Battles & Campaigns · 1871
Treaty of Frankfurt
Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, Germany
What happened
The new German Empire and the French Third Republic. The treaty ended the Franco-Prussian War, which France had lost. France gave Germany most of Alsace and part of Lorraine, including the city of Metz, and agreed to pay 5 billion francs. German troops stayed in parts of France until the money was paid.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Winning back the 'lost provinces' became a major French goal for the next 40 years and a strong motive in the First World War.
What came next
France paid the money early, and German troops left in September 1873. Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France by the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.
Did you know?
People living in Alsace-Lorraine could choose to keep French nationality, but only if they moved away by 1 October 1872.
Timeline
- 27 October 1870The French army in Metz surrenders.
- 10 May 1871The Treaty of Frankfurt is signed.
- September 1873The last German occupation troops leave France.
- 1919The Treaty of Versailles returns Alsace-Lorraine to France.