Who was Ernst Moritz Arndt, and what were his primary contributions?

Ernst Moritz Arndt (1769-1860) was a German nationalist historian, writer, and poet. He is recognized as one of the principal founders of German nationalism during the Napoleonic Wars and was a significant figure in the 19th-century movement for German unification. His patriotic songs and writings aimed to foster a sense of national identity and independence among Germans.

What were Ernst Moritz Arndt's early life and educational background?

Ernst Moritz Arndt was born on December 26, 1769, on the island of Rügen, then part of Swedish Pomerania. His father was a prosperous farmer who had been a serf. Arndt attended the academy in Stralsund and later studied theology and history at the University of Greifswald, moving on to the University of Jena where he was influenced by the philosopher Gottlieb Fichte. After completing his studies, he initially assisted in church services before dedicating himself to history and writing.

How did Arndt's views on the French Revolution and Napoleon evolve?

Initially, Arndt supported the ideals of the French Revolution. However, his perspective shifted dramatically with the onset of the Reign of Terror, leading him to dissociate from the movement. This disillusionment intensified into a strong personal dislike for Napoleon Bonaparte as Napoleon's military campaigns began to dominate Europe, fueling Arndt's anti-French sentiments.

What was the significance of Arndt's book *Geschichte der Leibeigenschaft in Pommern und Rügen*?

Published in 1803, Ernst Moritz Arndt's book *Geschichte der Leibeigenschaft in Pommern und Rügen* (History of Serfdom in Pomerania and Rügen) provided a powerful and convincing critique of serfdom in the region. The work was influential enough to prompt King Gustav IV Adolf of Sweden to abolish serfdom in 1806, demonstrating the impact of Arndt's historical and social commentary.

What prompted Arndt's exile to Sweden, and what did he do there?

In 1806, Arndt published the first part of his work *Geist der Zeit* (Spirit of the Times), which strongly criticized Napoleon and called for German resistance against French occupation. The significant public reaction and the potential for retribution from Napoleon compelled Arndt to seek refuge in Sweden. While in Stockholm, he secured government employment and continued to advocate for German independence through various writings.

How did Arndt contribute to the German unification movement?

Ernst Moritz Arndt was a key figure in the early development of German nationalism and the subsequent movement for German unification in the 19th century. Through his passionate writings, patriotic songs, and public advocacy, he inspired a sense of shared German identity and a desire for a unified nation, particularly during the resistance against Napoleonic dominance.

What was the nature of Arndt's academic career and his eventual conflict with the Prussian government?

Arndt held positions at the University of Greifswald, eventually becoming a professor of history. His work, particularly *Geist der Zeit*, was critical of the particularist policies of the German states and advocated for reform. This boldness offended the Prussian government, leading to his arrest in 1819 and confiscation of his papers. Although later released, he was subsequently forbidden from teaching due to the reactionary Carlsbad Decrees.

What were the Carlsbad Decrees, and how did they affect Arndt?

The Carlsbad Decrees were a set of laws passed in 1819 by the German Confederation, aimed at suppressing liberal and nationalist movements that arose following the Napoleonic Wars. In Arndt's case, these decrees led to his arraignment before a special tribunal, which, while not finding him guilty, prohibited him from continuing his professorship, forcing him into retirement for two decades.

When was Arndt reinstated to his academic position, and what was his involvement in the 1848 revolutions?

Ernst Moritz Arndt was reinstated to his professorship at the University of Bonn in 1840 and was elected rector in 1841. The revolutionary events of 1848 re-energized him, and he served as a deputy to the National Assembly in Frankfurt. He was part of the delegation that offered the imperial crown to Frederick William IV, and he expressed strong disappointment when the king refused it, after which Arndt retired from public life.

What is the legacy of Ernst Moritz Arndt's patriotic songs?

Ernst Moritz Arndt penned several stirring patriotic songs that became widely popular and significantly contributed to German national consciousness. His song "Was ist des Deutschen Vaterland?" (What is the Fatherland of the Germans?) is particularly notable for serving as an unofficial German national anthem, embodying the spirit of national unity and independence he championed.

What were Arndt's views on ethnic homogeneity and the German nation?

