Anschlussunterbringung

Anschlussunterbringung refers to a type of housing accommodation provided by the German government to people whose property is situated near the national borders. The term is generally associated with the period following the end of World War II and the subsequent division of Germany into East and West. However, its roots extend back to the early 20th century when the German government began to take measures to accommodate individuals living in areas deemed important for national security.

During World War II, the German army and police forcibly removed residents from areas bordering other countries, and they were relocated to areas deeper within Germany. This policy was pursued in the name of national security, the aim being to isolate the "border zone" from German citizens. Anschlussunterbringung also involved compensating people for their lost homes and property, which came at a significant financial burden to the government.

The highest number of Anschlussunterbringung cases occurred between 1940 and 1945. The German government provided a cost-free move and compensation, usually a flat-rate payment, to people from the 'border area', and new homes and fields were reallotted to them. However, the policy has been criticized by historians for its association with political and security agendas, making active property owners and the existing rural population collateral damage in the process.

Following World War II, Anschlussunterbringung cases were a significant part of Germany's post-war reconstruction efforts. The process allowed the government to ensure a balance of population distribution across the newly formed federal states of East and West Germany, as well as to comply with newly formed border protections.