Jahn, Friedrich Ludwig

Jahn, Friedrich Ludwig (frē'drikh lOOt'vikh yän) [key], 1778–1852, German patriot. A high school teacher in Berlin, he was active in efforts to free Germany from Napoleonic rule. He organized the Turnverein, a gymnastic association, to build strength and fellowship among young people of all classes. The gymnastic groups Jahn fostered became centers for nationalism and for the movement to unify Germany. After serving (1813–15) in the war against Napoleon, Jahn continued his work until his political agitation caused his imprisonment (1819–25). Jahn, who was influential in the organization of the Burschenschaft movement, which promoted nationalistic ideals among German university students, was also a delegate to the Frankfurt Parliament in 1848.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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