Alsace-Lorraine Under German Rule

Charles Downer Hazen (1868-1941) was a distinguished American historian and scholar, particularly known for his expertise in European history. Hazen's educational journey included an A.B. from Amherst College, followed by further studies at the Sorbonne and the Ecole des Hautes Etudes in Paris, culminating in a Ph.D. from Harvard University. His robust academic background set the stage for his tenure as a professor at Smith College and subsequently at Columbia University. Hazen's scholarly works often examined the political and social upheavals in Europe, with a keen interest in Franco-German relations. One of his notable contributions to historical literature is 'Alsace-Lorraine under German Rule' (1917), an in-depth analysis of the contested border region and its geopolitical significance following the Franco-Prussian War. Hazen's treatment of this subject showcased the cyclical nature of Alsace-Lorraine's governance, reflecting his literary style that intricately wove narrative history with diplomatic intricacies. His elucidation of the region's annexation by Germany and the consequent cultural and political ramifications contributed significantly to the understanding of European dynamics during a tumultuous era. Hazen's legacy as an educator and a historian is marked by his meticulous research and the meaningful interpretative lens through which he viewed history.