What was the order from Berlin? How did that order affect the people o...
The order from Berlin stated that only German was to be taught to students in the schools of Alsace and Lorraine.
The order brought all the routine hustle-bustle of the school life to a stand-still. The teacher, M. Hamel, became more sympathetic to his students and taught his lessons with more patience. The students became more attentive in their classes. The villagers, who were sitting at the usually empty back benches and had come to show their respect and gratitude to M. Hamel, regretted not going to school more than they did. The order also brought about a great change in the feelings of the people towards their country and their native language. There was a general sadness about not being able to utilise the opportunities of learning French when it was easily accessible.
This question is part of UPSC exam. View all Class 12 courses
What was the order from Berlin? How did that order affect the people o...
The Order from Berlin
The order from Berlin was a decree that mandated the use of the German language in all schools in the Alsace region. This order was issued during the German occupation of the region in World War I.
Effect on the People of Alsace
The order had a significant impact on the people of Alsace, particularly on M. Hamel and his students. The region had been under French control for many years, and the people were accustomed to speaking French. The order from Berlin was seen as an attempt to suppress the French language and culture in the region.
Effect on M. Hamel and His Students
M. Hamel was a French teacher who had taught in the school for 40 years. He was devastated by the order from Berlin, as he had dedicated his life to teaching French to the students. The order meant that he was no longer allowed to teach in his native language, and he feared that the students would lose their connection to their French heritage.
The students were also affected by the order. They had grown up speaking French, and many of them did not know German. The order meant that they had to learn German, and they struggled to adapt to the new language. The students were also saddened by the fact that they could no longer learn from M. Hamel, who had been a beloved teacher in the school for many years.
Conclusion
The order from Berlin had a profound impact on the people of Alsace, particularly on M. Hamel and his students. It was seen as an attempt to suppress the French language and culture in the region, and it caused great sadness and confusion among the people. The story of M. Hamel and his students serves as a reminder of the importance of language and culture in shaping our identity and sense of belonging.
What was the order from Berlin? How did that order affect the people o...
Bnnn