Alsace-Lorraine

1176 Words3 Pages

Throughout history, wars, battles, treaties, and other various mechanisms are necessary for countries to grow and develop into powerful countries that they are today. Whether it’s by means of acquiring land, or completely taking over another country these events that occur throughout history shaped the way countries form, develop, and how they function in today’s world. One example of that is the land that has been fought over by both Germany and France for decades: Alsace-Lorraine—the French call it— or better known by the Germans as Elsass-Lothringen. This land has been in possession by both countries and was a focal point in World War One for Germany and France. Throughout it time as a piece of land no bigger than 5,000 miles has caused feuds …show more content…

This threw them on the countryside for their supplies, and thus began the “wolf-strategy” that typified this war. The armies of both sides plundered as they marched, leaving cities, towns, villages, and farms ravaged.” Because of this Europe during this time was torn up and broken. Since the land was primarily native German speakers it was hard for France to control it. During the Franco-German war in 1870 Germany defeated France and the land was given back to Germany unwillingly. During that time France had been on a major decline and the leader at the time, Napoleon III thought that by going to war with Germany and technically Russia we would win and be able to claim back their spot as a European power country. The reorganization of their army made them believe that they were fully able to defeat two countries. When France and Germany finally arrived to battle near Wörth the French were outnumbered greatly and were late and had inadequate supplies with them. They were defeated in various areas all around France and Germany. In the area Metz the French retreated and eventually surrendered to the Germans. When the French gave up Alsace they were defeated by the Germans who fought with the

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