From a centuries-old hostility to a foundational alliance, the story of Franco-German relations is a European epic. This article traces the metamorphosis of two "hereditary enemies" into pillars of the European Union. It all begins with Prussia's humiliation at the hands of Napoleon, sowing the seeds of a vengeful German nationalism.
The 19th and the first half of the 20th centuries were marked by incessant conflicts. The War of 1870, World War I, and the "Diktat" of Versailles fueled a cycle of hatred. World War II was the culmination of this spiral of destruction and antagonism.
Yet, after 1945, visionaries like de Gaulle and Adenauer chose reconciliation. The 1962 speech to German youth and the 1963 Élysée Treaty sealed this new friendship. Concrete projects like the OFAJ (Franco-German Youth Office), the ARTE television channel, and the Franco-German Brigade strengthened this bond.
The 2019 Treaty of Aachen came to further solidify this cooperation, which is unique in the world. This spectacular transformation, from deep animosity to a solid alliance, offers a lesson of hope for international relations. It is the story of a political will capable of overcoming the wounds of the past; an example of resilience and of building a shared future on the ashes of division