| Frankfurt am Maine, Frankfort on the Oder, Freiburg, Freudenstädt, Friederichshafen, Fulda, Gelsenkirchen, Gera, Gladbach, Gotha, Graz, Grötzingen, Gubin, Hagen, Halberstadt, Halle and Hamburg |
| Frankfurt |
Frankfurt am Main, a Roman town founded in the 1st century
AD., became a royal residence under Charlemagne in the 8th
century, and it was the capital of the kingdom of the Eastern
Franks for a short time. As early as 1240, it is mentioned as
holding great annual fairs that drew in other Germans as well as
foreign visitors. In 1356, Emperor Karl IV designated Frankfurt
in the Golden Bull as the seat of the imperial elections
AD., became a royal residence under Charlemagne in the 8th
century, and it was the capital of the kingdom of the Eastern
Franks for a short time. As early as 1240, it is mentioned as
holding great annual fairs that drew in other Germans as well as
foreign visitors. In 1356, Emperor Karl IV designated Frankfurt
in the Golden Bull as the seat of the imperial elections
Frankfurt was further attacked on January 28, 1944 and November 26 and December 20,1943. Four weeks later, on
January 29, 1944, more than 800 American bombers dropped 5000 high-explosives bomb and 10,000 incendiaries on
the entire city. All of these attacks killed people in the high hundreds. On February 8, 1944, 88 American bombers
struck, but mostly industrial areas and killed only a few hundred. On March 18, she was hit again. But the attack on
March 22 by 800 British bombers destroyed the old city forever in 9,000 separate fires, and by now the human suffering
was beyond comprehension. 1,300 high explosive bombs up to 8,000 pounds, 600,000 incendiary bombs and 50,000
incendiary bombs rained death and destruction upon Frankfurt from the medieval city center out. By now, thousands of
civilians were dead and 150,000 shelterless. Then, as if that were not enough for the old city which was now just a heap
of rubble filled with the stench of rotting bodies, 175 American bombers dropped bombs on the city center to polish it off.
The only targets left were the maimed, injured, orphaned, deranged, or elderly people and rescue workers.
January 29, 1944, more than 800 American bombers dropped 5000 high-explosives bomb and 10,000 incendiaries on
the entire city. All of these attacks killed people in the high hundreds. On February 8, 1944, 88 American bombers
struck, but mostly industrial areas and killed only a few hundred. On March 18, she was hit again. But the attack on
March 22 by 800 British bombers destroyed the old city forever in 9,000 separate fires, and by now the human suffering
was beyond comprehension. 1,300 high explosive bombs up to 8,000 pounds, 600,000 incendiary bombs and 50,000
incendiary bombs rained death and destruction upon Frankfurt from the medieval city center out. By now, thousands of
civilians were dead and 150,000 shelterless. Then, as if that were not enough for the old city which was now just a heap
of rubble filled with the stench of rotting bodies, 175 American bombers dropped bombs on the city center to polish it off.
The only targets left were the maimed, injured, orphaned, deranged, or elderly people and rescue workers.
Although Frankfurt had been bombed repeatedly in World War Two, 54 times prior to July 25,
1942, the British had not yet aimed at civilian targets. The daylight raid on this day was the first
direct civilian attack that took place on Frankfurt. Two weeks later she was bombarded again by
226 bombers. In January of 1943, the British and Americans decided to unite their air forces,
and on April 11, the savage attacks began again, followed by another large scale attack on
October 4, 1943 when 650 aerial mines, 217,000 incendiary bombs and 16,000 liquid
incendiary bombs were dropped by 300 British airplanes.
1942, the British had not yet aimed at civilian targets. The daylight raid on this day was the first
direct civilian attack that took place on Frankfurt. Two weeks later she was bombarded again by
226 bombers. In January of 1943, the British and Americans decided to unite their air forces,
and on April 11, the savage attacks began again, followed by another large scale attack on
October 4, 1943 when 650 aerial mines, 217,000 incendiary bombs and 16,000 liquid
incendiary bombs were dropped by 300 British airplanes.
On March 22, 1944, on the same month and day of its famous native son Goethe's death, ancient Frankfurt was all but
blown off the map.
blown off the map.
