Who has the right to Alsace?

[L'Afrique]

I'm posting this thread because, on another forum, I realized that apparently a large percentage of people think Alsace is some sort of opressed German province. This is, if you didn't know, BS. I'm from Alsace, and no one wants to be German, even those who speak our native dialect (which is about as similar to German as Dutch is.) Seeing as how loads of people on these forums apparently are revanchist of places like Kaliningrad and Istanbul, I thought I'd ask, do you think Alsace truly belongs to France or Germany?

[Norge]

This is, if you didn't know, BS. I'm from Alsace, and no one wants to be German, even those who speak our native dialect (which is about as similar to German as Dutch is.)

Not suprising considering the Francization and deportation of Germans in the region.

[Heinz Guderian]

It belongs to Germany. You better build some level 9 forts there cos we is a coming Frenchman. And the Ardennes forest? Yeah, like thats impenetrable to tracked vehicles. Whatever man.

[hellheaven1987]

It belongs to Germany. You better build some level 9 forts there cos we is a coming Frenchman. And the Ardennes forest? Yeah, like thats impenetrable to tracked vehicles. Whatever man.

Mmm... I thought last time you told me you are a Brit??:hmmm:

[Thorn777]

Mmm... I thought last time you told me you are a Brit??:hmmm:

Hes a German in sheep clothes.

[Thorn777]

Yeah, give it back. Btw its Elsaz.

[Farnan]

France.

When Germany controlled Alsace from 1870-1918 they treated it like an Imperial Territory and not an equal member so oppressed them.

Also, Alsatians think of themselves as French not German.

Have a distant cousin in Alsace (where my last name is from) who speaks French.

Though I think France should push the revival of Alsatian, just cause its not cool to see a language disappear.

[seal]

I wasn't aware that there is any genuine discussion on the ownership of this territory anymore.

[Thorn777]

I wasn't aware that there is any genuine discussion on the ownership of this territory anymore.

You where right, there is none.

[Fibur]

I think I never met a German who seriously thought Alsace should belong to Germany...

[Thorn777]

I think I never met a German who seriously thought Alsace should belong to Germany...

Me neither. There is some focus is on eastern-Prussia though by some crazy group, although their "attempts to get it back" get exaggerated by other crazy peoples in Poland and Russia.

[Fibur]

;

[Panzer42]

It should belong to whichever country the people in Alsace wish for it to belong to.

About the Eastern provinces; I'm not really sure what to think. I don't think Germany should get them back, as there is no reason for that now. but I also don't think the Germans that were living there should have been forcibly kicked out of their homes and treated so poorly.

[Fibur]

I don't know who voted for Germany here, but I've the feeling they're not Germans. Some seem to be eager to provoke tensions between our two countries.

[Acco]

do you think Alsace truly belongs to France or Germany?

I'd say Germany. Alsace became Alemanni territory with the decline of the Roman Empire, and the language of the Alemanni forms the basis of the Alsatian dialect. Even the name 'Alsace' is derived from the German "Ell-sass". Afterwards, the region was historically under the rule of the Holy Roman Empire and was only gradually annexed by the French between 1618–1871. Although despite all these points in Germany's favor, the people of Alsace and the French government have the ultimate decision, being the inhabitants and governors of the territory respectively.

I'm from Alsace, and no one wants to be German, even those who speak our native dialect

That's because the German identity of Alsace after the First World War was reversed, as all Germans who had settled since 1871 were expelled and the German language was even repressed in favor of French. Harsher measures would've been taken, such as the seperation of church and state law, but the French government had no desire to antagonize the Alsatians.

[Sebdeas]

I'd say Germany. Alsace became Alemanni territory with the decline of the Roman Empire, and the language of the Alemanni forms the basis of the Alsatian dialect. Even the name 'Alsace' is derived from the German "Ell-sass". Afterwards, the region was historically under the rule of the Holy Roman Empire and was only gradually annexed by the French between 1618–1871. Although despite all these points in Germany's favor, the people of Alsace and the French government have the ultimate decision, being the inhabitants and governors of the territory respectively.

That's because the German identity of Alsace after the First World War was reversed, as all Germans who had settled since 1871 were expelled and the German language was even repressed in favor of French. Harsher measures would've been taken, such as the seperation of church and state law, but the French government had no desire to antagonize the Alsatians.

*Cough* People now>people then

[nemgod]

Actually does it really matter anymore. EU and Schengen among other agreements mean that basically you can walk, move to or even work from one Alsace to Germany and back without any real troubles.

But in answer to the argument. It belongs to the Alsations (sorry if spelt wrong but who better an answer than those that actually live there)

[motiv-8]

I also say it belongs to Alsatians. They are the inhabitants of the land, they should be able to determine their destiny.

[Icefrisco]

Whoever owns it. If the Alsatians want to join Germany, I have nothing wrong with it. If Germany wants to reconquer Alsace that's still fine. The modern system of a country having a right to land is ridiculous. If you own it, you own it. If you don't, shut up.

Part of the reason why Alsace still retains its German identity is that Germany has not played the claim game. If Germany all of a sudden starts talking about regaining Alsace, I wouldn't be surprised if France starts supressing Alsatian culture and moving in French settlers.

The situation is fine as it is. There is no reason to change it.

[ShockBlast]

It may be in french hands but it belongs to Germany and the ''Alsacians'' are no more if they were they would want to be part of Germany,the people who live there were Germans but France did a good job.
Anyway mister ''Alsacian'' it's not nice to twist the knife in the heart of your real motherland.
Let's put in behind,nothing in the world in correct and this situation is the best example.