| Jena |
| Jena, Kaiserslautern, Karlsruhe, Kärnten, Kassel, Kiel, Kleve, Koblenz, Krefeld, Landau/Pfalz and Leverkusen |
On October 14, 1806, Napoleon fought and defeated the Prussian army at the
old Thuringian town of Jena. Resistance here against French occupation was
strong, especially among the town students, many of which fought in the
Lützow Free Corps in 1813. Their activism for a united Germany play a big
role. Jena was destroyed 15% by World War II bombs.
old Thuringian town of Jena. Resistance here against French occupation was
strong, especially among the town students, many of which fought in the
Lützow Free Corps in 1813. Their activism for a united Germany play a big
role. Jena was destroyed 15% by World War II bombs.
| Kaiserslautern |
The entire Pfalz/Palatinate area was the scene of bitter fighting between French and German troops
throughout the 18th century. In 1713, the French destroyed Barbarossa's castle and the city towers.
From 1793 until Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo in 1815, the area was under a costly French rule.
Under Napoleon, the city became the seat of a sous-prefecture, and at the end of Napoleon's reign,
the city and the Palatinate became for a time part of Bavaria.
throughout the 18th century. In 1713, the French destroyed Barbarossa's castle and the city towers.
From 1793 until Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo in 1815, the area was under a costly French rule.
Under Napoleon, the city became the seat of a sous-prefecture, and at the end of Napoleon's reign,
the city and the Palatinate became for a time part of Bavaria.
The royal court of Lutra is first mentioned in a document of 830 AD. In
985, Emperor Otto III granted it market rights. Kaiserslautern's name goes
back to Barbarossa who was so impressed by the area's forested beauty
800 years ago, that he had a palace built for himself in his favorite hunting
spot at "Lautern" in 1152. 2,500 year old Celtic tombs were found nearby.
985, Emperor Otto III granted it market rights. Kaiserslautern's name goes
back to Barbarossa who was so impressed by the area's forested beauty
800 years ago, that he had a palace built for himself in his favorite hunting
spot at "Lautern" in 1152. 2,500 year old Celtic tombs were found nearby.
The oldest church in Kaiserslautern was constructed from 1250-1350. Lautern was granted a city
charter by King Rudolf von Habsburg in 1276, and a great hall church was then erected. Throughout
its history, Kaiserslautern fell under the authority of various ecclesiastical and secular rulers. In 1569,
Count Palatine Johann Casimir, the "Jäger aus Kurpfalz," built a Renaissance palace next to the ruins
of Barbarossa's castle. Brutal Spanish occupation during the Thirty Years War was followed by
ruthless Croatian troops who plundered the city and murdered 3,000 of the 3,200 residents.
charter by King Rudolf von Habsburg in 1276, and a great hall church was then erected. Throughout
its history, Kaiserslautern fell under the authority of various ecclesiastical and secular rulers. In 1569,
Count Palatine Johann Casimir, the "Jäger aus Kurpfalz," built a Renaissance palace next to the ruins
of Barbarossa's castle. Brutal Spanish occupation during the Thirty Years War was followed by
ruthless Croatian troops who plundered the city and murdered 3,000 of the 3,200 residents.
World War II nearly destroyed Kaiserslautern, with more than 60% of the city bombed and destroyed by allied aircraft.
Heaviest attacks occurred January 7th, August 11th, and September 28th, 1944. Of the 20,000 homes, 11,000 were
destroyed or damaged. More than 516 civilians lost their lives, and 4,132 buildings had been destroyed or damaged. By
January 5, 1944, the population had run to shelters 243 times under the howling sirens.
Heaviest attacks occurred January 7th, August 11th, and September 28th, 1944. Of the 20,000 homes, 11,000 were
destroyed or damaged. More than 516 civilians lost their lives, and 4,132 buildings had been destroyed or damaged. By
January 5, 1944, the population had run to shelters 243 times under the howling sirens.
Although the city of Kaiserslautern still stood intact, the attacks on periphery of the Pfalz,
on Mannheim, Ludwigshafen, Karlsruhe and Saarbruecken, increased in violence.
