What was the Territory of the Saar Basin, and during what period did it exist?

The Territory of the Saar Basin was a region governed by the United Kingdom and France under a League of Nations mandate from 1920 to 1935. It closely resembled the modern German state of Saarland but was slightly smaller in area. The territory was returned to Germany following a plebiscite in 1935.

What were the German and French names for the Territory of the Saar Basin?

The German names for the Territory of the Saar Basin were "Saarbeckengebiet" and "Saarterritorium." The French name was "Territoire du bassin de la Sarre."

Under which international agreement was the Territory of the Saar Basin established?

The Territory of the Saar Basin was established under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, specifically following Articles 45-50 and their Annexes.

What was the primary purpose of the League of Nations mandate over the Saar Basin?

The League of Nations mandate was established to govern the highly industrialized Saar Basin for a period of fifteen years. During this time, its coalfields were ceded to France, and the territory was administered by a Governing Commission.

What was the designated capital city of the Territory of the Saar Basin?

The capital city of the Territory of the Saar Basin was Saarbrücken.

What was the population of the Saar Basin in 1933?

In 1933, the population of the Saar Basin was recorded as 812,000 people.

What was the flag of the Saar Territory, adopted in 1920, designed to represent?

The flag of the Saar Territory, adopted on July 28, 1920, was a blue, white, and black horizontal tricolour. The blue and white sections symbolized Bavaria, while the white and black sections represented Prussia, as the Saar Territory was formed from lands belonging to these German states.

What was the status of the Saar Basin during its period of League of Nations protection?

The Saar Basin was designated as a territory under the protection of the League of Nations. This meant it was administered by an international commission rather than being directly governed by any single nation.

Which two countries occupied and governed the Saar Basin under the League of Nations mandate?

The Saar Basin was occupied and governed by the United Kingdom and France under the League of Nations mandate.

What significant economic resource in the Saar Basin was ceded to France?

The highly industrialized Saar Basin's coalfields were ceded to France as part of the terms of the Treaty of Versailles.

How was the Saar Territory governed during the League of Nations mandate period?

The Saar Territory was governed by a five-person Governing Commission, which included representatives of the occupying forces. The mandate stipulated that this commission must include at least one French person and one German resident of the Saar.

What was the prescribed future determination process for the Saar Basin after the 15-year mandate?

After the fifteen-year mandate period, a plebiscite was to be held to determine the Saar Basin's future status.

Which parts of Germany formed the Saar Territory?

The Saar Territory comprised portions of the Prussian Rhine Province and the Bavarian district of the Palatinate. These areas were chosen because their populations included many miners who worked in the Saar coal mines.

Did the Saar Territory issue its own currency and stamps?

Yes, the Territory of the Saar Basin issued its own postage stamps and its own currency, known as the Saar franc.

Who served as the Chairman of the Governing Commission of the Saar Basin, and from which countries did they hail?

The Chairmen of the Governing Commission included Victor Rault from France (1920-1926), George Washington Stephens Jr. from Canada (1926-1927), Sir Ernest Wilton from the United Kingdom (1927-1932), and Sir Geoffrey George Knox, also from the United Kingdom (1932-1935).

What was the role and power of the Regional Council (Landesrat) in the Saar Territory?

The Regional Council was an assembly of elected representatives established in 1922. However, it functioned primarily as a consultative body, lacking legislative power. The Governing Commission held sole legislative authority, and the Council had no right of interpellation, agenda-setting, or bill introduction, nor did its members possess parliamentary immunity.

How did the Governing Commission establish the Regional Council?

As required by paragraph 23 of the Treaty of Versailles, the Governing Commission decreed the formation of the Regional Council (Landesrat) on March 24, 1922, after four years without official popular representation. The first elections for this council were held in June 1922.

What was the legislative period for the Regional Council, and when were elections held?

The legislative period for the Regional Council was initially three years, but it was extended to four years starting with the 1924 elections. Subsequent elections were held in 1928 and 1932.

What was the general political stance of the Regional Council members regarding the Saar's governance?

All elected representatives to the Regional Council, regardless of their party affiliation, opposed the system of autocratic rule imposed by the Governing Commission. They consistently demanded the return of the Saar Territory to Germany, advocating for self-determination where the people could elect their own parliament and government.

How did the political landscape change regarding the Saar's status after the Nazi takeover in Germany?

Following the Nazi takeover in Germany, which outlawed all other political parties, the Bezirk Saar of the SPD and the Saar branch of the KPD shifted their stance. They stopped opposing the status quo and instead supported it, even unsuccessfully suggesting that voters in the 1935 plebiscite should decide in favour of maintaining the current situation.