Similar to other nationalist thinkers of his time, Arndt envisioned the German nation as a culturally and ethnically homogeneous entity. He drew upon medieval German history to support this idea and contrasted perceived German virtues with the supposed flaws of other nations, particularly the French, whom he depicted as weakened and morally compromised.

How did Arndt express his anti-French sentiments in his writings?

Arndt's anti-French propaganda was a prominent feature of his work, especially during the Napoleonic era. He denigrated the French for characteristics like carelessness, daintiness, and flightiness, viewing them as 'infamizers and destroyers' who weakened German virtue and strength. He even equated French traits with negative stereotypes associated with Jewish people.

What were Ernst Moritz Arndt's attitudes towards Polish and Slavic peoples?

Ernst Moritz Arndt harbored significant prejudices against Poles and other Slavic peoples. He published an anti-Polish pamphlet in 1831, criticizing their perceived 'barbarity and wildness.' During the 1848 Frankfurt Parliament discussions, he asserted the inferiority of the Polish and entire Slavonic tribes, claiming they were incapable of lasting contributions to state, science, or art compared to Germans.

What were Arndt's antisemitic statements?

Arndt expressed strong antisemitic views, warning against the influx of Jewish people from Poland, whom he referred to as an 'impure flood from the East.' He also voiced concerns about a supposed Jewish intellectual conspiracy, claiming that Jews had 'usurped' a significant portion of literature. His antisemitism was often intertwined with his anti-French rhetoric.

How did Arndt's rhetoric connect his anti-French and antisemitic views?

Arndt frequently linked his animosity towards the French with antisemitic tropes. He referred to the French people as 'the Jewish people' (*das Judenvolk*) or 'refined bad Jews' (*verfeinerte schlechte Juden*). In 1815, he criticized the French for their perceived 'Jewish lists,' 'penny-pinching avarice,' and especially their 'Jew-like sticking together,' highlighting a pattern of using Jewish stereotypes to condemn other groups.

What is the title of Arndt's most famous patriotic song?

The most famous patriotic song by Ernst Moritz Arndt is titled "Was ist des Deutschen Vaterland?", which translates to "What is the Fatherland of the Germans?" This song became widely recognized and served as an unofficial national anthem, embodying the nationalist sentiments Arndt promoted.

Besides patriotic songs, what other types of works did Ernst Moritz Arndt produce?

Ernst Moritz Arndt was a prolific writer who produced a variety of works. These included historical writings, such as his influential book on serfdom, political pamphlets like *Geist der Zeit*, travelogues like *Travels in parts of Germany, Hungary, Italy and France*, and lyric poems, some of which were religious in nature, alongside his well-known political and patriotic songs.

What is considered the primary source for information on Arndt's life?

The autobiography written by Ernst Moritz Arndt, titled *Erinnerungen aus demäusseren Leben* (Memories from Outer Life), published in 1840, is considered the most valuable source for understanding his life and experiences. This work served as the basis for E. M. Seeley's English biography, *Life and Adventures of E. M. Arndt*.

Where did Ernst Moritz Arndt die, and what memorials exist in his honor?

Ernst Moritz Arndt died in Bonn, Kingdom of Prussia, on January 29, 1860, at the age of 90. He is buried in Bonn's Old Cemetery (*Alter Friedhof*). Monuments commemorating him can be found in Schoritz on Rügen, at the University of Greifswald, and in Bonn.

What was the nature of Arndt's personal life, including his marriages and family?

Ernst Moritz Arndt was married twice. His first marriage was in 1800, but his wife passed away the following year. He remarried in 1817. Tragically, his youngest son drowned in the Rhine River in 1834.

What is the historical context for Arndt being labeled a 'demagogue'?

Following the implementation of the reactionary Carlsbad Decrees, which aimed to suppress liberal and nationalist sentiments, authorities viewed figures like Ernst Moritz Arndt as 'demagogues.' This label was applied by the forces of restoration who opposed the nationalist and liberal movements Arndt represented and supported.

How was Arndt's anti-French propaganda utilized after his death?

