Alsace, Lorraine et France rhénane Exposé des droits historiques de la France sur toute la rive gauche du Rhin

This work offers a detailed, step‑by‑step survey of why the French state has long claimed the left‑bank of the Rhine as part of its historic domain. Beginning with the Celtic and Roman eras, it follows the region through Frankish settlement, early Germanic incursions, and the shifting loyalties of medieval princes, building a chronological foundation for the modern claim. The author then frames the issue in terms of national interest, outlining both the military advantages of a secure frontier and the economic benefits of controlling key river trade routes.

The later sections trace the ebb and flow of French‑German rivalry from the Treaty of Westphalia through the Napoleonic annexations, the 19th‑century disputes, and the eventual reintegration after the world wars. Interwoven with diplomatic petitions, local testimonies, and a call for a united peace, the narrative stresses how historical precedent and strategic necessity combine to shape France’s enduring attachment to Alsace, Lorraine, and the Rhineland.