Freiburg im Breisgau, founded in 1120, hides away near the Rhine
River at the edge of the Black Forest. It passed with the rest of the
Breisgau to the Hapsburgs in 1368. Bavarians and Austrians were
defeated here in the Thirty Years War by the French, who held
Freiburg from 1677 to 1697 and again from 1744–48.
River at the edge of the Black Forest. It passed with the rest of the
Breisgau to the Hapsburgs in 1368. Bavarians and Austrians were
defeated here in the Thirty Years War by the French, who held
Freiburg from 1677 to 1697 and again from 1744–48.
| Freiburg im Breisgau |
3,000 civilians were killed, 10,000 injured and 858 lost. Old Freiburg was not an industrial town. It was attacked on the
pretext that it was a railway target. Flak defences were light when 1,900 tons of Allied bombs were dropped within 25
minutes on the ancient university town, and photographs show that the railway targets were not hit in this attack.
pretext that it was a railway target. Flak defences were light when 1,900 tons of Allied bombs were dropped within 25
minutes on the ancient university town, and photographs show that the railway targets were not hit in this attack.
The medieval University of Freiburg was devastated by Allied bombing in 1944. Most of the ancient city center of
Freiburg was leveled, with the notable exception of the old cathedral, by Allied bombing. Freiburg was pummeled on the
27th-28th of November 1944 by 441 RAF bombers, some loaded with deadly phosphorus.
Freiburg was leveled, with the notable exception of the old cathedral, by Allied bombing. Freiburg was pummeled on the
27th-28th of November 1944 by 441 RAF bombers, some loaded with deadly phosphorus.
| Fulda |
Fulda is probably the birthplace of Christianity in Germany, for it is here, in
a Benedictine abbey founded in 744, where a pupil of St. Boniface's named
Sturmius the Missionary spread the word throughout central Germany.
Ruled by the abbots of Fulda as Princes of the Holy Roman Empire from
the 13th century, Fulda and its surrounding area grew, and in 1752, the
abbots were raised to the rank of Prince Bishops.
a Benedictine abbey founded in 744, where a pupil of St. Boniface's named
Sturmius the Missionary spread the word throughout central Germany.
Ruled by the abbots of Fulda as Princes of the Holy Roman Empire from
the 13th century, Fulda and its surrounding area grew, and in 1752, the
abbots were raised to the rank of Prince Bishops.
The majestic basilica towers of Fulda, high above all the other ancient buildings of the city, looked
up to the skies raining death and destruction on July 20, 1944. Eighty people were killed and the
cathedral damaged. On August 5th, 30 incendiary bombs fell. On September 11th, bombers
appeared again and covered the city, killing 341 people. On the next night, Fulda was again the
target of 444 bombs, all dropped within 5 minutes. The few noteworthy buildings which remain
are a couple of ancient churches, the baroque cathedral with the crypt of St. Boniface and a castle.
up to the skies raining death and destruction on July 20, 1944. Eighty people were killed and the
cathedral damaged. On August 5th, 30 incendiary bombs fell. On September 11th, bombers
appeared again and covered the city, killing 341 people. On the next night, Fulda was again the
target of 444 bombs, all dropped within 5 minutes. The few noteworthy buildings which remain
are a couple of ancient churches, the baroque cathedral with the crypt of St. Boniface and a castle.
| Gera |
The 750 year old, small town of Gera in the east of Thuringia had,
over the centuries, developed into a textile production center. The
Weisse Elster River winds its way through Gera and nearby forests.
Bach stayed here in 1724, having inspected two recently installed
organs in the Johannis Church and in the Salvator Church.
over the centuries, developed into a textile production center. The
Weisse Elster River winds its way through Gera and nearby forests.
Bach stayed here in 1724, having inspected two recently installed
organs in the Johannis Church and in the Salvator Church.
Although the military targets in Gera such as the railway facilities and industrial companies had already been destroyed in
1944 bombings, at the tail end of the war the antique spinning mills, the city museum, 300 homes and 153 people were
destroyed by an American terror bombing on April 6, 1945, shortly before they handed it over to their Soviet.
