Armistice of November 11: why is there a November 22 street in Strasbourg?

On November 11, 2024, France is celebrating 106 years since the armistice and therefore the end of the First World War. Ceremonies will take place like every year throughout Alsace. But in Alsace this date does not correspond to much. Since November 11, 1918, our region was still German. The city of Strasbourg had not yet been recaptured.

This is also why an important street in the city center bears the name of “rue du 22november“. Nothing to do with the Second World War, as many Strasbourg passers-by believe. This street was named in memory of the day when French troops finally entered Strasbourg in 191811 days after the armistice and after 48 years of German occupation.

“On November 11, we learned that the armistice had been signed. It was the end of the war. The German army demobilized and dispersed in order and discipline. The regiments which were still there left the city and passed the Kehl bridge And we see emissaries of the French army arriving. They are preparing the entry of the troops which is set for November 22. For this, an organizing committee is set up in Strasbourg which asks the young girls. Really Alsatians, not half-Germans, no, real Alsatians, to come in Alsatian costume And on November 22 the city is decorated, there are blue, white and red flags everywhere along the route of the army corps commanded by. General Gouraud, who enters through the Schirmeck gate which goes to the Place de la République, we have just called it that, it is the old imperial place” says Benoît Jordan, director of the Strasbourg archives.

A happy but exhausted population

The arrival of French troops after decades of German presence is therefore welcomed with enthusiasm by a war-weary population. “The population is enthusiastic, there is peace, finally. We are coming out of four years of difficult war for the civilian population. We must remember that Germany and Austria-Hungary were blocked. There was nothing we could do import. And everything that was produced was for the army. The civilian population is therefore exhausted. specifies Benoît Jordan.

This Friday, November 22, 1918, the weather is in any case splendid. The sun is shining. “This even allowed a few planes from Lorraine to drop leaflets printed on blue, white and red paper and drop them on the city with a proclamation from General Gouraud.” adds Benoît Jordan.

For the record, the French troops reached Place de la République that day via Porte de Schirmeck, the old wine market and Place Kléber. They therefore do not have never borrowed the street of November 22 which at the time was still called Neue Strasse, the new street.

This Monday, November 11, 2024, ceremonies will in any case take place in Strasbourg Place de la République at 11 a.m. and at 6 p.m. ceremony at the wall of remembrance.