Mulhouse

History

The first written records of Mulhouse date from the 12th century. It was a member of the Décapole, an association of ten free towns in Alsace allied to the Swiss Confederation, which was a free republic until it was absorbed into France on January 4, 1798, during the French Directory period.

Related Topics:
12th century - Décapole - Free town - Swiss Confederation - 1798 - French Directory

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From 1870 to 1918, Mulhouse was under the control of the German Empire as part of the territory of Alsace-Lorraine. It was occupied by French troops on 8 August 1914, but they were forced to withdraw two days later in the Battle of Mulhouse. As a reuslt of World War I, Alsace-Lorraine was returned to French sovereignty in 1918. It was occupied and annexed again by Germany from 1940 until liberated in late 1944.

Related Topics:
1870 - 1918 - German Empire - 8 August - 1914 - Battle of Mulhouse - World War I - Alsace-Lorraine - Germany - 1940 - 1944

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The town's development was stimulated first by the expansion of the textile industry and tanning, and subsequently by chemical and engineering industries from the mid 18th century. In consequence Mulhouse has enduring links with Louisiana, from which it imported cotton, and also with the Levant. The town's history also explains why its centre is relatively small.

Related Topics:
Textile industry - Tanning - Chemical - Engineering industries - 18th century - Louisiana - Cotton - Levant

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