What is the history of Alsace France?
In 1871, Alsace was annexed to the new German Empire following its victory in the Franco-Prussian War. The region was then occupied once by Germany during the Second World War. During this time, people from Alsace were made German citizens by decree from the Nazi government. A complex history to say the least.
When was Alsace founded?
Alsace was incorporated into Lotharingia in the mid-9th century and was united with the German territories of the Carolingians by the Treaty of Mersen (870). It was attached to what became known as the Holy Roman Empire until the 17th century.
What is special about Alsace?
Alsace is famous for its beer (for example, Kronenbourg or Meteor), its sauerkraut (choucroute in French), and several other local specialities such as Alsace Flammekueche, a traditional dish that is not unlike a pizza without tomatoes, but covered with cheese, cream, mushrooms and local ham.
What was so important about the Alsace-Lorraine?
Alsace-Lorraine was the name given to the 5,067 square miles (13,123 square km) of territory that was ceded by France to Germany in 1871 after the Franco-German War. The loss of Alsace-Lorraine was a major cause of anti-German feeling in France in the period from 1871 to 1914.
How many times did Alsace-Lorraine change hands?
Now, its citizens say they’re content to be on the sidelines as the Continent is reshaped. Alsace-Lorraine is a region forever in between, a sort of half-German, half-French hybrid that has been pushed around in three wars and changed hands four times since 1870.
What was the history of the Alsace region?
History of Alsace. The History of Alsace begins when the area was inhabited by nomadic hunters in antiquity, and includes several changes in political control of the area between Germany and France.
Why did Frederick I set up Alsace as a province?
Frederick I set up Alsace as a province (a procuratio, not a provincia) to be ruled by ministeriales, a non-noble class of civil servants. The idea was that such men would be more tractable and less likely to alienate the fief from the crown out of their own greed.
Why was France interested in Lorraine and Alsace?
During the next century, France was to be militarily shattered by the Hundred Years’ War, which prevented for a time any further tendencies in this direction. After the conclusion of the war, France was again free to pursue its desire to reach the Rhine and in 1444 a French army appeared in Lorraine and Alsace.
When did the Celts first settle in Alsace?
By 1500 BC, Celts began to settle in Alsace, clearing and cultivating the land. It should be noted that Alsace is a plain surrounded by the Vosges mountains (west) and the Black Forest mountains (east). It creates Foehn winds which, along with natural irrigation, contributes to the fertility of the soil.