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Geographical Review April 1996, 86(2), pp. 198-215. Settlement of Property Claims in Former East Germany M. Blacksell, K. M. Born, and M. Bohlander ABSTRACT: One consequence of the reunification of Germany in 1990 have been claims for the restitution of more than 2.5 million pieces of property confiscated by either the Third Reich or the government of former East Germany. The claims pose a huge legal and administrative challenge for the new German nation and have far-reaching implications for the social and economic fabric of the country. This paper examines the nature and scale of the restitution claims and the ways in which they have been settled in the five new German Länder (federal states) and Berlin. It reveals a picture of considerable progress overall, but with substantial variations among the states. Key Words: German reunification, Germany, property restitution DR. BLACKSELL is professor and head of geographical sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, England PL4 8AA, where DR. BORN is a research fellow in geographical sciences. DR. BOHLANDER is a judge at the Landgericht, 98617 Meiningen, Thüringen, Germany. To contact the author: Mail: Professor Mark Blacksell University Of Plymouth Department Of Geographical Sciences Drake Circus Plymouth PL4 8AA United Kingdom Phone: 011-44-1752 233053, 011-44-1752 233054 fax Email - M. Blacksell -- m.blacksell@plymouth.ac.uk