Cross-border relations in the contact zone Saarland-Lorraine (1850-1914)

The current debates are increasingly emphasize the discrepancy between the popular image of an "always borderless" Europe and the reality, which shows that despite barriers dismantled the "limits in the minds," continue to exist. This thesis project examined this issue from a historical perspective, opening up a hitherto neglected dimension of the discussion. It was the historical view of the phenomenon of "European integration" makes it possible to assess the robustness of current political and social processes. While the project presented here uses time with the final phase of the development of the principles of the European nation-state idea, it just moves the stage in the center of attention, which is to be overcome in the days of a united Europe.
The goal of this research is to determine the significance of borders as political and social boundaries of life and everyday life of the inhabitants of the Saarland-Lorraine border region and allow for assessment of the general delineation of national societies to. To implement the objectives described are made on the research topic "international relations", the following key questions: Does the cross-border relations are in a convergence or differentiation trend of the two parts of the border area and what is the significance of the marginal shift of 1871 in this context?

This project was edited by:
Katrin Martin