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Mannheim History, Germany

Mannheim is the second biggest city in Baden-Wuttemberg, Germany. The city, at present, is the product of a tumultuous and affecting history. Mannheim History is characterized by liberality and lenience, mobility and progressiveness.

Mannheim History – Early History

As early as 1160, the city of Mannheim was ruled over by the Palatinate state. During this time, the place was mostly shaped by agriculture and livestock farming, and the Rhine toll. In 1270, the Archbishop of Mainz ordered the destruction of the toll castles of Rheinhausen and Eichelsheim. After the reconstruction of the toll, it was made the main toll point of the region.

In 1415, Pope John XXIII was held captive at Castle Eichelsheim. By 1439, the population of Mannheim was 500, the biggest in the region of Lower Neckar. After the victory of the Count of Wurttemberg at the battle near Seckenheim in 1462, the pope founded the Palatine Supremacy located in the middle Upper Rhine region.

Mannheim History – 19th Century

Mannheim became a part of Baden 1802. The quadrate number and letter system was introduced to Mannheim in 1811. This system is still used by the citizens of the city. In 1817, Karl Drais invented the running machine, which is the predecessor of the bicycle and paved the way for individual mobility.

Karl Ludwig Sand killed the author and Russian Privy Counselor August von Kotzebue due to politics. Because of this assassination, the national and liberal aspirations of the states under the German confederation were restrained.

Since this was the time of industrialization, Mannheim developed in relation to commerce. A chemical factory was constructed in 1827 and a year after, a free port is opened in the Rhine. Add to this a sugar factory was also instituted. In 1836, Joseph Vogele created a train. Following this, in 1840, the Mannheim-Heidelberg railway was opened.

By the mid 19th century, Mannheim became a foundation of the political and revolutionary movement. Many Moderate Liberals were born in the city. The national uprising in Baden led to the shooting of a number of revolutionaries such as Heinrich Dietz and Karl Hofer.

At the latter part of the 1800s, another milestone was reached by one of the citizens of Mannheim. Carl Benz established the Benz & Co. This company produced the spin-off which is now known as the Mercedez-Benz.

Mannheim History – 20th Century

Mannheim’s progress continued to the early 20th century. However, like all other German cities, Mannheim was not able to escape the cruelty of the War. Over 2,000 Mannheim Jews were persecuted and killed. In 1943, around 6,000 infrastructures were annihilated by stern air raids. More than ¼ of the population became homeless and 414 died.

Just like any other German city or village, Mannheim got back up after suffering during the 2nd World War. Bridges and buildings were rebuilt. The government also fixed its eyes on the development of culture and the arts. The city also focused on developing technology (as it did during the industrial revolution).

Indeed, Mannheim History depicts the German’s culture, liberalization, and commerce. Look into other pertinent information on this country through the Stuttgart Travel Guide and Friedrichshafen Travel Guide.

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