the German Empire

East Prussia became a separate province again in 1878. It was then part of the German Empire. This was a very strong country. The people of East Prussia were proud to be part of it. The region grew and developed during this time.

After World War I

After World War I, the German Empire ended. East Prussia became part of the Weimar Republic. This was Germany's government after the war. The region remained a part of Germany. But it was separated from the rest of Germany by a strip of land. This land was called the Polish Corridor.

The End of East Prussia

East Prussia's story ended after World War II. Nazi Germany was defeated. The Soviet Union took over Königsberg. The rest of East Prussia was divided. It was split between the Soviet Union and Poland. Many German people had to leave their homes. This was a very sad time for them.

Images for kids

Ethnic settlement in East Prussia by the 14th century
New Map of the Kingdom of Prussia, John Cary 1799, split into the eastern regions of Lithuania Minor (green), Natangia (yellow), Sambia and Warmia (pink), the western Oberland territories with Marienwerder (blue), West Prussian Marienburg (yellow) and Danzig (green)
Monument to Immanuel Kant in Kaliningrad
Napoleon on the Battlefield of Eylau in February 1807
Map of the province of East Prussia in 1890
Coronation of William I as King of Prussia at Königsberg Castle in 1861
Adolf Hitler and Erich Koch in Königsberg, 1936
Map of East Prussian Districts in 1945
East Prussia in 1941
Königsberg after the RAF bombing in 1944
Königsberg Castle, 1895
"Königsberg" license plate holder, 2009
An illustration of the changing borders in Eastern Europe before, during, and after World War II (Map is written in German)