Kaliningrad - European Russia or Russian Europe: An Introduction

This is the first in a series of videos that will explore one of Russia's often-overlooked regions, Kaliningrad and the surrounding oblast. To get a general idea of what this area is all about, this video will serve as a quick overview of the region and its past, which will be useful in understanding some of the aspects of it we will encounter in later videos
Music Used:
"The Crystal Archives" by Antavel

[@jakoniaitinkle3377]

Very interesting topic! We need more videos about architecture and urbanism covering Eastern Europe, looking forward to your series :).

[@russiaincontext]

Kaliningrad is a very interesting mix of architecture, there's no doubt about that!

[@stellatilly9911]

Super interesting video, ive always wondered about the origins of kaliningrad due to its complete separation from mainland russia and whenever that happens theres always some interesting history behind it.

[@russiaincontext]

Yes, it does come as a surprise to most when they discover it exists as an "island". I thought it interesting that the same exclave fate happened to it during its last era with Germany as well. It almost feels as though geographically (unconsciously?) it's trying to establish some independence ;)

[@johnvillalovos]

Reminds me of when I went there in 2018 😊. Though I did get questioned at the border. Not many Americans arrive via the bus from Poland 😅. It was a good trip, Poland was an amazing country to visit

[@russiaincontext]

Oh, I love Poland. The Baltic countries are also fantastic - good food, chill atmosphere, great countryside. They always remind me a bit of the American Midwest, the "Heartland"

[@woody_6666]

Not true. Konigsberg belonged to Germany or german states for 288 years. It was populated by germans since XIII century until 1945.

[@russiaincontext]

We could have a discussion about the Teutonic Knights and Prussia, whether they truly qualify as "German", but for the sake of simplicity, most historical explanations boil them down to Germanic. And let's be real, if the area was 'populated by Germans', we would normally qualify that as "German". Again, were there well-defined borders in that part of Eastern Europe seven centuries ago? Not so much. So, in the sense that you're being a pedant here, Konigsberg was not technically German for quite a while, but if we use general terminology for regions were a certain people lived and which was heavily influenced politically and historically by said peoples, then I think it's safe to say the area was "German" Regardless, this is a 4-minute overview of the region for people who have never been to/heard of it, so if you want to be anal about details, I welcome you to be a bit more forthcoming and clearly explain your point so that we all may be enlightened or idk, make your own video. Either way, your comment as such is neither informative, nor constructive

[@woody_6666]

@@russiaincontext No. This region was populated mostly by german colonists. The Teutonic Order was brought in to this region by Duke of Masovia, Konrad, to convert Prussians into christianity. Why did he do this? Because he was not able to do this alone due to the lack of funds or due to strong opposition of pagan Prussians. Many had tried before Konrad without success. The Teutons were exceptionally successful in converting Prussians into christianity. They had simple methods. Those who opposed were murdered. In this way, most of Prussians were killed and colonists from Germany arrived. It was like the good old crusades. Those who opposed to conversions, were killed in the name of God and the Pope.

[@woody_6666]

@@russiaincontext It it possible for the land to be populated by one nation and at the same time be a vassal of someone who is from different ethnic group. I have two examples of such relations: the Teutonic knights - polish king and the Normans - king of France.

[@adifreitag8579]

@@russiaincontext Technically back and forth. In 1945 the residents of this area declared themselves German. They spoke German and were part of German culture. If a referendum had been held back then, 99% of the population would certainly have supported Germany. The Russians and Poles knew this. That's why they drove out the entire population. A historical digression may be interesting, but it does not change the fact that the territories annexed by the Russians and Poles after the war were thoroughly German. The German claim to these territories is more legitimate than the claim of the descendants of the European invaders to their current home states. The Russians are also an imperialist nation. They forcibly brought countless areas and peoples under their rule and incorporated them into their empire. If Russians question Germany's legitimate claims to the northern part of East Prussia, then they should look to their own country. You should adopt the wisdom: Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Battle song of the Germans in the Baltics against the Russian imperialists after the First World War kzbin.info/www/bejne/faOtqoZ7bq2Wqqs

[@TheLetsComment]

What does it mean for something to be Russian? To be forcibly taken of course! And in that regard Kaliningrad is very Russian.

[@user-io1xn5gv3l]

Что значит быть европейцем? Значит быть тупым. Сочувствую

[@russiaincontext]

While I get the vibe you're going for here, unfortunately, it doesn't line up with the history. The Allies agreed to give Kaliningrad over to the Soviet Union, meaning it wasn't taken by force

[@russiaincontext]

@@user-io1xn5gv3l 🙄 that was the best you had?