An 8 pronged attack on April 23, 1944 caused major damage. Then, a second attack
followed on August 14, 1944, which was aimed at the city center, the east, south and
partial north side of the city. 342 houses were totally destroyed, 79 heavily damaged. But
that was not enough for the Allied bombers. When the middle of the night on September
28, 1944 arrived, an inferno was in store. People frantically raced to shelters in their
nightclothes as the incendiaries started to rain down around them, and with every dull
thump of detonation, the cracking and bursting of collapsing buildings melded into the
sizzling echo of the surrounding fire.
There was no escape for those who had been late fleeing, and despite attempts by rescue
personnel, salvation was usually unsuccessful. The danger of suffocation or fire drove the
people from their homes, and they raced about the street finding no place to go.
on Mannheim, Ludwigshafen, Karlsruhe and Saarbruecken, increased in violence.
An 8 pronged attack on April 23, 1944 caused major damage. Then, a second attack
followed on August 14, 1944, which was aimed at the city center, the east, south and
partial north side of the city. 342 houses were totally destroyed, 79 heavily damaged. But
that was not enough for the Allied bombers. When the middle of the night on September
28, 1944 arrived, an inferno was in store. People frantically raced to shelters in their
nightclothes as the incendiaries started to rain down around them, and with every dull
thump of detonation, the cracking and bursting of collapsing buildings melded into the
sizzling echo of the surrounding fire.
There was no escape for those who had been late fleeing, and despite attempts by rescue
personnel, salvation was usually unsuccessful. The danger of suffocation or fire drove the
people from their homes, and they raced about the street finding no place to go.
The working class houses were hit with numerous incendiary bombs, causing chaos and death. After only one hour, the
city was a only one moaning, smoking sea of flame and on the next day, the complete destruction of Kaiserslautern was
announced. Over 1,000 fires had consumed 190 roads, 2143 houses and a few hundred civilians. But it was not over yet.
28 more brutal attacks took place, until March 17, 1945. On March 18, "Hornets" circled the defenseless town, dropping
bombs and machine gunning any moving object below. The city became home to an American airbase.
city was a only one moaning, smoking sea of flame and on the next day, the complete destruction of Kaiserslautern was
announced. Over 1,000 fires had consumed 190 roads, 2143 houses and a few hundred civilians. But it was not over yet.
28 more brutal attacks took place, until March 17, 1945. On March 18, "Hornets" circled the defenseless town, dropping
bombs and machine gunning any moving object below. The city became home to an American airbase.
| Karlsruhe |
Dignified Karlsruhe is located on the northern fringes of the Black
Forest and connected to the Rhine River by a canal. Karlsruhe
was founded in 1715 by Karl Wilhelm, Margrave of Baden-
Durlach. After 1771, it was the capital of the duchy of Baden.
The old part of Karlsruhe was laid out as a vast semicircle with
the streets converging radially upon the elegant 1752 ducal palace.
The city has an old and esteemed university.
Forest and connected to the Rhine River by a canal. Karlsruhe
was founded in 1715 by Karl Wilhelm, Margrave of Baden-
Durlach. After 1771, it was the capital of the duchy of Baden.
The old part of Karlsruhe was laid out as a vast semicircle with
the streets converging radially upon the elegant 1752 ducal palace.
The city has an old and esteemed university.
135 air raids aside, the first large scale British attack on the old college town of Karlsruhe damaged its Rhine port and
military station. Then the attacks got personal as the second attack destroyed the federal state library resulting in a loss of
350,000 volumes. The third attack levelled and burned the western residential part of the city.
military station. Then the attacks got personal as the second attack destroyed the federal state library resulting in a loss of
350,000 volumes. The third attack levelled and burned the western residential part of the city.
In 1942, the first 8,000 pound British "blockbuster" bomb was dropped on
Karlsruhe. After "Butcher" Harris took control, the city experienced longer
and more prolonged civilian attacks. Karlsruhe became the pilot project for
the so-called "Christmas tree" bombs, and on September 25, 1944, the
housing in the suburbs as well as the eastern part of the city were bombed.
