Travel to France: Project Sample

Introduction

Joto Sekhon once quoted that "through study abroad, students are often surprised to find that they become more confident in how they present themselves in a variety of situations. Not only do they learn about new cultures and obtain a more global perspective, but they also get new and fresh insights into their identity sense of self...a more confident self!" (Esmieu et al. 4). Indeed, I appreciate the time that will be spent in going through my work, specifically on the main reasons as to why I am interested and value studying in France. Ideally, my scheduled tour to France has three primary stops, Normandy, Burgundy, and Alsace. According to my schedule, my first stop will be Alsace, the Burgundy, and finally, end my tour at Normandy.

Alsace is among the administrative regions that compose the Grand Est. after the French government passed the Territorial reform; therefore, making it be located in eastern France. Moreover, the province borders the west bank of the upper Rhine besides Germany and Switzerland. Furthermore, the town is well known for its cultural and historical components, for example, the transition of culture among the Alsatians during the Second World War. While at Alsace I will be residing at the Hunspach village which is next to Wissembourg to the south and north of the Vosges Natural Park. The region is well known for its red wine production as well as the "flammekuech, baeckeoffe, tarte and flambee" among other meals. Most fundamentally, I will have the opportunity to explore and learn more about the wine routes as well as visit the war sites on the tragic history of the Alsace and the Moselle in the 1870s.

Next, I will be headed to Burgundy, which is composed of eleven communities. Moreover, it is located in the east-central part of France with its capital in Dijon. Additionally, according to research, Burgundy got its name from the Burgundians who originated from East Germany and migrated to the western side beyond the Rhine during the last Roman era. During my visit to Burgundy, I would prefer to reside at the Maconnais district, which is stationed at the south of the Burgundy wine region and west of Saone River. Also, this community is known for its ideal white and red wine production. Nonetheless, I will have the opportunity to explore the rich architecture, which includes religious heritage, for example, the old Cluny. Moreover, I will have the chance to visit the concentrated vineyard and farming fields within the region.

My last stop will be at Normandy, which is located in the northern region of France; also a land established and recognized by the D-Day landing. While in Normandy, I will visit two towns. First, I will visit the charming fishing village Yport to learn about their economic activities and visit the Yport Church, which is a historical monument within the region. Next, I will visit the city of Le Havre, and it is where I will reside for the short duration I will be visiting Normandy. The primary purpose of the visit will be to explore the culture of the Le Havre population such as the Children's Book Festival, and Jazz Festival "Dixie Days" among others. Also, I would like to explore the cultural heritage and the architecture of the past and present population residing in the city, visit the museums, and library, and archives.

The central theme is to reflect and enhance much more on the Alsace-Moselle Memorial, which has its roots based on the region's history. The main section focuses on the Franco-Prussian War. The Franco-Prussian War, also known as the Franco-German conflict, lasted for two years, between 1870-to-1871 (Wawro 16). I will be expecting to visit the Museum of the Franco-Prussian War and the Annexation. Such an experience will enable me to witness all that I got to learn through research. After conducting research on the war, I found out that the dispute between the two parties was caused by Otto von Bismarck, a Prussian chancellor who had the plan to establish a unified German nation through the use of German military force and imperialism (Wawro 21). Ideally, the chancellor encouraged the growing differences between Prussia and France to create a national union out of the S Germany by forcing the neutral involvement of nations such as Russia, Italy, and Britain.

Nonetheless, since S Germany believed that France was the aggressor, it joined forces with the North German Confederation (Wawro 23). The joint military troops conducted war under the leadership of Helmuth Karl Bernhard von Moltke. Unfortunately, the French army, under the command of Napoleon III, was devolved on Bazaine Marshal (Wawro 24).

The German troops crossed the border into Alsace on August 4, 1870, and French forces were defeated at Wissembourg. Moreover, after the defeat of MacMahon's troops, the command was channeled to Chalons-en-Champagne (Wawro 24-25). Next, there were conflicts between MacMahon's and Bazaine's troops, which led to the collapse of both forces at Vionville on August 16 and Gravelotte on August 18, respectively (Wawro 26). Nonetheless, the Bazaine rescue attempts from Napoleon III and MacMahon led to a disaster leaving the emperor and a hundred thousand of his men captured. By January 28, 1871, Paris was, and on February 16, 1871, Bismarck and Adolphe Thiers reached an armistice deal (Wawro 26). The outcome of the war was devastating, but France accepted to compensate Alsace an indemnity deal of one-billion dollars within three years. Next, Alsace agreed the Germans occupied the Agreement of Belfort and a large section of Lorraine (Wawro 95). Even with such vast research on war, I need to see all the landmarks and places where the war took place.

Conclusion

To conclude, apart from my academic journey, I would love to spend my leisure time enjoying the rich Normandy and Burgundy wines, establish a different processing approach. Also, I would like to pass by Yport city once more and experience the coastal lifestyle of going fishing and swimming at the same time. Finally, I will ensure to record my experience in a journal entry.

Works Cited

Esmieu, Paola, et al. "Increasing diversity abroad: Expanding opportunities for students at minority-serving institutions." Report. 2015.

Wawro, Geoffrey. The Franco-Prussian War: The German Conquest of France in 1870-1871. Cambridge University Press, 2003.