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
7. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This paper examines the political rivalry between Christoph Sauer and Benjamin Franklin in colonial Pennsylvania, arguing that their competition extended well beyond their printing businesses into the political and cultural spheres of the era. By analyzing their conflicting approaches toward the German immigrant community during major colonial crises, the study aims to illustrate how these two influential figures navigated the tensions of eighteenth-century Pennsylvania.
- The life and influence of Christoph Sauer in colonial Pennsylvania.
- Economic and professional rivalry between Sauer and Franklin.
- The impact of King George's War on German pacifist convictions and colonial politics.
- The controversy surrounding the "German Charity Schools" and assimilation efforts.
- Political behavior during the French and Indian War.
Excerpt from the Book
3. Sauer’s and Franklin’s First Encounter
Before Christoph Sauer established his printing work in Germantown, Pennsylvania, the German-speaking community lacked religious or secular publications in their own language (Leaman). In fact, there were only two printers from Philadelphia, namely Andrew Bradford and Benjamin Franklin, who both managed to publish the first German writings in the new land (Leaman). However, the printers used Roman type which the German immigrants were unfamiliar with (Leaman). At the same time, Sauer was thinking of starting a printing business that would end the shortage of German-language books in the colonies (Leaman). Eventually, with the help of Pietists back in the German lands and due to the fact that the newly arrived immigrants were not obliged to pay any taxes at that time, he accomplished his goal and received “five to six hundredweight of type in the fall of 1738” (Leaman). It is noteworthy that the contractor used Gothic type instead of Roman type which played a crucial role in the future success of his press.
Interestingly, Sauer did not import a printing press but managed to build his own of which he wrote as a “type of religious and humanitarian mission” (Leaman). It was presumably at this time that the newcomer met Benjamin Franklin (Leaman). In fact, the reason for the encounter lay in Sauer’s need for paper with which only Franklin could supply him (Frantz 22). However, he was forced to obtain it for a very high price (22). Henceforth, by reason of Sauer’s dependence, the German printer ordered paper from Franklin regularly which he later stopped because his son finally established his own paper mill (Leaman). Now, the Germans had their own printer in the person of Christoph Sauer and thus had little need to look for Franklin’s printings anymore (Weaver 537). Considering this change in circumstances and having the ambition to scotch his opponent’s business, Benjamin Franklin decided to retaliate (537).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the significance of Christoph Sauer and Benjamin Franklin as influential figures in colonial Pennsylvania and presents the thesis that their rivalry was primarily manifested in the political scene.
2. Christoph Sauer’s Early Life and Arrival in Pennsylvania: Describes Sauer's background in Germany, his immigration to Pennsylvania in 1724, and his subsequent success as an influential publisher and community figure.
3. Sauer’s and Franklin’s First Encounter: Details the economic origins of the rivalry, focusing on the printing business, the competition for the German-speaking market, and the struggle over paper supplies.
4. Sauer’s and Franklin’s Actions during King George’s War: Examines how the two men used their influence during the mid-1740s military conflict to shape German public opinion on pacifism and colonial defense.
5. The German Charity Schools: Analyzes the political controversy surrounding the establishment of English schools for German immigrants and how this became a "pamphlet war" between the two men.
6. Sauer and Franklin during the French and Indian War: Explores the final phase of their political rivalry as they clashed over the Militia Act and the recruitment of Germans during the warfare of 1754-1763.
7. Conclusion: Summarizes the findings, verifying that the two figures were more than just competitors in the printing trade and left a lasting impact on Pennsylvania’s political and cultural landscape.
Keywords
Christoph Sauer, Benjamin Franklin, Colonial Pennsylvania, German-speaking community, Printing business, King George’s War, German Charity Schools, French and Indian War, Political rivalry, Pacifism, Militia, Assimilation, Immigration, Printing press, Eighteenth-century America.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper explores the rivalry between Christoph Sauer and Benjamin Franklin in colonial Pennsylvania, specifically focusing on how their competing interests manifested in the political and cultural domains rather than just in the printing industry.
What are the central themes of the research?
Key themes include the political influence of German immigrants, the conflict between pacifist religious convictions and colonial defense needs, and the struggle for cultural influence through education and media.
What is the main research question or thesis?
The thesis posits that the rivalry between Sauer and Franklin, while starting in the printing business, was essentially a political struggle for the support and alignment of the Pennsylvania-German community.
Which scientific methods were applied?
The author employs a historiographical approach, utilizing historical publications, journal articles, and primary source documents to reconstruct the relationship and public disputes between the two men.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body chronicles their professional origins, their contrasting political stances during King George’s War, their conflicting views on the "German Charity Schools," and their final confrontations during the French and Indian War.
How would you characterize the keywords of this work?
The keywords reflect the intersection of political, cultural, and economic history, focusing on key historical figures, military conflicts, and social integration challenges of the 18th century.
Why was the "German Charity School" project so controversial?
It was viewed by many, especially Sauer, as an imperialistic attempt to "Anglicize" the German immigrants and pull them away from their traditional language and religious values to serve the militia needs of the English elite.
Did the rivalry change significantly over time?
Yes, the rivalry evolved from simple economic competition over paper and printing rights into a deeper, public political conflict that spanned decades and defined the public discourse of the era.
- 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