On September 27, the city center was bombed. From April to December,
1944, Karlsruhe suffered 13 incendiary bomb attacks. In total, more than
10,000 tons of bombs were dumped on the city. Of 17,134 family homes,
only 3,414 remained. 1,745 civilians were dead, and 3,508 injured.
Karlsruhe. After "Butcher" Harris took control, the city experienced longer
and more prolonged civilian attacks. Karlsruhe became the pilot project for
the so-called "Christmas tree" bombs, and on September 25, 1944, the
housing in the suburbs as well as the eastern part of the city were bombed.
On September 27, the city center was bombed. From April to December,
1944, Karlsruhe suffered 13 incendiary bomb attacks. In total, more than
10,000 tons of bombs were dumped on the city. Of 17,134 family homes,
only 3,414 remained. 1,745 civilians were dead, and 3,508 injured.
| Kärnten |
Kärnten was attacked fourteen time in 1944 and 32 times until the end of the war in
1945. In the worst attack, 67 American bombers released over 200 one ton bombs
around Kärnten, with the purported principle purpose of hitting the air base in Annabichl.
While 30 per cent of the factory residential area was destroyed, only 18% of the
industrial section was hit. The airport in Annabichl was indeed heavily damaged, but the
attack on the surrounding urban areas was deadly, and had no militarily purpose. The
venerable building of the Kärntner state museum, left, was nearly completely destroyed.
512 civilians died, hundreds were injured and 3,556 buildings damaged and destroyed.
1945. In the worst attack, 67 American bombers released over 200 one ton bombs
around Kärnten, with the purported principle purpose of hitting the air base in Annabichl.
While 30 per cent of the factory residential area was destroyed, only 18% of the
industrial section was hit. The airport in Annabichl was indeed heavily damaged, but the
attack on the surrounding urban areas was deadly, and had no militarily purpose. The
venerable building of the Kärntner state museum, left, was nearly completely destroyed.
512 civilians died, hundreds were injured and 3,556 buildings damaged and destroyed.
| Kassel |
Kassel as such is first mentioned in 913 as Chasella and it was a
fortification at a bridge crossing the Fulda river. In 1567, the
Landgraviate of Hesse made Kassel its capital, and it became a
center of Calvanist Protestantism with Catholic-proof walls and
fortifications. Kassel became a refuge for 1,700 Huguenots in
1685. In the late 18th century, Hesse-Kassel langraves sold their
soldiers as mercenaries to the British.
fortification at a bridge crossing the Fulda river. In 1567, the
Landgraviate of Hesse made Kassel its capital, and it became a
center of Calvanist Protestantism with Catholic-proof walls and
fortifications. Kassel became a refuge for 1,700 Huguenots in
1685. In the late 18th century, Hesse-Kassel langraves sold their
soldiers as mercenaries to the British.
The Brothers Grimm lived in Kassel where they collected and wrote most of their old German folk
tales shortly before Napoleon annexed it in 1807, turning it into the capital of the Kingdom of
Westphalia under his brother Jerome. But death by roasting was not reserved for the Grimm villains.
tales shortly before Napoleon annexed it in 1807, turning it into the capital of the Kingdom of
Westphalia under his brother Jerome. But death by roasting was not reserved for the Grimm villains.
On the night of October 22, 1943, British bombers feigned an attack on Frankfurt so as to catch Kassel unprepared. Five
minutes later, 569 Bombers instead turned and aimed their forces at Kassel and destroyed 90% of the ancient city center,
killing over 10,000 people in a firestorm comparable to the one in Hamburg 3 months earlier. For 80 minutes, waves of
bombers dropped at least 1,800 tons of high explosives and incendiaries in bombing was so intense that bombs fell with a
density of up to two per square meter.
minutes later, 569 Bombers instead turned and aimed their forces at Kassel and destroyed 90% of the ancient city center,
killing over 10,000 people in a firestorm comparable to the one in Hamburg 3 months earlier. For 80 minutes, waves of
bombers dropped at least 1,800 tons of high explosives and incendiaries in bombing was so intense that bombs fell with a
density of up to two per square meter.
