In 1870 a small group in the Reichstag, centred around Bebel and the socialists argued against the Franco-Prussian War, and (more pertinently) against the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine and then for the return of Alsace-Lorraine to France, arguing that it could only provoke French revanchism. Is it at all possible without war for their viewpoint to gain support and result in Alsace-Lorraine being returned/not annexed. What effects does this have on history? Do the French ally with the Germans against the Austrians, the Russians or the British, or do Germany go to war with France again in order to defeat them more comprehensively and take Alsace Lorraine and the low countries? Is (a) First World War avoided completely?