After the Franco-Prussian War: Germans' Thoughts on Annexing Alsace-Lorraine
Following the conclusion of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, the issue of annexing Alsace-Lorraine became a contentious topic in German political and social circles. This article delves into the differing opinions and motivations behind the annexation, focusing on the perspectives of influential figures such as Otto von Bismarck.
Bismarck's Opposition
Bismarck's initial opposition to the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine is well-documented. He feared that such an action would not only inflame French animosity towards Germany but also detract from his vision of a unified Germany focused on international diplomacy rather than territorial expansion. Bismarck believed that France had a long history of conflict with Prussia, quoting, 'Over the past 200 years France has declared war on Prussian thirty times and… you will do so again for that we must be prepared with… a territorial glacis between you and us.' (Bismarck).
Despite his reservations, Bismarck was overruled by the prevailing nationalistic sentiment. The majority of the German population viewed the annexation as a means to reclaim a German-speaking area that had been forcibly taken from them, particularly due to historical actions of French kings like Louis XIV and during the French Revolutionary Wars. This sentiment was further fueled by the practical reasons of stationing troops in the region to secure the country's borders.
Public Support for Annexation
The nationalistic fervor among the German populace and the strategic military considerations led to strong support for the annexation. Among the southern and Catholic German states, however, there was a different perspective. They were wary of the harsh treatment of civilians by Prussian forces and were concerned about fostering good relations with Catholic France after the war.
It is important to note that initial opposition to the annexation within Germany was minimal. As Geoffrey Wawro mentions in his book, The Franco Prussian War: The German Conquest of France 1870–71, Bismarck was the only significant opposition to the decision. Despite his reservations, Bismarck's influence was enough to make him a minor opposition figure rather than a strong one during the annexation. By the end of this period, from 1871 to 1914, Bismarck's initial concerns about the annexation remained largely unheeded among the German public.
The Franco-Prussian War Dynamics
The Franco-Prussian War itself was marked by conflicting strategies and long-standing animosities. Helmuth von Moltke, Chief of the Prussian General Staff, advocated for a prolonged conflict to break the French will, while Otto von Bismarck sought a rapid end to the war and avoided territorial gains.
After the French defeat at Sedan and the establishment of the new Government of National Defense, Moltke's strategy to prolong the war proved more successful than Bismarck's initial preference for a swift victory. Bismarck's plans to bombard Paris and secure a swift armistice were rejected by Moltke, who felt that such actions would harm Germany's diplomatic standing and allow the French to rebuild their military strength.
The unexpected prolongation of the war led to a reevaluation of the terms. French delegates, under Jules Favre, resisted any territorial cessions, leading to a compromise. The Germans gained territorial control over Belfort and reduced the indemnity from 6 billion francs to 5 billion francs. While Bismarck was skeptical about the outcome, his compromise allowed the war to end on relatively favorable terms for the German side.
Conclusion
In summary, while there were reservations among influential figures like Bismarck, the majority of the German population and political leadership supported the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine due to a combination of historical, strategic, and nationalistic motivations. The dynamics of the Franco-Prussian War, including conflicting military strategies and prolonged conflict, ultimately led to a significant territorial shift that would have long-lasting consequences for both countries.
Understanding the complex political and strategic factors behind the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine provides valuable insights into the history of this region and the broader impact of the Franco-Prussian War on Europe.