The attack on Kassel included one of the most accurate target markings since the
Hamburg firestorm raid because the RAF introduced Operation Corona on the
night of the raid to confuse the German nightfighters, making the raid a complete
'success.' Kassel, which had a pre-raid population of 236,000 in 1939, burned
for 7 days. It took weeks to collect all the corpses from the streets and out of the
ruined cellars. When Americans, the folks who would later ban the Grimm
brothers' stories for "violence," captured the city in March 1945, only 50,000
people were living there. Civilian corpses after an attack, left
Hamburg firestorm raid because the RAF introduced Operation Corona on the
night of the raid to confuse the German nightfighters, making the raid a complete
'success.' Kassel, which had a pre-raid population of 236,000 in 1939, burned
for 7 days. It took weeks to collect all the corpses from the streets and out of the
ruined cellars. When Americans, the folks who would later ban the Grimm
brothers' stories for "violence," captured the city in March 1945, only 50,000
people were living there. Civilian corpses after an attack, left
Only a very few of the ancient buildings were restored after the war, and most of the city was almost completely rebuilt in
the 1950s. St. Martin Church is only in part still medieval as the towers are from the 1950s. What historic buildings have
survived are mainly outside the once lovely center of town. "Kassel suffered over 300 air raids, some carrying waves of
1,000 bombers; British by night, American by day. When on April 4th 1945, the city surrendered, of a population of 250,000,
just 15,000 were left alive," Jack Bell, Chicago Daily News Foreign Service, Kassel on May 15, 1946. Eye witness accounts of
the day differ substantially from what we read in today's media. Civilian mortality counts were much higher at the actual time.
the 1950s. St. Martin Church is only in part still medieval as the towers are from the 1950s. What historic buildings have
survived are mainly outside the once lovely center of town. "Kassel suffered over 300 air raids, some carrying waves of
1,000 bombers; British by night, American by day. When on April 4th 1945, the city surrendered, of a population of 250,000,
just 15,000 were left alive," Jack Bell, Chicago Daily News Foreign Service, Kassel on May 15, 1946. Eye witness accounts of
the day differ substantially from what we read in today's media. Civilian mortality counts were much higher at the actual time.
Every building in the city center was hit by at least two liquid incendiary bombs
and 460,000 "firesticks" rained on the city creating a firestorm with temperatures
of 1500°C and above, consuming nearly all oxygen as it pulled fresh air into the
fire. People trying to escape the fire zone were caught in the ensuing 100 mph
wind and sucked back into the fire. Those who fled into cellars suffocated. The
attack on Kassel destroyed 76 % of the houses and 85 % of all dwellings. Most
of the casualties were civilians or wounded soldiers recuperating in local hospitals,
whereas Kassel's heavy weapons factories survived the attack almost
undamaged. It instantly left 150,000 families homeless.
and 460,000 "firesticks" rained on the city creating a firestorm with temperatures
of 1500°C and above, consuming nearly all oxygen as it pulled fresh air into the
fire. People trying to escape the fire zone were caught in the ensuing 100 mph
wind and sucked back into the fire. Those who fled into cellars suffocated. The
attack on Kassel destroyed 76 % of the houses and 85 % of all dwellings. Most
of the casualties were civilians or wounded soldiers recuperating in local hospitals,
whereas Kassel's heavy weapons factories survived the attack almost
undamaged. It instantly left 150,000 families homeless.
| Kiel |
Kiel was founded in 1233 and granted rights in 1242.
Kiel was a member of the Hanseatic League from 1284
until it was evicted in 1518 for giving refuge to pirates. In
1431, Kiel became home to a market for goods and
money in Schleswig-Holstein, and was important until the
19th century. Kiel's university was founded in 1665.
