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Duisburg History, Germany

Duisburg is a city in Germany located at the western part of the Ruhr Area. The present city is an outcome of copious integrations of nearby towns and smaller cities. It is also a result of a comprehensive Duisburg History which spans through time.

Duisburg History – Roman Occupation and the Middle Ages

According to archaeological studies, Duisburg already had inhabitants during the 1st century AD and in the 5th century, the city became a chief crucial trading place. In 420 AD, the Roman settlement was seized by the Franks and in 883, the Normans occupied Duisburg.

Because of the constructive geographic location, a government called palatinate was instituted. Soon after that, Duisburg was accorded the royal charter of a free city. During this time, Duisburg became a member of the Hanseatic League. In 1120, the city wall was constructed. Then, Duisburg was granted by King Lothar III with “city charter.” When the Archbishop of Cologne launched an attack to the city in 1445, Duisburg was ready to defend itself. Some 200 years after the attack, Duisburg became a part of Brandenburg-Prussia.

Duisburg History – Industrial Revolution

When the tobacco and textile industries grew in the 18th century, Duisburg became an industrial hub. Huge manufacturing companies like iron and steel constructing corporations shaped the city’s development. Big housing areas near the firms were constructed as many workers together with their families moved in. During the mid-19th century, constructions of railroad lines were done and by 1873, Duisburg was noted as an independent city borough.

Duisburg History – World War I and II

On March 8 1921, the French Infantry occupied Duisburg as payment for damages incurred during the 1st World War. During the 2nd World War, Duisburg became a chief target of Allied bombers because they knew the city is a location for chemical, steel and iron industries. The city became the most violently bombed German city.

On June 12 and 13 1941, Duisburg was attacked by British bombers with 445 tons of bombs. Another 1,599 tons of bombs were released in the city on the 12th and 13th of May 1943. During these bombings a total of 96,000 residents became homeless and countless of people lost their lives.

Again, Duisburg was terribly harmed when 2,000 tons of bombs were dropped in the area in 1944. Bombings on the area came one after the other causing severe damage to the city.

Duisburg History – Post War

The bombings during World War II almost placed Duisburg in total ruin. Almost everything in the city had to be reconstructed. Many landmarks had been destroyed. After years of rebuilding Duisburg, the city slowly got back up from the damages the war had brought. In 1983, Duisburg celebrated its 1100th anniversary. And in 2005, the city became the host of the 7th World Games.

Duisburg History is unique from that of Cologne History. It is also entirely different from what transpired in Bonn History. What makes these three cities the same is the fact that they created a major impact in Germany’s existence.


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  • cipristbShort trip to the Duisburg Zoo
    review by cipristb posted more then 30 days ago
    The Duisburg Zoo is located in the northern city of Duisburg wich is one of the cities of Germany and is one of the biggest and most beautiful zoos in Germany. The Duisburg Zoo is crossed by means of a freeway, so that it is divided into the east and the west part, but they are linked by a bridge...
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