1944 bombings, at the tail end of the war the antique spinning mills, the city museum, 300 homes and 153 people were
destroyed by an American terror bombing on April 6, 1945, shortly before they handed it over to their Soviet.
| Gladbach |
16 miles west of Dusseldorf, Mönchengladbach existed before the time of Charlemagne, and a
Benedictine monastery was founded nearby in 793. The abbey and adjoining villages became a town
in the 14th century. It was suppressed under Napoleon in 1802, and in 1815 it came to Prussia. It
became a chief manufacturing town, its principal industries being spinning and weaving.
Benedictine monastery was founded nearby in 793. The abbey and adjoining villages became a town
in the 14th century. It was suppressed under Napoleon in 1802, and in 1815 it came to Prussia. It
became a chief manufacturing town, its principal industries being spinning and weaving.
The first intentional British attacks on German residential areas began on the
night May 1, 1940 with a raid on the town of Moenchengladbach, left. By the
end of the War, the historical part of the city and its immediate area was 60 %
to 90 % destroyed.
night May 1, 1940 with a raid on the town of Moenchengladbach, left. By the
end of the War, the historical part of the city and its immediate area was 60 %
to 90 % destroyed.
| Graz |
Graz, left, was originally the site of a Roman fort on the Mur
river, surrounded by low hills on three sides. The name 'Graz'
was first used in 1128, while under Babenberg rule. The town
was an important commercial center. When Graz came under
the rule of the Habsburgs, it gained special privileges from King
Rudoph I in 1281. In the 14th century, Graz became the city of
residence of the Inner Austrian line of Habsburgs. Kepler
river, surrounded by low hills on three sides. The name 'Graz'
was first used in 1128, while under Babenberg rule. The town
was an important commercial center. When Graz came under
the rule of the Habsburgs, it gained special privileges from King
Rudoph I in 1281. In the 14th century, Graz became the city of
residence of the Inner Austrian line of Habsburgs. Kepler
The first documented air raid in Austria in World War Two was the attack by 3 Yugoslav airplanes on Graz on April
6,1941. During the War, historic Graz was attacked by 58 air raids. From 1944 to 1945, there were more than 200 air
raids and 22 bomb attacks on Linz
6,1941. During the War, historic Graz was attacked by 58 air raids. From 1944 to 1945, there were more than 200 air
raids and 22 bomb attacks on Linz
April 24-25, 1944 was the date that Karlsruhe was slated to be completely destroyed. 666 Allied bombers loaded with
4 tons of heavy high-explosives bombs and 373,206 incendiary bombs had Karlruhe in their scopes. The fate of the city
seemed sealed. But things went wrong. Briefly after midnight, as the planes almost reached their target, a violent
thunderstorm caused complete disorder, driving the pilots markings off. The bombers piloted eastward and blindly
unloaded their bomb loads. Karlsruhe was temporarily saved. However, for the countryside to the east of Karlsruhe,
particularly the pretty tourist triangle of Rintheim-Hagsfeld-Grötzingen, hell was unleashed.
4 tons of heavy high-explosives bombs and 373,206 incendiary bombs had Karlruhe in their scopes. The fate of the city
seemed sealed. But things went wrong. Briefly after midnight, as the planes almost reached their target, a violent
thunderstorm caused complete disorder, driving the pilots markings off. The bombers piloted eastward and blindly
unloaded their bomb loads. Karlsruhe was temporarily saved. However, for the countryside to the east of Karlsruhe,
particularly the pretty tourist triangle of Rintheim-Hagsfeld-Grötzingen, hell was unleashed.