Who served as the government-appointed presidents of the Regional Council, and what were their political affiliations?

The government-appointed presidents of the Regional Council were Bartholomäus Koßmann (Centre Party) from July 19, 1922, to March 23, 1924, and Peter Scheuer (also Centre Party) from March 24, 1924, to February 28, 1935.

What factors influenced the decision-making process for the 1935 Saar status plebiscite?

Adolf Hitler was keen to gain propaganda advantages from the Saar's return to Germany, leading Joseph Goebbels to design a strong campaign. Support from local Catholic authorities and concerns about Bolshevism, with Hitler seen as a bulwark against it, also influenced voters.

What were the results of the 1935 Saar status plebiscite?

The plebiscite, held on January 13, 1935, saw 98% voter participation. The overwhelming majority, 90.8%, voted to rejoin the German Reich. A smaller portion, 8.8%, voted to retain the status quo, largely due to opposition to Nazi rule, and only 0.4% voted to join France.

What was Adolf Hitler's reaction to the outcome of the 1935 Saar plebiscite?

Following the plebiscite, Adolf Hitler declared that Germany had no further territorial demands to make of France, indicating a desire to de-escalate tensions after the Saar's reintegration.

What role did the Nansen International Office for Refugees play after the 1935 plebiscite?

After 1935, the Nansen International Office for Refugees was responsible for the successful settlement of Saar refugees in Paraguay.

When was the Territory of the Saar Basin officially reunited with Germany?

The Territory of the Saar Basin was officially reunited with Germany on March 1, 1935, following the League Council's approval of the reunion on January 17, 1935.

What happened to opponents of Nazism and former Saar politicians after the territory's re-integration into Germany?

Following the re-integration, many opponents of Nazism who had sought refuge in the Saar, along with former Saar politicians and officials who had collaborated with the occupation authorities, were imprisoned.

How did the administrative designation of Josef Bürckel's role evolve after the Saar's re-incorporation?

After the re-incorporation was considered complete, Bürckel's title changed on June 17, 1936, to Reichskommissar für das Saarland, meaning 'Reich Commissioner for the Saarland'.

What changes occurred in the administrative divisions of Germany that affected the Saar region's name?

As the Gau (administrative district) was extended to include the Rhine and the Bavarian district of the Palatinate, the region's name was changed on April 8, 1940, to Saarpfalz, meaning 'Saar-Palatinate'.

What was the final name given to the administrative region that included the Saar after further territorial incorporations during World War II?

After the Battle of France and the incorporation of the CdZ-Gebiet Lothringen, the region's name was finalized on March 11, 1941, as Westmark, meaning 'Western March' or 'Western Boundary'.

Who succeeded Josef Bürckel as Reich Commissioner in the Westmark, and when did the region cease to be under German administration?

Willi Stöhr succeeded Josef Bürckel as Reich Commissioner. The region ceased to be under German administration on March 21, 1945, when it was conquered by U.S. Army troops, who subsequently handed over occupation to French forces in July of the same year.

What was the status of the Saar region after World War II?

After World War II, a French protectorate was established in the Saar region, with borders similar to the original Territory of the Saar Basin.

When did the French protectorate over the Saar region end, and what happened subsequently?

The French protectorate over the Saar region ended after a referendum held on October 23, 1955. Subsequently, on January 1, 1957, the Saarland joined West Germany.

What were the common languages spoken in the Territory of the Saar Basin?

The common languages spoken in the Territory of the Saar Basin included French, German, Rhine Franconian, and Moselle Franconian.

What was the significance of the Treaty of Versailles regarding the Saar Basin?

The Treaty of Versailles mandated the occupation and governance of the Saar Basin by the UK and France under a League of Nations mandate for 15 years, ceded its coalfields to France, and stipulated a plebiscite to determine its future status.

What was the duration of the League of Nations mandate over the Saar Basin?

The League of Nations mandate over the Saar Basin lasted for fifteen years, commencing in 1920.

What was the role of the Governing Commission in relation to legislation in the Saar Territory?

The Governing Commission was solely responsible for deciding on all legislation within the Saar Territory, as the territory had no home rule and the Commission was the primary governing body.

What was the German term for the Governing Commission of the Saar Territory?

The German term for the Governing Commission was Regierungskommission, often abbreviated as Reko.

What were the specific limitations placed on the Regional Council's ability to influence governance in the Saar Territory?

The Regional Council was a consultative body with significant limitations. Its members lacked the right of interpellation, the ability to bring subjects to the agenda, the right to table bills, and parliamentary immunity. The Governing Commission exclusively controlled the agenda for debates.

