Final answer:
Geography has significantly influenced Eastern Europe's ethnic diversity, with natural features shaping distinct ethnic groups and the subsequent formation of political boundaries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Geography has played a pivotal role in shaping the ethnic diversity of Eastern Europe. The complex topography, with its mountains, rivers, and plains, acted as natural barriers or crossroads for different peoples, leading to the formation of distinct ethnic groups.
Over time, the political boundaries of Eastern Europe have largely mirrored these ethnic divisions, with each region historically developing into nation-states that are usually defined by a predominant ethnic group. For instance, Romania is primarily for Romanians, Hungary for Hungarians, and so forth. However, the presence of significant ethnic minorities within these borders suggests that few are true nation-states.
During the Communist era, despite the overarching influence of the Soviet Union, these countries maintained their unique heritage and cultural identity. With the collapse of Communism, there was a resurgence of nationalism and a reassertion of ethnic identities.
The drive to preserve and celebrate a shared heritage has been a powerful force, uniting people to publicly support their nation’s sovereignty and unique cultural traits. This was evident in the post-Communist transition, where countries like Moldova, the former Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia were reorganized around the concept of nation-states, leading to peaceful separations in some cases and violent confrontations in others.
The Potsdam Conference's attempt to apply the doctrine of self-determination after World War II illustrates earlier efforts to shape political boundaries according to ethnic lines in Eastern Europe. However, this process was complicated by significant ethnic and political strife, with different ethnic groups vying for control and territory.