While at first glance Sauer's and Franklin's competition occurred only in the realm of printing, this paper, however, argues that, in positions as influential figures, their rivalry was mainly manifested in the political scene of colonial Pennsylvania.
A few years after his immigration in 1724, Christoph Sauer became the most active publisher of German-language print. In fact, he was famously known for his German almanac and for the German Bible that he published in 1743 which was the first Bible ever to be printed in a European language on the new continent. He also made a name for himself by printing newspapers, sermons and hymnals. Moreover, he became the voice of many German immigrants' opinions and religious beliefs, for which the printer got a lot of attention. On this occasion, Sauer had to face a strong competitor, the celebrated scientist and printer Benjamin Franklin.
Table of Contents
- 1. INTRODUCTION
- 2. CHRISTOPH SAUER'S EARLY LIFE AND ARRIVAL IN PENNSYLVANIA
- 3. SAUER'S AND FRANKLIN'S FIRST ENCOUNTER
- 4. SAUER'S AND FRANKLIN'S ACTIONS DURING KING GEORGE'S WAR
- 5. THE GERMAN CHARITY SCHOOLS
- 6. SAUER AND FRANKLIN DURING THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the competition between Christoph Sauer and Benjamin Franklin, arguing that their rivalry extended beyond the printing industry into the political sphere of colonial Pennsylvania. The analysis focuses on their interactions during key historical events, revealing their contrasting approaches to political engagement and their influence on the German-speaking community.
- The contrasting lives and religious beliefs of Christoph Sauer and Benjamin Franklin.
- The development of Sauer's printing business and its impact on the German community in Pennsylvania.
- The competitive relationship between Sauer and Franklin in the printing and political arenas.
- The role of religious beliefs in shaping political stances during wartime.
- The influence of Sauer and Franklin on the German-speaking community's political participation.
Chapter Summaries
1. INTRODUCTION: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the analysis of the complex relationship between Christoph Sauer and Benjamin Franklin. It introduces Sauer as a significant figure in colonial Pennsylvania, highlighting his prolific publishing of German-language materials, including the first German-language Bible printed in America. The chapter establishes the central thesis: that Sauer and Franklin's competition extended beyond the printing press to encompass the political landscape of the colony. It outlines the structure of the paper, foreshadowing the examination of their interactions during various historical events, such as King George's War and the French and Indian War.
2. CHRISTOPH SAUER'S EARLY LIFE AND ARRIVAL IN PENNSYLVANIA: This chapter details Christoph Sauer's early life in Germany, his religious background, and his eventual emigration to Pennsylvania in 1724. It traces his journey from a Reformed Christian with evolving beliefs, potentially aligned with Pietist or Separatist groups, to his arrival in Philadelphia and subsequent settlement in Germantown. The chapter emphasizes Sauer's multifaceted career, beginning with clockmaking and pharmacy before culminating in his successful printing business. His reputation as a "conscientious and ingenious man" and his charitable works are highlighted, establishing his significant influence within the German community.
3. SAUER'S AND FRANKLIN'S FIRST ENCOUNTER: This chapter focuses on the initial encounter between Sauer and Franklin, highlighting the context of the scarcity of German-language materials in Pennsylvania. It describes Sauer's establishment of his printing business, using Gothic type, which catered to the needs of the German immigrants. The chapter underscores Franklin's role in initially supplying Sauer with paper, which represents the beginning of their competitive relationship. Franklin's subsequent attempts to hinder Sauer's success through controlling paper supplies, selling German-language books, and even attempting to publish a German newspaper, are detailed. The chapter concludes by emphasizing how their rivalry, initially focused on printing, laid the groundwork for future political clashes.
4. SAUER'S AND FRANKLIN'S ACTIONS DURING KING GEORGE'S WAR: This chapter analyzes Sauer and Franklin's differing responses to King George's War. It highlights Franklin's attempt to recruit German-speaking colonists into the military, a campaign largely unsuccessful due to the pacifist beliefs prevalent among many German communities and their religious affiliations, including Mennonites and Anabaptists. The chapter emphasizes Sauer's pivotal role in reinforcing these pacifist views. Sauer’s actions in supporting the Quaker party and disseminating Penn's Charter of Liberties are presented as a key factor in influencing the German community's political decisions and maintaining their religious liberties, thus directly contrasting Franklin’s approach. The chapter demonstrates how this war highlighted the differing political strategies and ideological commitments of both men.
Keywords
Christoph Sauer, Benjamin Franklin, colonial Pennsylvania, German-language printing, King George's War, French and Indian War, German immigrants, religious freedom, political rivalry, pacifism, Pietism, Pennsylvania Germans, printing press, almanac, newspaper.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparative Analysis of Christoph Sauer and Benjamin Franklin in Colonial Pennsylvania
What is the main focus of this paper?
This paper examines the competition between Christoph Sauer and Benjamin Franklin, arguing that their rivalry extended beyond the printing industry into the political sphere of colonial Pennsylvania. The analysis focuses on their interactions during key historical events, revealing their contrasting approaches to political engagement and their influence on the German-speaking community.
Who were Christoph Sauer and Benjamin Franklin?
Christoph Sauer was a significant figure in colonial Pennsylvania, known for his prolific publishing of German-language materials, including the first German-language Bible printed in America. Benjamin Franklin was a prominent polymath, printer, publisher, inventor, statesman, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
What were the key themes explored in this analysis?
Key themes include the contrasting lives and religious beliefs of Sauer and Franklin; the development of Sauer's printing business and its impact on the German community; their competitive relationship in printing and politics; the role of religious beliefs in shaping political stances during wartime; and the influence of both men on the German-speaking community's political participation.
What historical events are examined in this paper?
The paper examines Sauer and Franklin's interactions during King George's War and the French and Indian War, highlighting their differing responses and strategies.
What was the nature of Sauer and Franklin's relationship?
Their relationship was primarily competitive, starting with competition in the printing industry (e.g., control of paper supplies and the publication of German-language materials) and extending into the political arena, where they held contrasting views and employed different strategies, particularly concerning the involvement of German-speaking colonists in wartime.
What role did religion play in their rivalry?
Religious beliefs significantly shaped their political stances, especially during wartime. Sauer's support for pacifist views within the German community contrasted sharply with Franklin's attempts to recruit German-speaking colonists into the military.
What was the impact of Sauer's printing business on the German community in Pennsylvania?
Sauer's printing business played a vital role in providing German-language materials to the German immigrant community, catering to their linguistic and cultural needs. This made him a significant figure within the community.
How did Sauer and Franklin influence the German-speaking community's political participation?
Sauer's influence stemmed from his reinforcement of pacifist views and support for the Quaker party, shaping the community's political decisions and safeguarding their religious liberties. Franklin, conversely, attempted to integrate the German community into the colonial military efforts, with limited success due to the community's largely pacifist stance.
What are the key chapters and their respective focuses?
The paper is structured with chapters covering Sauer's early life and arrival in Pennsylvania; their first encounter and early competition; their actions during King George's War; and their interactions during the French and Indian War. Each chapter delves into specific aspects of their relationship and its impact on colonial Pennsylvania.
What are the key words associated with this analysis?
Key words include Christoph Sauer, Benjamin Franklin, colonial Pennsylvania, German-language printing, King George's War, French and Indian War, German immigrants, religious freedom, political rivalry, pacifism, Pietism, Pennsylvania Germans, printing press, almanac, and newspaper.
- Quote paper
- John Kirsch (Author), 2021, The Rivalry of Christoph Sauer and Benjamin Franklin in Pennsylvania, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1147631
