On the Path to a “Hereditary Friendship”
Ulrich Lappenküper
“What a strange, cruel, beautiful and intense adventure it has been for these two fraternal peoples who needed more than millenium to recognize each other as they are, acknowledge other, unite.”1 Dramatic in tone wholly fitting content, French President François Mitterrand’s remarks reminded the Germans of vicissitudes Franco-German “brotherhood” on occasion fortieth anniversary end Second World War. Arising from breakdown Carolingian Kingdom Franks, historical twins Germany France could look back convoluted thousand-year history. After hundreds years which repulsion crossfertilization characterized their relationship, antagonism became determining factor after Franco-Prussian War 1870–71. Instrumentalized by interested groups, resort arms seemed be consequence “hereditary enmity.”KeywordsForeign PolicyFederal RepublicGrand CoalitionEuropean Economic CommunityFrench PresidentThese keywords were added machine not authors. This process is experimental may updated learning algorithm improves.
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