Approximately 300 aerial mines and high-explosives bombs and ten thousand incendiary bombs alone rained down on
quiet, unsuspecting Grötzingen, a picturesque hamlet settled for 2,000 years and the model for many paintings, picture
postcards and photographs. For 40 minutes the bombs pummeled the earth, igniting at least 400 fires. Over a thousand
unsuspecting and unprepared people lost their lives and a quarter of the village was completely destroyed. In addition, the
school, festival hall, savings bank and most of the old tourist hotels were destroyed. 58 houses disappeared and 426 were
damaged. In addition, hundreds of stables, barns and sheds (with living contents) were destroyed for no good reason.
quiet, unsuspecting Grötzingen, a picturesque hamlet settled for 2,000 years and the model for many paintings, picture
postcards and photographs. For 40 minutes the bombs pummeled the earth, igniting at least 400 fires. Over a thousand
unsuspecting and unprepared people lost their lives and a quarter of the village was completely destroyed. In addition, the
school, festival hall, savings bank and most of the old tourist hotels were destroyed. 58 houses disappeared and 426 were
damaged. In addition, hundreds of stables, barns and sheds (with living contents) were destroyed for no good reason.
| Grötzingen |
Guben developed around 1200 as a marketplace on the roads between between Leipzig, Görlitz and
Frankfurt (Oder). Guben received the municipal law by the Wettin Mark count Heinrich III. of
Meissen in 1235. A cloister of Benedictine nuns began developing on the western shore of the river.
Until 1815, Guben belonged to the Margravate of Lower Lusatia, which between 1367 and 1635
belonged to Bohemia. In 1635, Elector Johann Georg I of Saxony received Lower Lusatia and
Guben. In 1815, the Margravate of Lower Lusatia was replaced with the district system and Guben
became the capital of a district within the Province of Brandenburg. Guben's textile industry began to
develop in the 16th century, and it became a center of hatmaking. Guben became a rail connection
between Frankfurt/Oder and Breslau in 1846 and between Cottbus and Crossen an der Oder in 1871.
Frankfurt (Oder). Guben received the municipal law by the Wettin Mark count Heinrich III. of
Meissen in 1235. A cloister of Benedictine nuns began developing on the western shore of the river.
Until 1815, Guben belonged to the Margravate of Lower Lusatia, which between 1367 and 1635
belonged to Bohemia. In 1635, Elector Johann Georg I of Saxony received Lower Lusatia and
Guben. In 1815, the Margravate of Lower Lusatia was replaced with the district system and Guben
became the capital of a district within the Province of Brandenburg. Guben's textile industry began to
develop in the 16th century, and it became a center of hatmaking. Guben became a rail connection
between Frankfurt/Oder and Breslau in 1846 and between Cottbus and Crossen an der Oder in 1871.
At the end of World War II in 1945, Guben was 90 % destroyed by Allied Bombing and
because Guben was on the Lusatian Neisse, the city was separated into German Guben
and Polish Gubin. The German residents of the Polish part of Guben were forcibly
"evacuated" in 1945. Because the historical center of Guben became Gubin, the western
suburbs which grew from the cloister remained in Guben.
because Guben was on the Lusatian Neisse, the city was separated into German Guben
and Polish Gubin. The German residents of the Polish part of Guben were forcibly
"evacuated" in 1945. Because the historical center of Guben became Gubin, the western
suburbs which grew from the cloister remained in Guben.
| Guben |
| Halberstadt |
The Bishopric of Halberstadt was founded by Charlemagne in 814 as an outpost
intended to missionize the Saxons, and it was a Catholic city until around 1542,
when it became Protestant. From 1387 to 1518, Halberstadt was member of the
Hanseatic League, and by 1648, it was secularized under the treaty of Westphalia as
the Principality of Halberstadt. The city was devastated during the Thirty Years
War, but turned itself around and prospered with the arrival of Huguenots in 1685.
intended to missionize the Saxons, and it was a Catholic city until around 1542,
when it became Protestant. From 1387 to 1518, Halberstadt was member of the
Hanseatic League, and by 1648, it was secularized under the treaty of Westphalia as
the Principality of Halberstadt. The city was devastated during the Thirty Years
War, but turned itself around and prospered with the arrival of Huguenots in 1685.
Halberstadt was regarded as one of the most beautiful medieval German framework cities.