Long after Ernst Moritz Arndt's death, his anti-French propaganda was revived and employed again during both World War I and World War II. This continued use of his rhetoric, alongside his documented antisemitic and anti-Polish statements, has contributed to a highly critical modern assessment of his legacy.

What specific works by Arndt are listed as notable poems and songs?

Among Ernst Moritz Arndt's notable poems and songs listed are 'Sind wir vereint zur guten Stunde,' 'Was ist des Deutschen Vaterland?', 'Vaterlandslied (Arndt)' (also known as 'Der Gott, der Eisen wachsen ließ'), 'Zu den Waffen, zu den Waffen,' 'Kommt her, ihr seid geladen,' 'Ich weiß, woran ich glaube,' and 'Die Leipziger Schlacht.'

Can you list some of Arndt's other significant published works?

Besides his poetry and influential historical works, Ernst Moritz Arndt authored several other notable books. These include *Reise durch Schweden* (1797), *Nebenstunden, Beschreibung und Geschichte der Shetländischen Inseln und Orkaden* (1820), *Die Frage über die Niederlande* (1831), *Rhein- und Ahrwanderungen* (1846), *Meine Wanderungen und Wandlungen mit dem Reichsfreiherrn Heinrich Carl Friedrich vom Stein* (1858), and *Pro populo germanico* (1854).

Where can one find a list of biographical works about Ernst Moritz Arndt?

The Wikipedia article provides a section titled 'Biographies' which lists several works dedicated to the life of Ernst Moritz Arndt, including studies by Schenkel, W. Baur, H. Meisner, R. Geerds, and R. Thiele, among others.

What related topics or places are mentioned in the 'See also' section of the article?

The 'See also' section connects Ernst Moritz Arndt to related topics such as Greifswald, the Ernst Moritz Arndt Tower, the former Ernst Moritz Arndt University of Greifswald, and a general list of German-language authors. It also includes portals for Germany, Biography, and Poetry.

Where can readers find the full texts of Ernst Moritz Arndt's works online?

Works by Ernst Moritz Arndt are available online through Project Gutenberg, the Internet Archive, and LibriVox (for public domain audiobooks). These platforms provide access to his writings for further study.

What is the purpose of the 'Authority control' section at the end of the article?

The 'Authority control' section provides links to various international and national databases that catalog information about Ernst Moritz Arndt. Its purpose is to help users find consistent and reliable information across different library and archival systems, aiding in research and identification.

What does the 'Expand language' template at the beginning of the article suggest?

The 'Expand language' template indicates that the English article on Ernst Moritz Arndt can be improved by translating and incorporating text from the corresponding German Wikipedia article. It provides instructions on how to perform such translations responsibly, including the need for revision, verification, and proper attribution.

What does the 'More citations needed' template signify for the article on Ernst Moritz Arndt?

The 'More citations needed' template, appearing near the beginning of the article, signifies that certain claims or information within the text lack sufficient supporting references from reliable sources. It encourages readers or editors to add citations to improve the article's verifiability and credibility.

What specific historical period heavily influenced Arndt's most prominent writings and activism?

The historical period that most significantly shaped Ernst Moritz Arndt's prominent writings and activism was the era of the Napoleonic Wars and the subsequent struggle for German independence and unification. His opposition to French dominance and his promotion of German nationalism were central themes during this time.

How did Arndt's views on 'freedom' differ from modern concepts?

While Arndt frequently mentioned 'freedom' in his writings, the freedom he envisioned was not that of a pluralistic society. Instead, it was the freedom of a romanticized, ethnically homogeneous national community, distinct from the liberal ideals of individual liberties often associated with modern democratic thought.

Ernst Moritz Arndt Wiki: Ernst Moritz Arndt: Architect of German Nationalism

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Early Life and Studies

Origins and Family

Ernst Moritz Arndt was born on December 26, 1769, in Gross Schoritz, located on the island of Rügen, then part of Swedish Pomerania within the Holy Roman Empire. He was the son of a prosperous farmer who was an emancipated serf of Count Putbus. His mother hailed from a respectable German yeoman family. This background provided him with a grounded perspective on social structures and the land.

