Leipzig History, Germany

Known as the largest city in the federal state of Saxony, Germany, Leipzig has had its share of history waiting to be unfolded. Leipzig History has important events worthy of learning.

Leipzig History – Foundations

The name Leipzig stemmed from the Slavic word Lipsck. This denotes “settlement where the lime trees stand.” The very first record of a settlement in the city dates back to 1015.

At the time, Leipzig was known for forming the history of Saxony and Germany by gaining significant privileges market wise. It was famous for its commercial power. This is evident through the Leipzig Trade Fair, which started during the Middle Ages and is recognized as the oldest enduring trade fair in the world.

In 1409, the University of Leipzig was instituted. This paved the way for Leipzig to become the center of German law and publishing. Leipzig continued its development as a productive and progressive city.

Leipzig History – 19th Century

When the Battle of the Nations broke, the region of Leipzig became the battle ground. This resulted in the end of Napoleon’s conquest of Europe.

In 1839, the construction of a terminal included in the first German long distance railway to Dresden was made. After this, the famous Leipzig Central Station – the biggest terminal station by area in the whole of Europe – was built, which made the city the center of Central European traffic. As Leipzig grew into an industrial city, its population grew rapidly to almost one million residents. It was also during the 19th century that big Grunderzeit (economic areas) were built in Leipzig.

The city also became the hub of the German and Saxon liberal movements. On May 23, 1863, the first German labor party called General German Workers’ Association was instated in Leipzig by Ferdinand Lassalle.

Leipzig History – 20th Century

Carl Friedrich Goerdeler, the mayor of Leipzig from 1930 to 1937, was a prominent adversary of the Nazi rule in Germany. At one time, during his absence, his Nazi deputy commanded the demolition of the Felix Mendelssohn’s statue. Following this incident Goerdeler resigned in 1937. The following year, the Morish Revival Leipzig synagogue, an important landmark of the city, was intentionally destroyed.

When Allied forces bombed Leipzig during World War II, the city was greatly damaged. Leipzig was taken over by the American troops and was turned over to the Red Army. After this, Leipzig grew to be one of the chief cities of the German Democratic Republic.

As Leipzig History transformed the city’s situation, Berlin History also had a great contribution in the history of Germany. The records of these two German cities are closely related to those found in Hamburg History. All these guides contain facts that brought Germany to its present reputation.

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