How did the plebiscite in 1935 address the political climate of the time?

The plebiscite in 1935 occurred during the Nazi era in Germany. Many anti-Nazi opponents had sought refuge in the Saar, leading to a division in opinion. While many Germans desired reunification, a significant portion feared Nazi rule, leading some groups, like the SPD and KPD, to unsuccessfully advocate for maintaining the status quo.

What was the primary motivation behind the Nazi regime's focus on the Saar plebiscite?

Adolf Hitler was particularly interested in the Saar plebiscite for the propaganda value associated with the return of the Saar region to Germany, viewing it as a significant political victory.

What was the outcome for refugees from the Saar region after 1935?

After 1935, the Nansen International Office for Refugees successfully facilitated the settlement of refugees from the Saar region in Paraguay.

What was the significance of the name 'Westmark' adopted by the administrative region in 1941?

'Westmark' means 'Western March' or 'Western Boundary,' reflecting its position as a border region within Nazi Germany's expanded administrative structure.

What event marked the end of the French protectorate over the Saar region after World War II?

The end of the French protectorate was marked by a referendum held on October 23, 1955, which led to the termination of French rule and influence in the area.

What was the historical context for the establishment of the Territory of the Saar Basin?

The Territory of the Saar Basin was established as a consequence of World War I and the subsequent Treaty of Versailles, which aimed to reorganize territories and manage resources in post-war Europe.

How did the Saar Territory's administrative structure differ from a typical German state during the mandate period?

Unlike a typical German state, the Saar Territory lacked home rule and was governed by a foreign commission appointed by the League of Nations. It also had its own distinct currency and postage stamps, separate from Germany.

What was the role of the League of Nations in the Saar Basin's governance?

The League of Nations provided the overarching mandate for the administration of the Saar Basin, appointing a Governing Commission composed of representatives from occupying powers, and overseeing the territory's status until the 1935 plebiscite.

What was the primary reason cited for the Saar population's desire to retain the status quo in the 1935 plebiscite?

The primary reason cited for the 8.8% of the population who voted to retain the status quo in the 1935 plebiscite was their opposition to being ruled by the Nazis, despite the general German national sentiment.

How did the Saar region's administration change after its re-integration into Germany in 1935?

After re-integration, Josef Bürckel was appointed Reich Commissioner. The administrative titles and regional names evolved over time, eventually becoming 'Westmark' during World War II, reflecting its incorporation into the broader Nazi administrative structure.

Territory Of The Saar Basin Wiki: The Saar Mandate: A Post-War Territory Defined

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Territory Overview

A Unique Post-War Zone

The Territory of the Saar Basin was a region occupied and governed by the United Kingdom and France from 1920 to 1935. It operated under a League of Nations mandate, establishing a unique administrative status following World War I. The territory closely corresponds to the modern German state of Saarland, though it was slightly smaller in area.^[4]

Origins and Mandate

Established by the Treaty of Versailles, the territory's highly industrialized Saar Basin, including its coalfields, was placed under League of Nations protection for fifteen years. Its coalfields were ceded to France during this period. The mandate aimed to provide stability and prepare for a future determination of the region's status.^[2]

Key Demographics

The territory comprised portions of the Prussian Rhenish Trier Region and the Bavarian district of the Palatinate. Its population in 1933 was approximately 812,000 inhabitants. The capital city was Saarbrücken.^[3]

League of Nations Governance

Mandate Administration

Under the Treaty of Versailles, the Saar Basin was administered by a League of Nations mandate for fifteen years. The region was occupied by the United Kingdom and France. The governing body was the five-person Governing Commission (German: Regierungskommission or "Reko"). This commission was required to include at least one French representative and one German resident from the Saar.^[6]^[7]

Regional Council

In 1922, the Governing Commission established the Regional Council (German: Landesrat), an assembly of elected representatives. While intended to represent the inhabitants, it functioned primarily as a consultative body. The Council's agenda was determined solely by the Governing Commission, and its members lacked legislative power or immunity.^[10] Elections for the Council were held periodically, with terms initially three years, later extended to four.

Versailles Treaty Framework

The mandate's structure and the Governing Commission's powers were defined by specific articles within the Treaty of Versailles. These provisions outlined the administrative responsibilities, the composition of the commission, and the eventual process for determining the territory's future status through a plebiscite.^[6]^[8]

Key Administrators

Chairmen of the Governing Commission

The Governing Commission was headed by a series of Chairmen representing different nations during the mandate period.

