1870/71 – THE FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAR

The war of 1870-1871, largely forgotten and eclipsed by the two World Wars, was nonetheless a decisive conflict that changed the balance of power in Europe.

On the German side, the Treaty of Versailles laid the basis for the unification of a victorious Germany. And on the French side, the disastrous Battle of Sedan accelerated the fall of the Empire and the proclamation of the Third Republic. But it was the loss of Alsace-Lorraine that marked the key turning point in the relations between the two peoples. Losing this border region wounded French patriotism deeply. Over the decades that followed, it would represent a war trophy for some and a dream of revenge for others.

Looking back at this conflict in 2020, some 150 years later, we are reminded how the relationship between the two neighbours has evolved into a privileged friendship between the two peoples.

Distribution
Bettina Offermann
Christine Baron
distribution@looks.film

Executive Producer
Gunnar Dedio

A co-production by
LOOKSfilm, ZDF

in association with
Arte, Mediawan Thematics für Toute l’Histoire

Authors & Directors
Hermann Pölking, Linn Sackarnd

Series Producer
Andreas Fauser

Creative Producers
Christin Schutta, Anja Zhukova