Luxembourg rebellions

Luxembourg was occupied during World War One.[2] From August 1914 until the end of World War I on 11 November 1918, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg was under full occupation by the German Empire. The German government justified the occupation by citing the need to support their armies in neighbouring France, although many Luxembourgers, contemporary and present, have interpreted German actions otherwise.

During this period, Luxembourg was allowed to retain its own government and political system, but all proceedings were overshadowed by the German army's presence. Despite the overbearing distraction of the occupation, the Luxembourgish people attempted to lead their lives as normally as possible. The political parties attempted to focus on other matters, such as the economy, education, and constitutional reform.

By the autumn of 1918, Germany's position in the war was becoming untenable. The massive German spring offensive had been an unmitigated disaster, whereas the Allied counterattack, the Hundred Days Offensive, had driven the German Army back to its own borders. On 6 November, von Tessmar announced the full withdrawal of German soldiers from Luxembourg. Five days after von Tessmar's announcement, Germany signed an armistice, which brought an end to the war of four years. One of the terms of the armistice involved the withdrawal of German soldiers from Luxembourg, along with the other occupied countries.

Luxembourg faced two small rebellions in 1918 against the government. They both failed after the Luxembourg forces intervened.

November 10th

On November 10, 1918, people in Luxembourg City attempted to join Rosa Luxemburg in a communist revolution. They rebel against the government of Luxembourg, This failed as the police was called in and ended the revolt.

November 11th

One day after the failed Revolution in Luxembourg city, people rebelled again in Esch-sur-Alzette This also failed as police forces engaged

Aftermath

Socialists in the government soon called for the abdication of Grand Duchess Marie Adelaide, which was only narrowly defeated by 21 votes to 19. In late December the Luxembourg prime minister asked for help for future events. Talks failed and the socialists in the government soon called for the abdication of Grand Duchess Marie Adelaide again, this failed and led to tensions leading to the 1919 rebellion.

In December 1919 a group of soldiers attempted a Mutiny in the Luxembourg City Barracks.[3]

The Luxembourg Rebellion was the largest revolt against the government. This saw the army capture the capital and proclaim the Republic of Luxembourg.[4] The government of Luxembourg fled and requested France for help. France sent in troops under the command of General de La Tour, the well trained troops surpressed the rebellion and placed the government of Luxembourg back in power. Marie-Adélaïde finally stepped down as Grand Duchess on 14 January and went into exile. Marie-Adélaïde was replaced with her younger sister, Charlotte.

Charlottes accession to the throne led to a stabilization of the political situation in Luxembourg. In addition in September Luxembourg then had the 1919 Luxembourg referendum in which the public overwhelmingly voted to keep the monarchy.[5]