The most beautiful State Europe celebrated its 60th anniversary last Friday. Many guests from politics were invited, even the chancellor did the honors because exactly 60 years ago the Saarland became part of the federal territory again. We say congratulations and look back on the history of the Saarland.
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The Saarland: Small But Mighty
Saarland is the smallest federal state in Germany in terms of area and the second smallest state after Bremen in terms of population. Saarland is located in the southwest (i.e. “down left”) of Germany and currently has a population of around 989,000. The people of Saarland are considered to be particularly friendly and generally a fun people everywhere in Germany. Saarland has a turbulent history. In the past, it was called “Saargebiet” and was always German-speaking, although it was also under French influence from time to time. In 1920, after World War I, the Saarland was under French administration, because there have always been very large underground deposits of coal in the Saarland and the French always wanted to secure them. In 1935, the Saarland (from now on also under this name) became part of the German Reich again. After the 2. World War the Saarland was again a part of the French occupation zone and remained so until October 23, 1955, when a referendum was held in which the Saarlanders expressed their will to be part of the Federal Republic of Germany again, which was then completely the case almost 2 years later.
Double Anniversary
Actually, 2015 should be celebrated twice – once for the year 1935, when the Saar region returned to Germany, and once for the vote of 1955. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary, even German Chancellor Angela Merkel came to Saarland’s capital Saarbrücken to give a speech at the Saarland State Theater. She noted that the “Saarland has a model function in Europe” and emphasized the important position of the Saarland and its coal and steel industry in Germany’s history.
Explanation Of The Difficult Words:
Saarland is one of a total of 16 states in Germany. It borders on the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate.
The First World War took place between 1914 and 1918. Germany and its allies fought against France and England, and later against the USA.
The 2nd World War took place between 1939 and 1945. Germany and its allies Italy and Japan fought against France, England, the USA, and Russia. Around 55 million people lost their lives in the 2nd World War.
Photo: schulzhattingen/bigstockphoto.com
