Lecture: Hartmannswillerkopf, from Battlefield to a Symbol of Franco-German Friendship

Perched at over 950 meters altitude, the Hartmannswillerkopf, also known as Vieil Armand, was one of the main battlefields on the Vosges front during the First World War. In 1915, the fighting there was particularly intense, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the conflict. Over the course of the 20th century, this site became a national monument, shaped by the memory of veterans and the desire to preserve and pass on this unique history.

The centenary of the Great War marked a turning point with the inauguration of the first Franco-German Historial dedicated to this conflict. This place offers a cross-disciplinary and educational approach, exploring both mountain warfare and the site's evolution up to the present day. The speakers, Jean Klinkert and Florian Hensel, respectively president and director of the Hartmannswillerkopf National Monument Committee, provide a vivid and engaging interpretation of this important memorial site.

Here, the history of the battles intertwines with that of reconciliation and Franco-German friendship.