Was Alsace-Lorraine originally French or German?

Alsace-Lorraine is a historical region, now called Alsace-Moselle, located in France. It was created in 1871 by the German Empire after seizing the region from the Second French Empire in the Franco-Prussian War and Treaty of Frankfurt.

Why do the French value Alsace-Lorraine?

While I will speak a little bit to the history of Alsace-Lorraine prior to the Franco-Prussian war, the region’s importance was really due to its iron and coal deposits during the industrialization of France and the newly-formed Germany, particularly in the period right before the First World War.

Is Alsace German or French?

Although Alsace is part of France, its borders have not always been clear. The region has been passed between French and German control several times since 1681, when Strasbourg was conquered by French forces. As a result, Alsatian culture is a unique mix of French and German influences.

Is Alsace-Lorraine still German?

Elsasserditsch is the German dialect spoken in Alsace, while Lothringer Platt (or Francique) is spoken in the Moselle province of Lorraine, especially around the town Thionville. The written form of these dialects is High German. The total population of Alsace was 1.9 million in 2014 and that of Lorraine 2.3 million.

What is Alsace-Lorraine called now?

Alsace-Lorraine, German Elsass-Lothringen, area comprising the present French départements of Haut-Rhin, Bas-Rhin, and Moselle. 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.

What does Alsace mean?

Alsace is the fifth-smallest of the 27 regions of France in land area, and the smallest in metropolitan France. The name “Alsace” can be traced to the Old High German Ali-saz or Elisaz, meaning “foreign domain”. An alternative explanation is from a Germanic Ell-sass, meaning “seated on the Ill”, a river in Alsace.

Why did Prussia take Alsace and Lorraine?

The main factors were strategic, political and cultural. It is said that economy played a lesser role, even though the loss of Alsace Lorraine was a severe blow to the French economy. It enabled Germany to defend itself against France, which until that time had long been seen as the main threat to Germany.

What do you call someone from Alsace?

Alsatians
Alsatian is an Alemannic dialect closely related to Swabian and Swiss German, although since World War II most Alsatians primarily speak French. Internal and international migration since 1945 has also changed the ethnolinguistic composition of Alsace.

What is Alsace famous for?

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 is a person from Alsace called?

Alsatian is an Alemannic dialect closely related to Swabian and Swiss German, although since World War II most Alsatians primarily speak French. Internal and international migration since 1945 has also changed the ethnolinguistic composition of Alsace.

What is Alsace Lorraine called now?

What food is Alsace known for?

Regional Alsace Food Specialties

• Choucroûte garnie. The “national dish of Alsace” is a version of German sauerkraut.
• Tarte flambée. The Alsatian equivalent of the Pizza, though extremely different.
• Bäckeoffe.
• Kugelhopf.
• Tarte aux poires.
• Bretzels.
• Alsace Wines.

Why did France take Alsace Lorraine from Germany?

Alsace-Lorraine was symbolically taken from Germany and given (or in their interpretation returned) to France, and subsequently divided into the provinces of Alsace and Lorraine (as continues today). Lorraine quickly re-adapted to French rule again because there were comparatively few ethnic Germans there.

Do you want to become a citizen of France?

Many people who have lived in France for some time are at the point of wanting to become French – to apply for French citizenship.

What do you need to know about Alsace, France?

Guide to Alsace, France ancestry, family history, and genealogy: birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, parish registers, and military records. 2.21 Topics Not Listed? Alsace (French: Alsace; Alsatian: Elsàss; German: Elsass, pre-1996: Elsaß; Latin: Alsatia) Smallest of the regions.

When did the Alsatian Germans return to France?

The Alsatian Germans, the overwhelming bulk of the population of Alsace, remained under French rule until 1871. The largely placid period of French rule changed as Germany was finally reunified.