Analyze The Ways In Which National And Cultural Id Essay

The region of Alsace-Lorraine has been passed from Germany to France and back again multiple times. Thus, the people of Alsace-Lorraine have a unique national and cultural identity, consisting of both French and German traditions. However, when the territory was given to Germany in 1871, unpatriotic material was violently suppressed, mainly the French language. This created a great diversion and conflict within the Alsatian population. However, once Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France in 1919, German traditions, which had once been forced on them fiercely, were embraced.   In group A, Germany’s force is demonstrated, and their violent actions to dictatorially force Alsace-Lorraine to adapt to Germany’s customs. In Group B, the disagreeing Alsatians is exhibited, they are against German customs and want to annex with France. In Group C, I explained how certain documents, toward the end of the time period started to realize how enjoyable German traditions and customs are.

Group A, or the ways Germany used forces to force Alsatians accept their customs, was a way for Germany to show Alsatians that it is truly Germany that Alsatians may enjoy and prize happiness from. In document 1, Bismarck confessed Alsace-Lorraine of being a “hotbed of disaffection” since it has no use due to the adaptation of French customs. As this is a conversation concerning possible territorial settlements, Bismarck has no intentions of being biased. To meet demands of German superiority, violent actions were exploited in order for the territory to accept German Customs. This imposition of customs and culture was done through ultimatums forcing men to choose between their French allegiance and their homes which were stated in document 8. With a dull but expressive tone, Heinrich class, by his position as the president, his intentions are reliable.   In document 4 it shows that some Germans believe that the reforms would cure the “unhappy people” (Alsatians) of their “ignorance of the New...