Ferdinand Lassalle

Ferdinand Lassalle (1825-1864) was a German socialist and political activist who played a significant role in the labor movement. He advocated for workers' rights and co-founded the General German Workers' Association, which aimed to unite workers across Germany. Lassalle emphasized the importance of political engagement, arguing that workers should seek reforms through the state to improve their conditions. He was known for his writings and speeches that promoted democracy and social justice, influencing later socialist thought. His ideas contributed to the development of social democracy and laid the groundwork for future labor movements in Europe.