People in France are very proud of their department and their region. Many people’s families live in a particular region for generations and generations. I live in the department of Moselle which lies in the region of Lorraine. The people of Lorraine and Alsace are especially proud. Lorraine for example, has its own Association of Patriotism. Many people from Alsace and Lorraine don’t even refer to themselves as French. They are Alsacien’s or Lorrain’s. A friend explained that this attitude is a result of the struggle between Germany and France to exploit the mines in Alsace-Lorrain during the World Wars. My friends Grandmother lived in the same house her entire life and her “nationality” changed four times.
In an effort to divert future conflicts the coal and iron mines of Alscace-Lorraine were used as the start of a Common European Market in the 50’s. Later, this common market evolved into the European Union. The mines and factories were the driving force behind the economy in Lorrain. Entire cities were built around the mines and Emigrants flocked to this area seeking work. The mines sponsored schools, hospitals, sports teams, musical ensembles, parties, housing, and more. Children of seven started working in the mines and at 14 many kids left school for full time employment as a miner. Most miners didn’t own a car because; work, the grocery store, family, and friends were all within walking distance. Mining started to decline in the sixties and the last mines closed definitively in the early nineties. When the mines closed, the mine towns were abandoned. Those who could moved, those who couldn’t were often impoverished. Eighteen years after the mines closed the old mine towns are starting to revitalize as middle class people leave Metz in search of affordable housing. After their closure most mines filled with water, but a few are maintained as museums. I recently had the opportunity go on a field trip with my school to a mine. The tour was led by an old miner who brashly recounted the dangers of mining.
In an effort to divert future conflicts the coal and iron mines of Alscace-Lorraine were used as the start of a Common European Market in the 50’s. Later, this common market evolved into the European Union. The mines and factories were the driving force behind the economy in Lorrain. Entire cities were built around the mines and Emigrants flocked to this area seeking work. The mines sponsored schools, hospitals, sports teams, musical ensembles, parties, housing, and more. Children of seven started working in the mines and at 14 many kids left school for full time employment as a miner. Most miners didn’t own a car because; work, the grocery store, family, and friends were all within walking distance. Mining started to decline in the sixties and the last mines closed definitively in the early nineties. When the mines closed, the mine towns were abandoned. Those who could moved, those who couldn’t were often impoverished. Eighteen years after the mines closed the old mine towns are starting to revitalize as middle class people leave Metz in search of affordable housing. After their closure most mines filled with water, but a few are maintained as museums. I recently had the opportunity go on a field trip with my school to a mine. The tour was led by an old miner who brashly recounted the dangers of mining.
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