07 July 2011
Antoine Clarke and I talk about the occupation of the Ruhr
At least, that’s how it starts. But soon enough we’re talking about the Battle of Jena and all points between, which include the Franco-Prussian War, the siege(s) of Paris and the Dreyfus Affair.
This is the cartoon I mention:

“Above all, let us not discuss the Dreyfus Affair!”

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The Saar was essentially a French protectorate from 1918-35, and then again from 1945-54. In each case a referendum was then held that decided overwhelmingly to return to Germany, which then happened. After 1954, the French retained partial control over the resources of the Saar, and this was essentially what the founding of the European Coal and Steel Community was about. And that process then really got out of control…..