Nationalism
The Germans were still angry that the French beat them in the 1870s war, and intended to take over France by war, or at least, the Alsace-Lorraine, which France had previously taken from Germany. Sorry about the run-on sentence . . .
Alsace-Lorraine was an area of France that was very prized and valuable, but was taken by Prussia (later becoming a unified Germany) during the Franco-Prussian War. France and Germany were enemies from here on until the end of World War II, and the Franco-Prussian War sent France into isolation. France wanted to take back Alsace-Lorraine eventually, which led it to align with Russia after Germany's Three Emperors' League with Russia and Austria-Hungary failed. Eventually, the UK aligned with Russia and France forming the Triple Entente and Italy aligned with Germany and Austria-Hungary forming the Triple Alliance. All Great Powers were now involved in alliances and if a war broke out (which it did), this would cause the war to be extremely deadly.
The "great trouble with Alsace" primarily refers to the region's complex historical and political status, particularly its oscillation between French and German control. This has led to cultural tensions and identity struggles among its inhabitants. The region's strategic importance and economic resources have also made it a focal point of conflict, particularly during the Franco-Prussian War and both World Wars. Ultimately, Alsace's unique identity and history continue to influence its political and social dynamics today.
Because of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, when France was defeated, the German Empire proclaimed at Versailles, and two provinces (Alsace and Lorraine) transferred from France to Germany. And similarly this goes back to Napoleons defeat of Prussia in 1806...
After World War I, the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 led to significant territorial losses for Germany. The Allies, particularly France, Belgium, Poland, and Czechoslovakia, took land from Germany, including Alsace-Lorraine, parts of Prussia, and territories that became the Saar Basin and the Free City of Danzig (Gdańsk). Additionally, the treaty imposed restrictions on Germany's military and economic capacity, further shaping the post-war landscape in Europe.
The Treaty of Alsace-Lorraine refers to the agreement signed in 1871 following the Franco-Prussian War, which resulted in France ceding the territories of Alsace and Lorraine to the newly unified German Empire. This annexation was a significant loss for France and fueled nationalist sentiments, ultimately contributing to tensions that led to World War I. The territories were returned to France after the war in 1918 under the Treaty of Versailles. The treaty marked a pivotal moment in European history, reshaping national borders and influencing future conflicts.
Because he was the main actor in the unification of the German Empire, during the second half of the 19th century.He led a serie of war against Denmark, Austria and France in order to unify, under the Prussian control, the German Empire. He will be the first Reichskanzler (imperial Chancelor) in 1871 after the German victory over France and the annexion of the Alsace and the Lorraine lands.
The German occupation of Europe and their threat to invade Britain is what led to D-Day.
The Franco-Prussian War, fought from 1870 to 1871, erupted primarily due to tensions between France and the German states, particularly Prussia. The conflict was sparked by disputes over the succession to the Spanish throne and growing German nationalism. The war ultimately led to the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership and resulted in significant territorial losses for France, including Alsace and Lorraine.
After World War I, several lands were taken from Germany as part of the Treaty of Versailles. Some of the territories included Alsace-Lorraine, Eupen-Malmedy, North Schleswig, and the Saar Basin. Additionally, Germany lost all of its overseas colonies in Africa and the Pacific. These territorial losses significantly impacted Germany's economy and national pride, contributing to the conditions that led to World War II.
The Germans were still angry that the French beat them in the 1870s war, and intended to take over France by war, or at least, the Alsace-Lorraine, which France had previously taken from Germany. Sorry about the run-on sentence . . .
The GERMAN EMPIRE (led by the Prussians). They swiftly and easily inflicted a most humiliating defeat on France. They paraded their triumphant army down the Champs-Élysées in Paris, and as the price of the war took the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine from France. France burned with embarrassment and thirsted for revenge and for the restoration of her lost provinces for the next forty years, helping to set the stage for WWI.
Alsace-Lorraine was an area of France that was very prized and valuable, but was taken by Prussia (later becoming a unified Germany) during the Franco-Prussian War. France and Germany were enemies from here on until the end of World War II, and the Franco-Prussian War sent France into isolation. France wanted to take back Alsace-Lorraine eventually, which led it to align with Russia after Germany's Three Emperors' League with Russia and Austria-Hungary failed. Eventually, the UK aligned with Russia and France forming the Triple Entente and Italy aligned with Germany and Austria-Hungary forming the Triple Alliance. All Great Powers were now involved in alliances and if a war broke out (which it did), this would cause the war to be extremely deadly.
The immediate trigger was the French (and Belgian) occupation of the Ruhr in January 1923, followed by the German campaign of passive resistance.
After the had settled, the Allies forced Germany to sign the Treaty of Versailles, in which the Germans took full blame for the war and had to pay huge reparations. Many territories, such as Alsace & Lorraine, had to be returned. Geman colonies were compelled to return to Germany or Austria.
During the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), Germany, represented by the Prussian-led North German Confederation, captured the territories of Alsace and Lorraine from France. This annexation was formalized in the Treaty of Frankfurt in 1871, which marked a significant shift in the balance of power in Europe and contributed to tensions leading up to World War I. The loss of these regions was a deep-seated grievance in France, influencing its foreign policy for decades.
Yes, France harbored resentment towards Germany long after the Franco-Prussian War, which ended in 1871. The war resulted in significant territorial losses for France, including Alsace and Lorraine, and the harsh terms of the Treaty of Frankfurt fueled a desire for revenge and the recovery of these territories. This animosity contributed to the tensions that eventually led to World War I, as France sought alliances to counterbalance German power in Europe. The legacy of the war continued to impact Franco-German relations for decades.