Because Strasbourg is the seat of dozens of international organisations and bodies, including the European parliament, Alsace is politically one of the most important regions in the European Union. Even though Alsace is part of France, the region boasts a very distinctive culture, in part due to its long periods spent under German influence. In 1871, following its victory in the Franco-Prussian War, the new German Empire claimed Alsace Lorraine region. The occupation lasted until 1918 when, after Germany's defeat in the First World War, the region was once more annexed to France under the Treaty of Versailles. Germany occupied the region again during the Second World War. During this time, people from Alsace became German citizens by decree from the Nazi government. A complex history to say the least. Alsace changed hands four times between France and Germany in 75 years! Although the historical language of Alsace is Alsatian, a Germanic language, today Alsatians speak Frenc