The Moselle : River and Canal From the Roman Empire to the European Economic Community

Professor Cermakian focuses on the historical, political, and geographical factors in the use and canalization of theinternational river, The Moselle.The book offers a history of the political economy of an important river, a symbol for many of the spirit of Europe.

The Moselle has been one of the main arteries of European Communication and transportation for centuries. The Romans used it as a main thoroughfare from southern to northern Europe and also began the improvements to its navigation that have continued intermittently through the industrial revolution to the present day. Professor Cermakian focuses on the historical, political, and geographical factors in the use and canalization of this international river – a focus that is derived from his interest in the details of standardizing transport networks and policy as an important part of 'European integration,' which he sees both as a long historical movement and as a present endeavour under EEC. The book offers a history of the political economy of an important river, a symbol for many of the spirit of Europe.

(University of Toronto Department of Geography Research Publications 14)

Preface 7 Contents 9 Plates 11 Figures 12 Tables 13 Abbreviations 14 I. Introduction 15 II. Early Canalization Projects (A.D. 58–1792) 26 III. Free Navigation and the Nation-States (1792–1871) 51 IV. Franco-German Rivalry in the Moselle Valley (1871–1945) 68 V. European Integration and Prelude to the Final Project (1945–1956) 99 VI. The Canalized Moselle River (1956–1973) 130 VII. Conclusion 151 Statistical Appendix 155 Selected Bibliography 169 Résumé 173 Zusammenfassung 1