The problem of Alsace-Lorraine

Abstract

Summary It will be apparent from the above description that Alsace was in origin a land favoured by its dry and sunny climate, and by its tracts of very fertile soil. Further, in addition to the cereal-producing loess belt, it contains soils of so varied a nature as to ensure abundant supplies of the chief agricultural products of temperate climates, including wine. In 1871 the population was chiefly German- speaking, as was indeed to be expected from the geographical position. But the people differed then, as they differ to-day, from the typical German, and more especially from the Prussian—differed in traditions no less than in temperament and mode of life. The moral attachment to France postdated the political one, for the bonds were only drawn tight as a result of the French Revolution, which found an instant response in the valley of the 111. The later industrial revolution has led to a great development of industry in Alsace, and that this has been stimulated by inclusion within the German Empire ca...