The Evolution of Industrial Freedom in Prussia, 1845-1849

By Hugo Wendel

The Evolution of Industrial Freedom in Prussia, 1845-1849 is an interesting analysis of a pivotal period of the industrial revolution in Prussia.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Charles River Editors
• Release date: Mar 22, 2018
• ISBN: 9781531288440

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THE EVOLUTION OF INDUSTRIAL FREEDOM IN PRUSSIA, 1845-1849

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Hugo Wendel

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Copyright © 2016 by Hugo Wendel

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE EVOLUTION OF INDUSTRIAL FREEDOM IN PRUSSIA, 1845-1849

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION: The Introduction of Industrial Freedom into Prussia 1731-1845

CHAPTER I: The Industrial Law of 1845

CHAPTER II: Discontent Among the Working Classes

CHAPTER III: The Industrial Problem and the Government

CONCLUSION

ABBREVIATIONS

THE EVOLUTION OF INDUSTRIAL FREEDOM IN PRUSSIA, 1845-1849

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BY

HUGO C. M. WENDEL

Ph. D. (U. of P.); Assistant Professor of History in New York University

PREFACE

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BETWEEN THE GERMAN REVOLUTION OF 1848 and that of 1918, the parallel is interesting: in both, the laboring-classes played a prominent part; and, in both, the industrial problem came up for solution-

During the recent revolution, the employees gave expression to their belief that the industrial freedom of the factory system was making them slaves of the capitalists. Seventy years ago the mastercraftsmen of Prussia—our study is confined to this state—opposed the liberal Prussian law of 1845, because they believed that it was demoralizing industry. They could think of high standards only in terms of the guild system. Journeymen and apprentices, however, were in favor of retaining industrial freedom. Factory-employees and day-laborers, though inadequately organized, were surprisingly unanimous in their demands for regulation.

Obviously there was discontent among the working classes of Prussia in 1848. This discontent was largely due to the fact that Prussian industry was passing through a transitional stage.

To show the degree of industrial freedom introduced into Prussia by the law of 1845, to note the reaction of the various classes of workingmen, and to trace the policy of the Government, resulting from the petitions and protests of 1847 and 1848, is the purpose of this monograph.

In making this study, I have received assistance from numerous sources—which I gratefully acknowledge. Professor William E. Lingelbach, under whose supervision this work was begun and completed, and Professor Edward P. Cheyney and Professor Arthur Rowland have favored me with constructive criticism. Professor Edwin R. A. Seligman granted me the use of his private library. Professor Carl Becker and Professor Carlton J. H. Hayes have given me expert advice.

Of the librarians, those of the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia, Harvard, Yale, Syracuse (Leopold von Ranke’s library) and the New York Public Library have granted me many privileges. Dr. Henry J. Harris, Director of the Division of Documents, Library of Congress, has been especially helpful.

I must also acknowledge the careful editorial supervision of the Director of the New York University Press, Professor Arthur Huntington Nason.

H. C. M. W.

University Heights, New York

October 14, 1920

INTRODUCTION

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THE INTRODUCTION OF INDUSTRIAL FREEDOM INTO PRUSSIA 1731-1845

THE CRAFT GUILDS, ALTHOUGH A product of mediaeval social and economic conditions, maintained themselves far down into recent times. Long before the French Revolution, however, the growing individualistic conception of life and the new forms of industry had made them an antiquated institution. Their purpose was, furthermore, vitiated by the introduction of numerous abuses. As early as 1731, therefore, the German Imperial Diet had resolved upon reform. In the following year, this resolution resulted in a law for the provinces of Prussia within the Holy Roman Empire. East Prussia received a new code in 1733; West Prussia, in 1774.

Aside from the latter, no new industrial statutes of importance were promulgated in Prussia until after the humiliating defeat at Jena in 1806. Some years before, however, in 1794, the legal principles pertaining to trade and industry, as embodied in the existing laws, had been codified and published as a part of the new Prussian Code (Allgemeines Landrecht). This codification was in every way in harmony with the spirit of the age, and reflected the influence of rationalism as it was interpreted in the light of benevolent absolutism.

The industrial reorganization of the Prussian state under the ministers Stein and Hardenburg reached its culmination in the introduction of industrial freedom (Gewerbefreiheit). This was embodied in three measures of the years 1810, 1811, and 1820, respectively. Naturally, the guilds disliked the new freedom, for it infringed upon their time-honored monopolies. They exerted all the influence at their command against the new laws. As a result, the state felt called upon to reopen the question. The Council of State was ordered in 1824 to discuss the advisability of revision. In 1845, after twenty-one years of deliberation, a new measure was promulgated. Although this new law tried to establish a compromise between industrial freedom and state control, it failed to meet with the approval of those whose condition it sought to ameliorate. By 1848, craftsman and laborer alike demanded reform. The government again took the matter under consideration, but reached a decision decidedly favorable to the guilds.

In 1869, however, the North German Confederation adopted a more enlightened policy, and freed the industries of North Germany from the trammels of an economic organization long since antiquated. Three years later, the law of 1869 was introduced into Baden, Wuerttemberg, and Bavaria, and thus became the law of the newly formed German Empire. Although this law has undergone various amendments in more recent times, its main features still survive.

The history of craft guild legislation in Prussia from the middle of the eighteenth century to 1845 has already been written. The law of 1869 and subsequent amendments have likewise been adequately analyzed. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to discuss the law of 1845 in its relation to the evolution of industrial freedom in Prussia and to relate it to the events of 1848.

In order to appreciate the degree of industrial freedom retained in 1845, it will be necessary to outline briefly its gradual introduction at the close of the eighteenth and the beginning of