Education and Intellectual Formation

The family relocated to Stralsund in 1787, where Arndt attended the academy. He pursued private studies before enrolling at the University of Greifswald in 1791 to study theology and history. Later, in Jena, he came under the significant intellectual influence of the German idealist philosopher Johann Gottlieb Fichte. This academic journey laid the foundation for his later philosophical and political writings.

Early Travels and Observations

After completing his university studies, Arndt spent two years as a private tutor. At the age of 28, he renounced a career in the ministry and embarked on extensive travels across Europe, visiting Austria, Hungary, Italy, France, and Belgium. His journey along the Rhine River, witnessing ruined castles, ignited a profound bitterness towards France. These experiences were later documented in his work, Travels in parts of Germany, Hungary, Italy and France in 1798 and 1799.

Opposition to Serfdom and Napoleonic Rule

Abolition of Serfdom

Initially, Arndt was sympathetic to the ideals of the French Revolution. However, the excesses of the Reign of Terror led him to distance himself from its radical phase. His views solidified into strong opposition to Napoleonic dominance over Germany. In 1803, he published Geschichte der Leibeigenschaft in Pommern und Rügen (History of Serfdom in Pomerania and Rügen), a powerful critique that convinced King Gustav IV Adolf of Sweden to abolish serfdom in 1806.

Rise of German Nationalism

Arndt's 1806 publication, Geist der Zeit (Spirit of the Times), directly challenged Napoleon and called for German resistance. This led to his exile in Sweden to escape French reprisal. From Stockholm, he continued to advocate for German independence through pamphlets, poems, and songs, becoming a key figure in the burgeoning German nationalist movement. His patriotic songs, such as "Was ist des Deutschen Vaterland?", became anthems for the era.

Post-Napoleonic Era and Political Stance

Following the Napoleonic Wars, Arndt returned to Germany and took a professorship at the University of Bonn in 1818. He advocated for reforms and criticized the particularist policies of German states in his writings. However, his outspoken views led to his arrest and prohibition from teaching after the reactionary Carlsbad Decrees. He spent two decades in literary retirement before being reinstated in 1840.

Ethnocentrism and Attitudes Towards Other Ethnicities

Vision of German Identity

Influenced by thinkers like Fichte and Jahn, Arndt envisioned the German nation as ethnically homogeneous. His writings often focused on external enemies, particularly the French, whom he characterized as weakened and morally depraved. He extolled supposed German virtues and purity, advocating not for a pluralistic society, but for a romanticized national community. His concept of "freedom" was tied to national liberation rather than individual liberties in a diverse society.

Anti-French Propaganda

Arndt's opposition to French influence was intense. He penned strong anti-French propaganda, stating, "When I say I hate the French carelessness, I despise the French daintiness... I could likewise say I hate the English presumption...". He viewed the French as "infamizers and destroyers of our power and virginity," believing they weakened German virtue and strength.

Prejudice Against Poles and Jews

Arndt's nationalism extended to prejudice against other ethnic groups. He published an anti-Polish pamphlet in 1831, denouncing Polish "barbarity and wildness." During the 1848 Revolution, he declared Slavic tribes "inferior to Germans" and incapable of lasting contributions to state or art. He also expressed strong antisemitic views, warning of Jewish influence and conspiracy, and controversially equated the French with "the Jewish people" ("das Judenvolk") due to perceived shared traits like avarice and clannishness.

Notable Works

Poems and Songs

Arndt's lyric poetry, while often political, also included religious themes. His patriotic songs became powerful rallying cries for German nationalism. Some of his most famous works include:

Sind wir vereint zur guten Stunde ("When we are united in happy times")
Was ist des Deutschen Vaterland? ("What is the fatherland of the Germans?")
Der Gott, der Eisen wachsen ließ ("The god who let iron grow")
Zu den Waffen, zu den Waffen ("To arms, to arms")
Kommt her, ihr seid geladen (Hymn, EG 213)
Ich weiß, woran ich glaube ("I know what I believe in", Hymn, EG 357)
Die Leipziger Schlacht ("The Battle of Leipzig")

Other Selected Works

Beyond his poetry, Arndt authored significant historical and travel writings:

Reise durch Schweden ("Voyage through Sweden", 1797)
Über die Freiheit der alten Republiken ("On the Freedom of the Ancient Republics", 1800)
Germanien und Europa ("Germania and Europe", 1803)
Geschichte der Leibeigenschaft in Pommern und Rügen ("History of Serfdom in Pomerania and Rügen", 1803)
Geist der Zeit ("Spirit of the Times", multi-volume, starting 1806)
Nebenstunden, Beschreibung und Geschichte der Shetlandischen Inseln und Orkaden ("Description and history of the Shetland and Orkney Islands", 1820)
Die Frage über die Niederlande ("The Netherlands question", 1831)
Erinnerungen aus dem äußeren Leben ("Memories from Outer Life", autobiography, 1840)
Rhein- und Ahrwanderungen ("Peregrinations along the Rhine and Ahr", 1846)
Meine Wanderungen und Wandlungen mit dem Reichsfreiherrn Heinrich Carl Friedrich vom Stein ("My peregrinations and metamorphoses together with Baron vom Stein", 1858)
Pro populo germanico ("For the German people", 1854)

Biographies

Key Biographical Works

Several scholars and contemporaries have documented the life and work of Ernst Moritz Arndt. These biographies offer insights into his complex character and historical impact:

Schenkel (Elberfeld, 1869)
E. Langenberg (Bonn, 1869)
Wilhelm Baur (Hamburg, 1882)
H. Meisner and R. Geerds, E. M. Arndt, Ein Lebensbild in Briefen (1898)
R. Thiele, E. M. Arndt (1894)
E. M. Seeley's Life and Adventures of E. M. Arndt (1879) (based on Arndt's autobiography)

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References

The apocalypse in Germany Klaus Vondung and Stephen D. Ricks page 112, University of Missouri Press 2001

A full list of references for this article are available at the Ernst Moritz Arndt Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not historical or political advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical research, academic consultation, or nuanced political analysis. Ernst Moritz Arndt's legacy is complex and controversial, involving elements of patriotism alongside problematic nationalist and xenophobic sentiments. Users should consult primary sources and diverse scholarly interpretations for a comprehensive understanding.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Ernst Moritz Arndt: Architect of German Nationalism

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Early Life and Studies

Origins and Family

Education and Intellectual Formation

Early Travels and Observations

Opposition to Serfdom and Napoleonic Rule

Abolition of Serfdom

Rise of German Nationalism

Post-Napoleonic Era and Political Stance

Ethnocentrism and Attitudes Towards Other Ethnicities

Vision of German Identity

Anti-French Propaganda

Prejudice Against Poles and Jews

Notable Works

Poems and Songs

Other Selected Works

Biographies

Key Biographical Works

Related Topics

Portals

Further Information

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Ernst Moritz Arndt: Architect of German Nationalism

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Early Life and Studies 👶

🌍 Origins and Family

🎓 Education and Intellectual Formation

✈️ Early Travels and Observations

Opposition to Serfdom and Napoleonic Rule ⚔️

⛓️ Abolition of Serfdom

🔥 Rise of German Nationalism

🏛️ Post-Napoleonic Era and Political Stance

Ethnocentrism and Attitudes Towards Other Ethnicities ⚖️

🇩🇪 Vision of German Identity

🇫🇷 Anti-French Propaganda

🇵🇱✡️ Prejudice Against Poles and Jews

Notable Works 📚

🎶 Poems and Songs

✍️ Other Selected Works

Biographies 👤

📖 Key Biographical Works

Related Topics 🔗

🇩🇪 Portals

💡 Further Information

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Early Life and Studies

Origins and Family

Education and Intellectual Formation

Early Travels and Observations

Opposition to Serfdom and Napoleonic Rule

Abolition of Serfdom

Rise of German Nationalism

Post-Napoleonic Era and Political Stance

Ethnocentrism and Attitudes Towards Other Ethnicities

Vision of German Identity

Anti-French Propaganda

Prejudice Against Poles and Jews

Notable Works

Poems and Songs

Other Selected Works

Biographies

Key Biographical Works

Related Topics

Portals

Further Information

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice