Heinrich Gotthard Freiherr von Treitschke (German: [ˈhaɪ̯n. ʁɪç fɔn ˈtʁaɪ̯. t͡ʃkə]; 15 September 1834 – 28 April 1896) was a German historian, political writer and National Liberal member of the Reichstag during the time of the German Empire.
Early life and education
Treitschke was born in Dresden, Kingdom of Saxony, on September 15, 1834, to Adolf Treitschke, a Lutheran pastor, and his wife Amalie. He had two brothers and two sisters. Treitschke's father was a strong supporter of the Prussian-led unification of Germany, and his views had a profound impact on his son.
Treitschke studied history and philosophy at the universities of Leipzig and Heidelberg. He was a brilliant student and was awarded a doctorate in 1858.
Academic career
After graduating from university, Treitschke taught at several universities in Germany, including the University of Freiburg, the University of Kiel, and the University of Berlin. He was a popular lecturer and his books on German history were widely read.
Political views
Treitschke was a passionate nationalist who believed that Germany had a destiny to be a great power. He was a strong supporter of Otto von Bismarck and the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership. Treitschke was also a critic of liberalism and socialism. He believed that liberalism was too weak to defend Germany's interests and that socialism was a threat to the social order.
Later life and death
In 1871, Treitschke was elected to the Reichstag as a member of the National Liberal Party. He served in the Reichstag until 1884. Treitschke continued to write and lecture until his death in Berlin on April 28, 1896.
Legacy
Treitschke is a controversial figure in German history. He is admired by some for his passionate advocacy of German unity, but he is also criticized for his authoritarian views and his anti-Semitism. His work has been influential in the development of German nationalism, and it continues to be read and debated today.
Here are some of Treitschke's most notable works:
- Deutsche Geschichte im 19. Jahrhundert (History of Germany in the 19th Century) (1879–1896)
- Politik (Politics) (1897)
- Aufzeichnungen eines Patrioten (Recollections of a Patriot) (1884–1896)
Treitschke's work has been translated into many languages, and it is available in libraries around the world.