Kiel was a member of the Hanseatic League from 1284
until it was evicted in 1518 for giving refuge to pirates. In
1431, Kiel became home to a market for goods and
money in Schleswig-Holstein, and was important until the
19th century. Kiel's university was founded in 1665.
From 1773-1864, the German town belonged to a Danish King, but he ruled Holstein as a subject of
the Holy Roman Empire through a personal union, so the town remained independent of Denmark,
and still belonged to Germany. Despite its rocky politics, Kiel always had one true ruler: the Sea.
the Holy Roman Empire through a personal union, so the town remained independent of Denmark,
and still belonged to Germany. Despite its rocky politics, Kiel always had one true ruler: the Sea.
Because of its status as a naval port and submarine producer, Kiel was heavily
bombed by the Allies in WW Two, destroying not only 83% of the industrial
areas, but the old center city itself by 80% and the residential sector 72%. On
August 17, 1944, 900 tons of bombs were dropped on the city, and ten days
later another 1,448 tons of bombs. At the very tail end of the war, on April 3,
1945, 700 bombers attacked the city again and dropped 2,200 tons of bombs on
its remains. Kiel in 1945, left
bombed by the Allies in WW Two, destroying not only 83% of the industrial
areas, but the old center city itself by 80% and the residential sector 72%. On
August 17, 1944, 900 tons of bombs were dropped on the city, and ten days
later another 1,448 tons of bombs. At the very tail end of the war, on April 3,
1945, 700 bombers attacked the city again and dropped 2,200 tons of bombs on
its remains. Kiel in 1945, left
Altogether the city had 90 air raids, which destroyed 36,000 (58%)dwellings and killed 3,000 civilians. There was
additionally an enormous inflow of refugees from the east, more than in any other European city, and the pre-war
population grew by eight times.
additionally an enormous inflow of refugees from the east, more than in any other European city, and the pre-war
population grew by eight times.
| Kleve |
Although Kleve provided Henry the 8th of England one of his many wives, there was no
sentimentality during World War 2 when British Bomber Command instructed 285 of its
aircraft to plaster 1,384 tons of high explosive on the ancient and historic town, destroying
over 90% of its medieval buildings. Nothing substantial of the medieval city remains today.
Kleve claimed to be the most completely destroyed town in Germany of its size.
sentimentality during World War 2 when British Bomber Command instructed 285 of its
aircraft to plaster 1,384 tons of high explosive on the ancient and historic town, destroying
over 90% of its medieval buildings. Nothing substantial of the medieval city remains today.
Kleve claimed to be the most completely destroyed town in Germany of its size.
| Koblenz |
Part of the League of Rhenish cities, Koblenz gained wealth and
prestige until the Thirty Years' War. Philipp Christoph, elector of
Trier, surrendered Ehrenbreitstein to the French, and in 1632, the
town received an imperial garrison, soon overrun by the Swedes
who handed the city back over to the French. In 1632, imperial
forces succeeded in retaking Koblenz.
prestige until the Thirty Years' War. Philipp Christoph, elector of
Trier, surrendered Ehrenbreitstein to the French, and in 1632, the
town received an imperial garrison, soon overrun by the Swedes
who handed the city back over to the French. In 1632, imperial
forces succeeded in retaking Koblenz.
In 1688, the city was again besieged by the French, but they only managed to leave a trail of fire and
destruction. In 1786, Clement Wenceslaus of Saxony, elector of Trier, took up his residence and
improved the city, which soon drew in French victims of religious persecution. By the congress of
Vienna it was assigned to Prussia in 1822. Koblenz before and after
destruction. In 1786, Clement Wenceslaus of Saxony, elector of Trier, took up his residence and
improved the city, which soon drew in French victims of religious persecution. By the congress of
Vienna it was assigned to Prussia in 1822. Koblenz before and after
Koblenz was one of the military posts established by Drusus around 9 B.C. Later, it was frequently
the residence of the Frankish kings, and by 860 and 922 it was the scene of ecclesiastical synods. In
1018, after receiving a charter, the city was given by the emperor Heinrich II. to the Archbishop of
Trier,and it remained in the possession of the Archbishop-electors. In 1249, it was surrounded by
new walls by Archbishop Arnold II and future Archbishops built and strengthened the fortress of
Ehrenbreitstein to dominate the city, a city always coveted by the French.
