Mulhouse

On March 15, 1798, the city-state of Mulhouse chose to join France. Previously, Mulhouse had been a member of the Décapole, a federation of ten free imperial cities of the Holy Roman Empire, but it voted to become part of the French Republic due to economic and political pressures. This decision ended Mulhouse's long history as an independent entity and integrated it into the growing French nation.

The Treaty of Lunéville was signed on February 9, 1801, but it was not until March 1, 1801, that it formally ended hostilities and integrated regions including Mulhouse into France following the French Revolutionary Wars. The treaty redefined the territorial boundaries in Europe, and for Mulhouse, it solidified its position within France following its choice to join in 1798.

In 1826, the Société Industrielle de Mulhouse was founded to promote the industrial development of the region. Mulhouse, known for its successful textile industry, became a center for industrial innovation. The society played a crucial role in advancing industrial techniques, fostering economic growth, and promoting education and research in the sciences and industry in the area.

The Treaty of Frankfurt was signed on May 10, 1871, concluding the Franco-Prussian War, but it was implemented in Alsace, including Mulhouse, by November 19, 1871. As part of this treaty, Mulhouse was annexed by the German Empire, marking a significant shift in sovereignty. This resulted in Mulhouse being under German control until the end of World War I, influencing regional culture and politics.

The Mulhouse Zoological and Botanical Park was inaugurated on October 15, 1906. It has since become one of the most visited attractions in the region, featuring a large collection of animal species and plant varieties. The park was established as part of an initiative to enhance public knowledge of natural sciences and promote conservation awareness among the citizens of Mulhouse and its visitors.

On November 17, 1918, shortly after the armistice of World War I, Mulhouse returned to French control as Alsace was restored to France. This preceded the official signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which formally ended the conflict and redrew European borders. The return of Mulhouse was part of the larger realignment in the aftermath of the war, restoring French sovereignty over the Alsace region.

On November 21, 1944, Mulhouse was liberated by forces of the French 1st Army under the command of General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny. During World War II, Mulhouse was annexed by Nazi Germany, but the liberation restored the city to France. This event marked an important moment in the Alsace region during the liberation campaign in France as Allied forces advanced through Europe.

The Musée de l'Impression sur Étoffes, dedicated to textile printing, reopened on June 17, 2006, after extensive renovations. This museum in Mulhouse holds an extensive collection of printed textiles and documents the rich history of the textile industry in the region. The reopening brought new exhibitions and interactive displays, highlighting the city's industrial heritage and commitment to preserving its cultural history.

The Mulhouse tram-train, a pioneering transport project, was inaugurated on January 15, 2010. This innovative system allows trams to run on both city tramlines and regional railway lines, creating a seamless transit solution for commuters in the Alsace region. The project highlighted Mulhouse's commitment to sustainable and efficient urban transport solutions, setting a model for integrated transport systems in Europe.

In July 2015, the International Air and Space Academy (Académie Internationale de l'Air et de l'Espace) officially moved its headquarters to Mulhouse. This move was significant as it underscored Mulhouse's strong ties to both industrial innovation and education. The academy focuses on promoting international cooperation in air and space exploration, making Mulhouse a significant center for aerospace education.