Halberstadt's timber frames medieval homes would prove hazardous during brutal Allied bombing, the
worst of which took place on April 8, 1945 in the very last days of the war as was the case in so
many German cities. Over 900 years of history were wiped out within minutes in a violent raid on the
old Cathedral city. 218 bombers dropped 550 tons of high explosive and incendiary bombs,
destroying all but one fifth of the city and killing 2,000 civilians. The ancient churches were tortured,
the narrow historic roads a heap of rubble, and 676 medieval half-timbered houses disappeared.
worst of which took place on April 8, 1945 in the very last days of the war as was the case in so
many German cities. Over 900 years of history were wiped out within minutes in a violent raid on the
old Cathedral city. 218 bombers dropped 550 tons of high explosive and incendiary bombs,
destroying all but one fifth of the city and killing 2,000 civilians. The ancient churches were tortured,
the narrow historic roads a heap of rubble, and 676 medieval half-timbered houses disappeared.
| Halle |
The first evidence of occupation at Halle, comes from artifacts of the Upper Paleolithic period. Salt
deposits in a nearby valley were mined and there is evidence of salt trade in the area as far back as
the Bronze age. First mentioned in 806 AD as a fortress, Halle was first part of the archbishopric of
Magdeburg in 968, and chartered by the Emperor Otto II in 981. Halle maintained its liberty as a
member of the Hanseatic League from 1281 until 1478, and accepted Protestantism in 1522. It
passed to Brandenburg in 1648. Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg was founded in 1694.
deposits in a nearby valley were mined and there is evidence of salt trade in the area as far back as
the Bronze age. First mentioned in 806 AD as a fortress, Halle was first part of the archbishopric of
Magdeburg in 968, and chartered by the Emperor Otto II in 981. Halle maintained its liberty as a
member of the Hanseatic League from 1281 until 1478, and accepted Protestantism in 1522. It
passed to Brandenburg in 1648. Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg was founded in 1694.
Remarkably, ancient Halle, the seat of intellectual church life for generations,
was not totally destroyed, at least not by bombs, in World War Two. Although
there were 553 air alarms, Halle suffered only two bomb attacks in World War
Two, both shortly before Americans took the town on April 17,1945. Among
other buildings, non-military targets such as the national theater and the old
Rathaus (City Hall) were destroyed. The enormous bell and clock tower called
the Roter Turm (red tower) stood on the marketplace in Halle as a landmark.
84 meters high, its construction began in 1506. In April, 1945 the tower was hit
by American shells and it lost its bell hood and burned out. Handel
was not totally destroyed, at least not by bombs, in World War Two. Although
there were 553 air alarms, Halle suffered only two bomb attacks in World War
Two, both shortly before Americans took the town on April 17,1945. Among
other buildings, non-military targets such as the national theater and the old
Rathaus (City Hall) were destroyed. The enormous bell and clock tower called
the Roter Turm (red tower) stood on the marketplace in Halle as a landmark.
84 meters high, its construction began in 1506. In April, 1945 the tower was hit
by American shells and it lost its bell hood and burned out. Handel
Halle 17th Century
| Hamburg |
Hamburg's population would be halved once again by War. From the beginning of the war up to October 1,1943 alone,
1,200,086 German civilians were killed or reported missing and believed killed in air raids. The number of people
bombed out and evacuated owing to air-raid danger was already 6,953,000. Figures did not include refugees. The
situation would become far more grim over the next 2 1/2 years as the war proceeded. At the time it was considered the
heaviest assault in aerial warfare history, and British officials later called it the "Hiroshima of Germany."
1,200,086 German civilians were killed or reported missing and believed killed in air raids. The number of people
bombed out and evacuated owing to air-raid danger was already 6,953,000. Figures did not include refugees. The
situation would become far more grim over the next 2 1/2 years as the war proceeded. At the time it was considered the
heaviest assault in aerial warfare history, and British officials later called it the "Hiroshima of Germany."
As Hamburg burned on that July night, artificially created volcanic flames five times the height of New York’s Empire
State Building and winds in excess of 150 miles per hour swallowed everything in their path, sucking people up like a
hellish vacuum cleaner. It caught the very pavement on fire and roasted people alive as they struggled for breath in
shelters. In "Operation Gomorrah," the hideously violent 10 day long firebombing of Hamburg by the British, 9,000 tons
of bombs left 60 percent of the city destroyed, a million people homeless and 40,000 to 50,000 people dead, most in an
agonizing manner. The university library with its 800,000 volumes was gone. The ancient city was wholly obliterated.
Before the end of the war, Hamburg was hit 69 times.
State Building and winds in excess of 150 miles per hour swallowed everything in their path, sucking people up like a
hellish vacuum cleaner. It caught the very pavement on fire and roasted people alive as they struggled for breath in
shelters. In "Operation Gomorrah," the hideously violent 10 day long firebombing of Hamburg by the British, 9,000 tons
of bombs left 60 percent of the city destroyed, a million people homeless and 40,000 to 50,000 people dead, most in an
agonizing manner. The university library with its 800,000 volumes was gone. The ancient city was wholly obliterated.
Before the end of the war, Hamburg was hit 69 times.
It was a joint effort between the RAF, Canadians and the USA combining to
create an "around the clock" bombing mission spanning 8 days and 4 nights.
On the night of July 27, 1943 starting shortly before midnight, Hamburg was
by attacked hundreds of aircraft in a massive, intentional effort to incinerate
the city and its inhabitants. On that July night, as part of "Operation
Gomorrah," utter hell devoured the city. With this event, the world media,
starting in London, somehow managed to turn the mass murder of
German civilian populations, especially those of the working class, into
an “acceptable” and “legitimate” method of war. The term
"Hamburgerzation" was used by the RAF to jokingly refer to future
bombing missions.
create an "around the clock" bombing mission spanning 8 days and 4 nights.
On the night of July 27, 1943 starting shortly before midnight, Hamburg was
by attacked hundreds of aircraft in a massive, intentional effort to incinerate
the city and its inhabitants. On that July night, as part of "Operation
Gomorrah," utter hell devoured the city. With this event, the world media,
starting in London, somehow managed to turn the mass murder of
German civilian populations, especially those of the working class, into
an “acceptable” and “legitimate” method of war. The term
"Hamburgerzation" was used by the RAF to jokingly refer to future
bombing missions.
There is another German city named Frankfurt: Frankfort on the Oder. It owes its
origin and name to a settlement of Franconian merchants in the I3th century.In late
medieval times, the town dominated the trade on the river between the formerly
German cities of Breslau and Stettin. In 1430, Frankfurt joined the Hanseatic
League, but for only a short time. The Elector of Brandenburg founded a university
here and in the 19th century Frankfurt played an important role in trade.
origin and name to a settlement of Franconian merchants in the I3th century.In late
medieval times, the town dominated the trade on the river between the formerly
German cities of Breslau and Stettin. In 1430, Frankfurt joined the Hanseatic
League, but for only a short time. The Elector of Brandenburg founded a university
here and in the 19th century Frankfurt played an important role in trade.
Frankfurt decayed under Communist occupation, its bomb damage (unavailable
stats) unrepaired and its downtown uglified. Its ancient Marienkirche had been
destroyed and never fully rebuilt, its destroyed red brick tower rebuilt in white
concrete, and all the stained glass windows removed and shipped to museums in
Moscow. Once located on both sides of the Oder River, it was cut in two by the
new border, and its other half is in Poland and goes by the name of Słubice.
stats) unrepaired and its downtown uglified. Its ancient Marienkirche had been
destroyed and never fully rebuilt, its destroyed red brick tower rebuilt in white
concrete, and all the stained glass windows removed and shipped to museums in
Moscow. Once located on both sides of the Oder River, it was cut in two by the
new border, and its other half is in Poland and goes by the name of Słubice.
| Frankfort on the Oder |
| Gotha |
| Gotha was attacked several times by American and English bombers. 542 civilians were killed. |
In 1372, it was made a free imperial city. After Frankfurt accepted the Reformation in 1530, it
hosted the coronation ceremonies for various emperors from 1562-1792. In the wars of the 17th and
18th centuries, Frankfurt was destructively occupied by foreign forces many times. Frankfurt was
part of the ecclesiastic principality of Regensburg and Aschaffenburg created by Napoleon I for Karl
Theodor von Dalberg after the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806, and then converted in
1810 into the grand duchy of Frankfurt. In 1815, the Congress of Vienna restored Frankfurt to free
city status and made it the seat of the diet of the German Federation. The first German national
assembly was the Frankfurt Parliament which met there in 1848-49. Frankfurt was then annexed by
Prussia. The Treaty of Frankfurt, which ended the Franco-Prussian War, was signed there in 1871.
It was probably the most important medieval city in Germany and to some, the most beautiful.
hosted the coronation ceremonies for various emperors from 1562-1792. In the wars of the 17th and
18th centuries, Frankfurt was destructively occupied by foreign forces many times. Frankfurt was
part of the ecclesiastic principality of Regensburg and Aschaffenburg created by Napoleon I for Karl
Theodor von Dalberg after the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806, and then converted in
1810 into the grand duchy of Frankfurt. In 1815, the Congress of Vienna restored Frankfurt to free
city status and made it the seat of the diet of the German Federation. The first German national
assembly was the Frankfurt Parliament which met there in 1848-49. Frankfurt was then annexed by
Prussia. The Treaty of Frankfurt, which ended the Franco-Prussian War, was signed there in 1871.
It was probably the most important medieval city in Germany and to some, the most beautiful.
From its foundation on the abbey, therefore, Fulda was a sovereign principality subject only to the
German emperor. Fulda was secularized in 1802 under Napoleonic rule and most of it passed to
Hesse-Kassel in 1816. Since 1829, Fulda has been an Episcopal See with a theological seminary.
German emperor. Fulda was secularized in 1802 under Napoleonic rule and most of it passed to
Hesse-Kassel in 1816. Since 1829, Fulda has been an Episcopal See with a theological seminary.
By the 16th century, several factors contributed to the League's demise, and although the league was
actually never formally dissolved, the last diet was held in 1669. Hamburg was occupied by pillaging
French troops after Napoleon won the battle of Lübeck in 1810, and there was plundering and heavy
taxation. The population shrank from 100,000 to 50,000, but after the French left, the city blossomed
actually never formally dissolved, the last diet was held in 1669. Hamburg was occupied by pillaging
French troops after Napoleon won the battle of Lübeck in 1810, and there was plundering and heavy
taxation. The population shrank from 100,000 to 50,000, but after the French left, the city blossomed
Hamburg was founded by Charlemagne when he built a fortress
for protection against marauding Slavs in 808. He also founded a
church on the Elbe in 811, which was the beginning of the
Christianization of Northern Europe. An Archbishop was installed
here in 834. Hamburg had to be rebuilt over and over because of
repeated looting and burning by the Danes and Slavs, and this
slowed down its commercial growth until the 12th century. The
city was granted franchises and fishing rights on the Elbe by
Friedrich I. Lübeck and Hamburg formed the Hanseatic League
early in the 13th century, soon to be joined by other towns, and
the federation became powerful enough to protect its land and
sea trade. Hamburg was proclaimed a free imperial city of the
Holy Roman Empire in 1510 by Maximilian I, and thrived.
for protection against marauding Slavs in 808. He also founded a
church on the Elbe in 811, which was the beginning of the
Christianization of Northern Europe. An Archbishop was installed
here in 834. Hamburg had to be rebuilt over and over because of
repeated looting and burning by the Danes and Slavs, and this
slowed down its commercial growth until the 12th century. The
city was granted franchises and fishing rights on the Elbe by
Friedrich I. Lübeck and Hamburg formed the Hanseatic League
early in the 13th century, soon to be joined by other towns, and
the federation became powerful enough to protect its land and
sea trade. Hamburg was proclaimed a free imperial city of the
Holy Roman Empire in 1510 by Maximilian I, and thrived.
Friedrichshafen is a town on the northern side of Bodensee
(Lake Constance) in southern Germany, near the borders
with Switzerland and Austria. It is famous for its native son,
Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin. During "Operation Bellicose"
in the latter part of the war, the town lost almost all of its
historical center. When the war began in 1939, 25,041 people
lived in Friedrichshafen and almost half wisely evacuated.
