Free Republic of Alsace-Lorraine
Freierepublik Elsaß-Lothringen République Libre d'Alsace-Lorraine |
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Free Republic of Alsace-Lorraine | |||
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National Anthem Elsässisches Fahnenlied | |||
Capital | Straßburg | ||
Official Languages | German, French | ||
Demonym | Alsatian | ||
Government | Republic | ||
- President | Wilhelm Weiss | ||
Major Religions | Christianity | ||
Formation | 10 February 2008 | ||
Disestablishment | 12 December 2008 | ||
Currency | Euro |
- This article is about the former sovereign state. For the free land of Großgermania, see Alsace-Lorraine.
The Free Republic of Alsace-Lorraine (German: Freierepublik Elsass-Lothringen, French: République Libre d'Alsace-Lorraine) was a short-lived republic in western Europe. Established by a declaration of independence from the Empire of the French, it ceased to exist after ten months upon its merger into Großgermania.
The territory of Alsace-Lorraine constituted the Reichsland Elsaß-Lothringen under the German Empire. Following the First World War, Alsace-Lorraine declared itself independent as the Alsace Soviet Republic, existing for twelve days with the support of the United States of America. Subsequently annexed by France, it ceased to exist as an administrative division for ninety years.
In late 2007, Jean-Christophe Napoléon, pretender to the throne of Imperial France, led a private army against the French Government, couping the president and declaring himself Napoleon IV, Emperor of the French. Using personal and business connections throughout Europe, he managed to gain the support of the European Union (EU). A French plan, with EU support, to develop much of southern Belgium into a military base, sparked fear in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg that they would be included in the plan at a later date. Luxembourg joined the Association of Germanic States, and, as their fear spread, Alsace-Lorraine reformed as a political entity and declared independence.
France demanded their voluntary reinclusion into the French Empire, and threatened to use military power if they did not acquiesce. Fearing an invasion, Alsace-Lorraine joined the Association of Germanic States, and the German military established itself on Alsatian territory. In December 2008, Alsace-Lorraine was annexed by Germany and incorporated into Großgermania.