Alsace-Lorraine under German Rule (eBook)

In 'Alsace-Lorraine under German Rule,' Charles Downer Hazen comprehensively explores the historical, political, and cultural implications of the German annexation of the Alsace and Lorraine regions following the Franco-Prussian War. The book meticulously details the period from the Treaty of Frankfort to the eve of the First World War, dissecting the administrative and legislative evolution within the Imperial Territory. Hazen employs a robust, analytical style, supported by rigorous historical analysis, which situates the annexation within the wider geopolitical maneuverings of the time. He provides insightful reflections on the national identity and resistance movements that emerged, and elaborates on significant events such as the Saverne Affair, offering valuable context to the multifaceted relationship between the territory and its German rulers.

Charles Downer Hazen, a scholar deeply entrenched in modern European history, articulates a narrative steered by his extensive research and a profound understanding of the Franco-German relations. Influenced perhaps by the burgeoning field of national studies and the complexities of national identity, Hazen's historical lens is sharply focused on the dynamic between oppressor and the oppressed. His impassioned accounts are indicative of an author who not only relates facts but interprets them to expose the ironies of Alsace-Lorraine's political stature—a land caught between two nations, inherently bound to the tides of European diplomacy and war.

'Hazen's 'Alsace-Lorraine under German Rule' is an essential text for scholars and students of European history, offering a rich, detailed examination of a crucible period that shaped modern European boundaries and identities. Its meticulous scholarship makes it a cornerstone contribution to the understanding of Franco-German relations and the broader implications of national sovereignty and imperialism. Recommended for anyone seeking a deep, nuanced understanding of the complex history of Alsace-Lorraine and its enduring legacy in the collective memory of France and Germany.