Alsfelder fights!Alsfeld in the Franco-Prussian War

When the war against France broke out, Alsfeld was already connected to the telegraph network, and with the new railway connection, the city now had access to modern communication and transport networks. At the same time, warfare had changed: following the Prussian model, the troops consisted of traditional formations as well as the Landwehr (militia), which served as a reserve army in peacetime and is considered a precursor to general conscription. With new weapons technology and the use of the railway for troop transport, the lengthy marches of troops through the city, which had heavily burdened Alsfeld at the beginning of the 19th century, became a thing of the past.

Through the use of telegraphy, messages could be sent between troop units as quickly as notices to the families of army members. The war of 1870/71 was a new kind of media event in Alsfeld: postings at the telegraph station and the town hall provided daily news updates.

The news sheets edited and constantly updated by Lina Berck were so highly valued by the people of Alsfeld that, following an initiative by 45 citizens, she was presented with a gift of twelve decorated silver spoons after the war ended. (SR)