Saturday, September 28, 2019

Grand Duchess Charlotte wins plebiscite

Marlene A. Eilers Koenig collection


September 28, 1919

Grand Duchess Charlotte will be remain as sovereign of the tiny Duchy of Luxembourg thanks to a plebiscite, where citizens voted in favor of the retaining the monarchy and an economic alliance with France.

According to the New York Times report, "women, old and young, notwithstanding the heavy early morning rain, went to the polls and voted with the men.:

it is believed that the women cast the "deciding vote" in favor of retaining Grand Duchess Charlotte, who "paved the way for woman suffrage in Luxembourg."

The Luxembourg voters preferred an economic alliance with France rather than Belgium as France could provide coal for Luxembourg's iron industry.

Luxembourg's Premier Emile Reuter  predicted that voters preferred the status quo and vote to retain the monarchy.

 "There is no doubt that the people will vote for Grand Duchess Charioteer as the only means of conserving national independence."




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