We can attach a Möbius strip $M$ to a torus by using a homeomorphism between its boundary circle and $S^1 \times \{x_0\}$. Then the claim is that the inclusion map will send the generator of $H_1(S^1 \times \{x_0\})$ to twice the generator of $H_1(M)$. Why is this true? Isn't $S_1 \times \{x_0\}$ identified with the boundary
circle through a homeomorphism? How could it wrap around the boundary circle of the Möbius strip twice then?
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It does only wrap around the boundary circle once. The problem is that the boundary circle is not the generator of $H_1(M)$, it is twice the generator. Think of the deformation retract onto the middle circle to see this.
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$\begingroup$ Thank you very much that really solves my confusion! $\endgroup$– AlexCommented Mar 13, 2019 at 15:53