Studies in American History 
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the nations during its entire history. Germany and France 
have been the principal aggressive nations in this region, and 
each has sought to make it an integral part of her own domin- 
ions. These two countries with one exception have fought 
as members of two groups of nations, and, as a result of the 
wars, changes have been made in the territorial allegiance of 
the middle area. If a controversy over this stretch of terri- 
tory did not cause the war, an issue concerning it was in- 
troduced before it was over. This region, therefore, has been 
the cause of international conflicts and has upset the orderly 
course of European life. 
The recent abortive Rhineland Republic as well as the dec- 
larations of independence from governing units in this area, 
since France occupied the Ruhr, indicate the result of clever 
propaganda as well as a conviction in the hearts of the Rhine- 
landers that they have been too long the catspaw of European 
politics. There is evidence that the Rhinelanders welcomed 
the French in Napoleon’s time; there is evidence that they 
welcomed their restoration to Germany in 1815. They were 
given to Germany so she would have protection against 
France ; now France demands their autonomy or independence 
that she may have protection against Germany. 
Eight landmarks in the history of Lothair’s kingdom show 
it held as a trophy by that nation whose prowess in war or 
diplomacy or both was at some given time paramount. It may 
be likened to a ballfield with certain designated parts toward 
which, if the player drives the ball, he is out. Holland, Bel- 
gium, and Luxemburg were such designated places. 
In the last game the players were charged with unfairness, 
and before the game was over almost all the spectators took 
sides. So serious was the affair that new rules had to be 
drawn up for future contests. Germany was declared in- 
eligible for a period of years, and denied permission to ap- 
proach the field. She has not seen fit to abide by this decision, 
and in her appeal has obtained strong support from those 
formerly her enemies. But France still maintains that she 
won the game and insists that her opponent be given an ad- 
ditional penalty and be kept further from the held. There- 
fore, as a policeman she stations herself on the Ruhr and calls 
out “They shall not pass.” 
Spectators demand new rules and a new morale. They point 
to a hundred years of hne relations between America and 
