The General German Workers' Association

The General German Workers' Association, founded in 1863 by Ferdinand Lassalle, was one of the first labor organizations in Germany. It aimed to represent workers' interests, advocate for better working conditions, and promote social and economic reforms through political channels. Unlike trade unions focused on immediate workplace issues, it emphasized political participation and education to achieve broader social change. The association played a foundational role in the German workers' movement and later influenced the development of the Social Democratic Party. It sought to empower workers by integrating their concerns into national politics and fostering solidarity among the working class.