Atlantropa: A Forgotten Plan to Unite Two Continents Forever

Unveiling the Forgotten Plan to Unite Europe and Africa

In the 1920s, a German architect named Herman Sörgel envisioned a revolutionary project that would change the face of the world. The Atlantropa project aimed to unite Europe and Africa by creating a new continent, which would be achieved through the construction of massive dams and the regulation of the Mediterranean Sea’s waters.

A Visionary’s Dream

Sörgel’s plan was not just about creating a new landmass; it was also about generating electricity, expanding habitable and arable lands, and stabilizing the politics of both Europe and Africa. The project involved lowering the Mediterranean Sea’s level by 100-200 meters and building several large hydroelectric plants, including one in the Strait of Gibraltar.

A New Continent Takes Shape

The Atlantropa project would have resulted in the creation of a new continent, with Spain connected to Morocco, Corsica and Sardinia merged, and the Greek islands becoming peninsular. Maritime trade would have been significantly impacted, with the extension of the Suez Canal. The project also included the construction of dams on the Congo River and the creation of an “inland sea” in central Africa.

A Self-Sufficient Continent

Sörgel’s vision was to create a self-sufficient continent that could compete economically with America and Asia. The project aimed to take advantage of Africa’s natural resources, irrigate the northern Sahara, and create three million square kilometers of fertile land.

Criticism and Abandonment

Despite its ambitious goals, the Atlantropa project was heavily criticized for its colonialist vision, technical and economic infeasibility, and potential ecological impact. The project would have displaced millions of people, destroyed marine habitats, and altered ecosystems. With the rise of Adolf Hitler, the plan lost momentum, and the Nazis’ lack of interest in peaceful international cooperation led to its abandonment.

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A Forgotten Utopia

The Atlantropa project remains a fascinating example of a utopian engineering dream that never came to fruition. Sörgel’s vision of a united Europe and Africa may have been ahead of its time, but it serves as a reminder of the power of human imagination and the importance of considering the consequences of our actions.

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