Stephan Born

Stephen Born, originally named Simon Buttermilch, was a pivotal figure in the German workers' movement during the 19th century. Born in Lissa, Prussian Province of Posen, he moved to Berlin at the age of 16, where he became a typesetter and later emerged as a revolutionary leader. As a founder of the General German Workers' Brotherhood, he established the first national trade union organization in Germany, marking a significant step in the labor movement. His involvement with the Communist League reflected his early commitment to radical change, although his views evolved towards reformism during the tumultuous revolution of 1848-49. In 1849, Born played a crucial role as the supreme commander of the insurgency in Dresden, showcasing his leadership during a critical moment in German history. However, following the defeat of the uprisings, he distanced himself from the workers' movement and ultimately settled in Basel, Switzerland, where he lived until his death in 1898. Born's contributions to labor organization and his early revolutionary activities left a lasting impact on the development of trade unions in Germany, positioning him as a significant figure in the history of social reform and workers' rights.