The Complex Military Service of Alsace-Lorraine in World War I

The inhabitants of Alsace-Lorraine were required to serve in the German military just as any other German citizen, raising complex questions about their loyalty and their experiences. This article explores their conscription, desertion rates, and their feelings during and after the war.

Conscription and Loyalty

When World War I began, the German government, doubtful of the loyalty of Alsace-Lorraine inhabitants, distributed recruits from this region to various German units around the Reich, rather than forming local units. In 1910, there were 80,000 active-service members from Alsace-Lorraine in the German armed forces. Over the course of the war, 380,000 people from this region were called up for service.

Desertion and Flight

The high desertion rate of nearly 23% indicates that many Alsace-Lorraine inhabitants were not willing to fight against France. Many chose to flee via Switzerland, crossing into France, while others volunteered for the French army, numbering at least 17,500. The German High Command recognized the issue and began posting soldiers from Alsace-Lorraine to the Eastern Front, the Navy, or for internal garrison duties in March 1915.

The Aftermath and Independence

Following the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm on November 9, 1918, and the subsequent signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918, a local parliament in Alsace-Lorraine declared independence as the Republic of Elsa-Lothringen. However, France did not accept this move. French troops occupied the region between November 17-21, 1918.

For the most part, the local population welcomed the French enthusiastically. Both the end of the war and genuine support for France seemed to play a role. The German governor, Johann von Dallwitz, noted the deep sympathy for France and aversion towards the Germans, especially among petty bourgeois and peasants. In cities, there was joy over the prospect of becoming French.

For those who remained under German control, particularly ethnic Germans who had migrated to the region during the period of German rule, the sentiment was not as enthusiastic. This highlights the complex and varied experiences of Alsace-Lorraine inhabitants during and after World War I.