The Treaty of Frankfurt was an important peace agreement signed on May 10, 1871, between France and Germany after they fought a war (the Franco-Prussian War).
This treaty changed Europe in several important ways.
Main outcomes of the war and the Treaty:
- The biggest change was that France had to give two regions, Alsace and Lorraine, to Germany. These regions were very important because they had large amounts of coal and iron in the ground. This was a big loss for France’s industry and made Germany stronger.
- France also had to pay Germany a very large amount of money: 5 billion Francs. To make sure France would pay, German soldiers stayed in parts of France until all the money was paid. This showed everyone that France had truly lost the war.
- The war and the treat helped caused regions of Germany that were not unified to fight together and to come together as one country (unification of Germany). This unification made Germany the strongest country in Europe.
- The treaty made France very angry. Losing Alsace and Lorraine and having to deal with German soldiers in their country made the French people feel humiliated. They wanted revenge against Germany. This hatred between France and Germany became one of the reasons World War I started in 1914.
The Treaty of Frankfurt did more than just end a war. It changed how France and Germany treated each other for many years to come. The treaty showed how taking land from a country and making them pay money can create problems that last for a very long time. This became very important when leaders had to make similar decisions after World War I.