(Lake Constance) in southern Germany, near the borders
with Switzerland and Austria. It is famous for its native son,
Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin. During "Operation Bellicose"
in the latter part of the war, the town lost almost all of its
historical center. When the war began in 1939, 25,041 people
lived in Friedrichshafen and almost half wisely evacuated.
| Friederichshafen |
| Gelsenkirchen |
Gelsenkirchen was first documented in 1150, but it remained a tiny village until the 19th century, when the Industrial
Revolution led to the growth of the entire area. In 1840, when the mining of coal began, 6000 inhabitants lived in
Gelsenkirchen; in 1900 the population had increased to 138,000. The city naturally became the target of many heavy
Allied bombing raids during the Second World War, which destroyed three fourths of Gelsenkirchen
Revolution led to the growth of the entire area. In 1840, when the mining of coal began, 6000 inhabitants lived in
Gelsenkirchen; in 1900 the population had increased to 138,000. The city naturally became the target of many heavy
Allied bombing raids during the Second World War, which destroyed three fourths of Gelsenkirchen
| Hagen |
| See under Essen |
The British and the USAAF both attacked Friedrichshafen in March and April 1944, the worst air raid being on the night
of April 27-28, 1944, when the RAF killed 850 civilians.
of April 27-28, 1944, when the RAF killed 850 civilians.
| Freudenstädt |
Protestant religious refugees from Austria settled in
lands ruled by Duke Friedrich I of Württemberg in
1599. The Duke dreamed of a new city in the middle
of his duchy and the hard working religious exiles
obliged him. They cleared the wild forests and with
the help of Renaissance architect Henry Schick Hardt
designed the town plan.
lands ruled by Duke Friedrich I of Württemberg in
1599. The Duke dreamed of a new city in the middle
of his duchy and the hard working religious exiles
obliged him. They cleared the wild forests and with
the help of Renaissance architect Henry Schick Hardt
designed the town plan.
It included the biggest market place in Germany and was named Freudenstadt. The foundation stone
of a new church where they could freely worship was laid in 1601. The population grew steadily and
more and more refugees arrived. The Duke unfortunately died before he saw his dream completed
and Freudenstadt turn into a beautiful place.
of a new church where they could freely worship was laid in 1601. The population grew steadily and
more and more refugees arrived. The Duke unfortunately died before he saw his dream completed
and Freudenstadt turn into a beautiful place.
During the Second World War there was a command headquarters of the Wehrmacht near
Freudenstädt, a town which in France was a symbol of not only the Nazi regime and French
defeat, but Protestantism. They bitterly avengened themselves at the tail end of the war when
defenses were nearly absent. On April 16/17, 1945, the city was hit heavily by Allied bombs
and artillery bombardment by French troops under General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny. 600
antique buildings, 95% of the core of the city, were destroyed.
Freudenstädt, a town which in France was a symbol of not only the Nazi regime and French
defeat, but Protestantism. They bitterly avengened themselves at the tail end of the war when
defenses were nearly absent. On April 16/17, 1945, the city was hit heavily by Allied bombs
and artillery bombardment by French troops under General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny. 600
antique buildings, 95% of the core of the city, were destroyed.
After 16 hours of artillery shelling, a fire engulfed the town, and U.S. bombers had knocked out the main water pipe so
there was not sufficient water available to fight the many fires. 1,400 Families were left homeless. Worse, the subsequent
invasion of French troops led to substantial rape, beatings and abuse. Families were thrown out of homes which had been
spared for use by the occupying French. The time was of great distress, and debris removal was slow. As in other bomb
ravaged cities, there was great debate later as to whether to rebuild in modern or original form and a combination won
out. Freudenstädt led the pack in the apologetic "reconciliation" movement and is now "twinned" to a French city.
there was not sufficient water available to fight the many fires. 1,400 Families were left homeless. Worse, the subsequent
invasion of French troops led to substantial rape, beatings and abuse. Families were thrown out of homes which had been
spared for use by the occupying French. The time was of great distress, and debris removal was slow. As in other bomb
ravaged cities, there was great debate later as to whether to rebuild in modern or original form and a combination won
out. Freudenstädt led the pack in the apologetic "reconciliation" movement and is now "twinned" to a French city.