the residence of the Frankish kings, and by 860 and 922 it was the scene of ecclesiastical synods. In
1018, after receiving a charter, the city was given by the emperor Heinrich II. to the Archbishop of
Trier,and it remained in the possession of the Archbishop-electors. In 1249, it was surrounded by
new walls by Archbishop Arnold II and future Archbishops built and strengthened the fortress of
Ehrenbreitstein to dominate the city, a city always coveted by the French.
Especially at the end of the war, Koblenz was attacked repeatedly for no valid military or strategic reason. There were
no important war industries and even during the attacks, the transportation facilities of the city were not the priority
targets, the civilian population was. The heavy air raids of 1944 and 1945 of both the US and British destroyed 87 % of
the historic, 1,000 year-old inner city. Koblenz famous horse monument, above. The bombardment of Koblenz left
thousands of dead and wounded and 2 million cubic meters of debris and rubble. One could suddenly see far up the
river through bleak, open spaces to places never before visible. Of the 94,417 inhabitants in 1943, only 9,000 remained
in the city at the end of war, and they lived for weeks in the large concrete shelters, having lost even rudimentary utensils
and bedding along with their homes and family members and pets. She was assaulted until 1945 when the French
occupied the city. Much of her population had been evacuated in advance to Thuringia, and when that area was later
given to the communists, the unfortunate civilian refugees from Koblenz found themselves trapped in another Hell.
no important war industries and even during the attacks, the transportation facilities of the city were not the priority
targets, the civilian population was. The heavy air raids of 1944 and 1945 of both the US and British destroyed 87 % of
the historic, 1,000 year-old inner city. Koblenz famous horse monument, above. The bombardment of Koblenz left
thousands of dead and wounded and 2 million cubic meters of debris and rubble. One could suddenly see far up the
river through bleak, open spaces to places never before visible. Of the 94,417 inhabitants in 1943, only 9,000 remained
in the city at the end of war, and they lived for weeks in the large concrete shelters, having lost even rudimentary utensils
and bedding along with their homes and family members and pets. She was assaulted until 1945 when the French
occupied the city. Much of her population had been evacuated in advance to Thuringia, and when that area was later
given to the communists, the unfortunate civilian refugees from Koblenz found themselves trapped in another Hell.
| Krefeld |
Krefeld was part of the Holy Roman Empire in 69AD. Through
the centuries, the town was dominated by Franks, the Earl of
Moers, Prussia and Napoleon. It owes it's modern name to the
Mennonites who came there as skilled weavers of silk and
velvet from France in the 17th century.
the centuries, the town was dominated by Franks, the Earl of
Moers, Prussia and Napoleon. It owes it's modern name to the
Mennonites who came there as skilled weavers of silk and
velvet from France in the 17th century.
In 1683, thirteen mostly Quaker and Mennonites families from Krefeld were
the first close group who emigrated to America. They created Germantown,
Philadelphia.
the first close group who emigrated to America. They created Germantown,
Philadelphia.
War met the small city of Krefeld on the night of June 21, 1943, when 700 RAF bombers
dumped enough incendiary bombs to destroy most of the historic city center.
dumped enough incendiary bombs to destroy most of the historic city center.
| Landau/Pfalz |
The old fortress was reinforced. In 1789, the French Revolution spread into
Landau, and a Liberty column and Guillotine were erected at the parade
ground, renamed “place de légalité.” It went from France to the Habsburgs,
briefly, until it was put under Bavarian control in 1816. Heavy bombing by
the Allies in 1944 and 1945 destroyed 40 per cent of the old town.
Thomas Nast
Landau, and a Liberty column and Guillotine were erected at the parade
ground, renamed “place de légalité.” It went from France to the Habsburgs,
briefly, until it was put under Bavarian control in 1816. Heavy bombing by
the Allies in 1944 and 1945 destroyed 40 per cent of the old town.
Thomas Nast
Landau in the Pfalz is first mentioned in 1268. In 1274, King
Rudolph bestowed market and municipal rights upon Landau, and
in 1291, it was elevated to the rank of city. In 1324, Ludwig the
Bavarian passed it to the Bishop of Speyer under whose control
it remained until 1511. It was passed back and forth to various
factions, and in brutality and misery of the Thirty Years War.
Rudolph bestowed market and municipal rights upon Landau, and
in 1291, it was elevated to the rank of city. In 1324, Ludwig the
Bavarian passed it to the Bishop of Speyer under whose control
it remained until 1511. It was passed back and forth to various
factions, and in brutality and misery of the Thirty Years War.
The Duchy of Kleve, which from late Carolingian times spread to both
sides of the lower Rhine bordering on the Netherlands. In 1521, Anne
of Kleve's father, Duke Johann III of Kleve, inherited the duchies of
Jülich and Berg and the county of Ravensberg. Kleve means ‘cliff ’ and
its 11th century castle, Die Schwanenburg, set atop the cliff.
sides of the lower Rhine bordering on the Netherlands. In 1521, Anne
of Kleve's father, Duke Johann III of Kleve, inherited the duchies of
Jülich and Berg and the county of Ravensberg. Kleve means ‘cliff ’ and
its 11th century castle, Die Schwanenburg, set atop the cliff.
The story of Percival’s son, Lohengrin, the mysterious knight who arrived in a swan-drawn boat to
defend a noble damsel and later to become her husband, was centered here according to local legend.
In 1609, the male line of Kleve became extinct, and in 1614, Kleve was aquired by Brandenburg
along with Mark and Ravensberg; the Palatinate-Neuburg line of the Bavarian house of Wittelsbach
took Jülich and Berg. Kleve was held by France during the French Revolutionary Wars and in 1815
was returned to Prussia.
defend a noble damsel and later to become her husband, was centered here according to local legend.
In 1609, the male line of Kleve became extinct, and in 1614, Kleve was aquired by Brandenburg
along with Mark and Ravensberg; the Palatinate-Neuburg line of the Bavarian house of Wittelsbach
took Jülich and Berg. Kleve was held by France during the French Revolutionary Wars and in 1815
was returned to Prussia.
| Leverkusen |
Leverkusen is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia on the eastern bank of the Rhine, half way between Cologne and
Düsseldorf. First mentioned in 1145, it belonged to the Duchy of Berg since the Middle Ages. On the night of June 5,
1940, the first air attack took place, but on the railway and factories. The city was then subjected to repeated bombing
throughout the war. Finally, in August and November 1943, Leverkusen was carpet bombed. The worst attack was on
October 26,1944, when a total of 1,017 Spring loaded bombs and about 12,000 fire bombs fell, killing 124 people and
causing enormous material damage. Between December 1944 and March 1945, many more lives were lost and greater
destruction followed
Düsseldorf. First mentioned in 1145, it belonged to the Duchy of Berg since the Middle Ages. On the night of June 5,
1940, the first air attack took place, but on the railway and factories. The city was then subjected to repeated bombing
throughout the war. Finally, in August and November 1943, Leverkusen was carpet bombed. The worst attack was on
October 26,1944, when a total of 1,017 Spring loaded bombs and about 12,000 fire bombs fell, killing 124 people and
causing enormous material damage. Between December 1944 and March 1945, many more lives were lost and greater
destruction followed
The number of inhabitants dropped from 2,500 to 1,500. Since then, there was constant friction with
the French. The city was rebuilt after it was burned down in 1689, and new buildings and straight
roads were designed around 1700. It went from France to the Habsburgs, briefly, until it was put
under Bavarian control in 1816.
the French. The city was rebuilt after it was burned down in 1689, and new buildings and straight
roads were designed around 1700. It went from France to the Habsburgs, briefly, until it was put
under Bavarian control in 1816.
click
click