THE BROTHERS GRIMM IN THE POLITICAL CULTURE OF GERMANY IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY

Abstract

The paper proposes a new interpretation of the traditional view on the Brothers Grimm as armchair scientists far removed from politics. The role and significance of the Brothers‘ participation in the major political events in Germany and Europe in the first half of the 19th century were analyzed on the basis of published personal sources and those of the people around them. On the one hand, the Brothers Grimm in their scientific work and social activities were supporters of the constitutional system and civil society, and on the other – of a strong monarchical state and national traditions development. This reflects the contradictory nature of the foundations of German political culture of the Modern epoch.

Keywords

• germany, conservative order, german studies, frankfurt parliament, «gottingen seven», «german dictionary»