No.	Portrait	Name (birth–death)	Term of office			Country
No.	Portrait	Name (birth–death)	Took office	Left office	Time in office	Country
1		Victor Rault [de] (1858–1930)	26 February 1920	31 March 1926	6 years, 33 days	France
2		George Washington Stephens (1866–1942)	1 April 1926	9 June 1927	1 year, 69 days	Canada
3		Sir Ernest Wilton (1870–1952)	9 June 1927	31 March 1932	4 years, 296 days	United Kingdom
4		Sir Geoffrey George Knox (1884–1958)	1 April 1932	28 February 1935	2 years, 333 days	United Kingdom

Presidents of the Regional Council

The Regional Council, established to represent the Saar population, had its presidents appointed during the mandate period.

Name	Period	Party
Bartholomäus Koßmann [de]	19 July 1922 – 23 March 1924	Centre Party
Peter Scheuer [de]	24 March 1924 – 28 February 1935	Centre Party

Economic Significance

Coalfields and France

A key aspect of the Saar Basin's mandate was the transfer of its valuable coalfields to France. This provision was a significant part of the reparations and economic arrangements stipulated by the Treaty of Versailles, intended to compensate France for war damages.^[2]

Distinct Currency

During its period as a League of Nations protectorate, the Territory of the Saar Basin issued its own currency. This was the Saar franc, which circulated within the territory, underscoring its administrative autonomy from Germany during the mandate years.^[1]

Historical Milestones

Transition and Referendum

The territory's status was defined by the Treaty of Versailles, which took effect on 10 January 1920, initiating the League of Nations mandate. After fifteen years, a plebiscite was scheduled to determine the region's future. This vote, held on 13 January 1935, overwhelmingly favored rejoining Germany.^[5]

Reunion with Germany

Following the plebiscite's results, the League Council approved the territory's reunion with Germany. On 1 March 1935, Germany officially re-integrated the region, marking the end of the League of Nations mandate and the beginning of direct German rule.^[13]

Shifting Status

League Mandate to German Rule

The Territory of the Saar Basin existed as a League of Nations protectorate from 1920 until 1935. This period was characterized by joint Anglo-French occupation and governance under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. The mandate concluded with a plebiscite that led to the territory's return to Germany.

Post-War Protectorate

Following World War II, a French protectorate with borders similar to the original territory was established. This arrangement lasted until a referendum on 23 October 1955, which led to the Saarland joining West Germany on 1 January 1957, concluding its distinct post-war status.^[13]

German Rule and Integration

Reichskommissariat

Upon re-integration in 1935, Germany appointed Josef Bürckel as the Reichskommissar für die Rückgliederung des Saarlandes (Reich Commissioner for the reincorporation of the Saarland). This marked the beginning of direct German administration, which later evolved into regional administrative structures like the Gau Westmark during the Nazi era.^[13]

World War II Impact

During World War II, the region experienced further administrative changes, including incorporation into the Reichsgau of Westmark. After the war, Allied forces occupied the territory, leading to the subsequent French protectorate period before its final integration into the Federal Republic of Germany.

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References

Kershaw, Ian, Hitler: 1889-1936: Hubris (1998) pp.546-547

A full list of references for this article are available at the Territory of the Saar Basin Wikipedia page

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The Saar Mandate: A Post-War Territory Defined

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Territory Overview 🗺️

🌍 A Unique Post-War Zone

📜 Origins and Mandate

📍 Key Demographics

League of Nations Governance 🏛️

🤝 Mandate Administration

🗣️ Regional Council

⚖️ Versailles Treaty Framework

Key Administrators 🧑‍⚖️

👨‍💼 Chairmen of the Governing Commission

👨‍⚖️ Presidents of the Regional Council

Economic Significance 💰

⛏️ Coalfields and France

💰 Distinct Currency

Historical Milestones 🗓️

➡️ Transition and Referendum

🇩🇪 Reunion with Germany

Shifting Status 🚩

⚖️ League Mandate to German Rule

🔄 Post-War Protectorate

German Rule and Integration 🇩🇪

👑 Reichskommissariat

⚔️ World War II Impact

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Territory Overview

A Unique Post-War Zone

Origins and Mandate

Key Demographics

League of Nations Governance

Mandate Administration

Regional Council

Versailles Treaty Framework

Key Administrators

Chairmen of the Governing Commission

Presidents of the Regional Council

Economic Significance

Coalfields and France

Distinct Currency

Historical Milestones

Transition and Referendum

Reunion with Germany

Shifting Status

League Mandate to German Rule

Post-War Protectorate

German Rule and Integration

Reichskommissariat

World War II Impact

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice