Burschenschaften

Burschenschaften
Name	Burschenschaften
Formation	1815
Type	Student fraternity
Location	Germany, Austria, Chile
Language	German

Burschenschaften. Burschenschaften are a specific type of traditional student fraternity originating in the German-speaking world. Founded in the early 19th century, they played a pivotal role in the movement for German unification and the development of liberalism and nationalism in Central Europe. While historically significant, many contemporary Burschenschaften are associated with right-wing politics, national conservatism, and völkisch nationalism, leading to ongoing political and social controversy.

History

The first Burschenschaft was founded in 1815 at the University of Jena, inspired by the patriotic fervor of the Wars of Liberation against Napoleon. The seminal Wartburg Festival in 1817, organized by members, symbolized their demands for a unified German nation-state and constitutional rights. Their activities, culminating in the assassination of the conservative playwright August von Kotzebue by the fraternity member Karl Ludwig Sand, led to the repressive Carlsbad Decrees of 1819 issued by Klemens von Metternich. After the Revolutions of 1848, in which many members participated, Burschenschaften experienced a shift toward more conservative and dueling-focused traditions. Following the Unification of Germany in 1871, many aligned with Pan-Germanism and antisemitism, a trend that intensified during the Weimar Republic. After being dissolved under the Nazi regime, they re-established in West Germany and Austria after World War II, with a significant faction embracing revanchist positions regarding lost territories.

Organization and structure

Burschenschaften are typically organized as independent, self-governing corporations with their own statutes, traditions, and property, often a fraternity house (*Burschenhaus*). Membership is lifelong and divided into stages: active students (*Aktive*), old members (*Alte Herren*), and in some groups, foxes (new members). They are often united in umbrella organizations, the most significant being the Deutsche Burschenschaft (DB) and the Burschenschaftliche Gemeinschaft (BG) within it. Key internal rituals include the academic fencing (*Mensur*), which is considered a character-forging test of courage, and formal commerces (*Kommers*) with traditional songs. The structure is hierarchical and emphasizes principles of honor, corps spirit (*Korporationsgeist*), and allegiance to the fraternity's colors (*Farben*).

Ideology and political positions

The ideological spectrum within Burschenschaften is broad, but a dominant faction is characterized by ethnic nationalism, often grounded in a völkisch conception of the German people. Core principles frequently include a commitment to a "Volksgemeinschaft" and the controversial "Four Terms Proposal" defining German nationality by ancestry. Many groups hold national conservative, right-wing populist, and eurosceptic views, opposing multiculturalism and mass immigration. Historical connections to Pan-Germanism and antisemitism remain a critical part of their legacy, with some fraternities still refusing Jewish members. This positions them at the fringe of the political right in Germany and Austria, often attracting members from parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ).

Role in German society

Burschenschaften maintain a presence at many universities, such as the University of Heidelberg, University of Bonn, and University of Vienna, though they represent a small minority of students. They are often viewed with skepticism by the wider public and are monitored by domestic intelligence services due to extremist positions. Their fraternity houses serve as networking hubs, providing career advantages in fields like law, politics, and business, particularly within conservative circles. The organizations are perennial subjects of media scrutiny and political debate, especially regarding their influence on the far-right scene and their role in perpetuating traditionalist, male-dominated social models.

Notable members and associated figures

Historically, Burschenschaften counted numerous prominent figures among their members. Key early supporters included Turnvater Jahn and Ernst Moritz Arndt. Notable political members included Otto von Bismarck, the first Chancellor of Germany, and Theodor Körner, President of West Germany. Other significant figures were the philosopher Gottlieb Fichte, the revolutionary Karl Follen, and the poet Heinrich Heine (though he later became a critic). In the 20th century, members included Hermann Göring and various figures from the National Liberal Party and German National People's Party. Contemporary associated politicians often come from the AfD and FPÖ.

List of Burschenschaften

There are hundreds of Burschenschaften, many with long histories. Notable examples include the Urburschenschaft of Jena, the Burschenschaft Alemannia zu Bonn, the Burschenschaft Germania zu Würzburg, and the Burschenschaft Olympia Wien. Others of historical or political significance are the Burschenschaft Arminia zu Leipzig, the Burschenschaft Frankonia Erlangen, the Burschenschaft Hannovera Göttingen, and the Burschenschaft Teutonia zu Prag. Many are organized within the Deutsche Burschenschaft or its Austrian counterpart, the Burschenschaften in Österreich.

Category:Student societies in Germany Category:Nationalism in Germany Category:Organizations established in 1815