Georg Herwegh
Georg Herwegh was a notable German poet and political activist born in Stuttgart in 1817. Initially studying theology, he shifted his focus to journalism and translation after facing personal conflicts, including a confrontation with a Württemberg officer that forced him to seek refuge in Switzerland. Herwegh gained prominence with his poetry collection, "Gedichte eines Lebendigen," published in 1841, which, despite being banned in Prussia, garnered significant acclaim. His literary and political activities led him to Paris, where he continued to write and associated with influential figures like Karl Marx. Involved in the German revolution of 1848, Herwegh led a failed military mission, resulting in his return to Switzerland. He became a member of the German worker association in 1863, contributing to the early foundations of the Social Democratic Party of Germany with his song that became a classic hymn among workers. Herwegh passed away in Baden-Baden, Germany, in 1875, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with both literature and social movements.
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Subject Terms
Georg Herwegh
Poet
- Born: May 31, 1817
- Birthplace: Stuttgart, Germany
- Died: April 7, 1875
- Place of death: Baden, Germany
Biography
Georg Herwegh was born to Ludwig and Rosine Herwegh in Stuttgart in 1817. He studied theology at Maulbronn, but he was forced to give up his studies, and he became a journalist and translator. In 1839, he insulted a royal Württemberg officer at a masquerade party, and because of this, he received numerous military threats. He then fled to Emmishofen, Switzerland, concerned for his safety. He published Gedichte eines Lebendigen in Zurich in 1841. It became extremely successful and popular, despite being immediately banned in Prussia. Soon after, he was granted an audience with the Prussian King. The king was displeased with him, and he was forced to leave the country. In 1843, he went to Paris and published the second part of Gedichte.
During this time, Herwegh met Karl Marx. Soon after, he participated in the failed German revolution of 1848. Herwegh led a group of German emigrants to Baden on a military mission. The mission, however, was a failure, and Herwegh fled to Switzerland once again. After an amnesty, he moved to Baden, Germany. In 1863, Herwegh became a member of the German worker association (or ADAV) in Switzerland. This organization was the forerunner of the Social Democratic Party of Germany. For the establishment of this association, Herwegh wrote the Federal Song, which was instantly prohibited for being socialist; it spread illegally for many years. Throughout the twentieth century, though, it was regarded as a classic German worker hymn. He died in Baden-Baden, Germany, on April 7, 1875.