Alsasko a Alsasané – vliv státních zásahů na identitu a kulturu hraniční oblasti / Alsace and the Alsatians – the impact of state interventions on the identity and culture of the border area

Abstract

This paper presents a study on the Alsatian ethnic group living in the former region of France. Alsace is predominantly a historic territory that has been the subject of numerous clashes over the preceding centuries, and both France and neighbouring Germany have been fighting for domination. The main aim of the paper is to determine the impacts state interventions have had on the identity and culture of the Alsatians, what the main elements of the Alsatian identity are, and what habits and traditions Alsatians consider to be the most important in distinguishing them from their surroundings. The work also addresses the influence of state interventions on the change in ethnic identity. The research shows that state power was significantly reflected both in the suppression of ethnic identity and in its consolidation.

Keywords

• alsace
• alsatians
• ethnic identity
• border areas
• government intervention