Grenzüberschreitende Beziehungen in der deutsch-französischen Kontaktzone des Saar-Mosel-Raums (1850–1914)

Abstract

From a historical point of view, the debate on European integration is often linked with questions of transnational interaction. Following this train of thoughts, the Saarland-Lothringen-Luxemburg region (Saar-Lor-Lux-Raum) is considered as a region of particular relevance. This article substantiates the appearance of regional networks and analyses patterns for both integrative and delimiting processes. The article focuses primarily on individual border contacts that can be identified as expression of “own” or “foreign” orientation. Based on social geography driven theory of action space (Aktionsraum) the article examines in how far individuals refer to an action space in order to fulfil basic needs like consumption, leisure, life and habitation. The role of religious communities has been included as an additional component of everyday life in the 19th und 20th century. The article concentrates on the urban, mining-shaped area between Saarbrücken and Forbach on the one hand, and on the rural German-speaking wine-growing district in the surrounding of Sierck/Perl on the other hand.