Is Alsace French or German?

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.

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.

Why did France want Alsace?

Well, initially Germany mainly wanted Alsace-Lorraine to act as a buffer zone in the event of any future wars with France. The area contains the Vosges Mountains, which would be much more defensible than the Rhine River if the French ever attempted to invade.

Why did the Germans want Alsace-Lorraine?

Why was Alsace-Lorraine so important to France?

Alsace-Lorraine was a border region located between the Rhine River and the Vosges Mountains. Its role in French wartime propaganda, its geographic location, and its tumultuous recent history all combined to give the region a distinct experience of the First World War.

What is the meaning of Alsace?

Alsace. / (ælˈsæs, French alzas) / noun. a region and former province of NE France, between the Vosges mountains and the Rhine: famous for its wines.

How to find out the history of the Alsace family?

If you are a Alsace, or are realated to the Alsace family we invite you to participate and exchange genealogical information. Alsace genealogy mailing list for correspondence and sharing of information pertaining to family histories of the Alsace surname and its variations. Or check the index of mailing lists for a sound-alike name.

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 Alsace and Lorraine become part of France?

Alsace and Lorraine, often collectively referred to as Alsace-Lorraine, are the two regions of France that are traditionally German-speaking. During the 1800’s these regions were part of France until 1870; after that, until 1919, they belonged to Germany.

Where can I find list of Alsatian surnames?

Surname Indexes — There are a few large lists of Alsatian citizens, dating back to the 1800’s, indexed by surname, although unfortunately they are far from comprehensive, and the two most useful lists are not available online. They are described under ” Surname Indexes ” below.