July 12

© 1997, 1998 by Paul A. Schons

July 12, 1253

Frankfurt an der Oder is given city status.

July 12, 1773

Death of Johann Joachim Quantz in Potsdam, Germany. Quantz was a musician who was the flute instructor of Friedrich der Große of Prussia when he was a youngster. Later Friedrich appointed him chamber musician and court composer in Berlin. Quantz composed nearly 500 flute pieces for Friedrich.

July 12, 1868

Birth of Stefan George in Büdesheim, Germany. George was a lyric poet who tried to bring a new classicism to Germany. Noted works are Das Jahr der Seele, Der siebente Ring and Das Neue Reich.

July 12, 1806

The Confederation of the Rhine (Rheinbund) is established.

July 12, 1806

Liechtenstein becomes a sovereign state.

July 12, 1874

Death of Fritz Reuter in Eisenach, Germany. Reuter is the most well known of the writers in German dialect. He wrote in Plattdeutsch. His most significant books are Ut mine Stromtid, Ut mine Festungstid and Ut de Franzosentid.

July 12, 1915

Birth of Otto Steinert in Saarbrücken, Germany. Steinert was a noted photographer who introduced the Fotoform movement into German photography.

July 12, 1994

The German Constitutional Court (Verfassungsgericht) judges that German troops may participate outside of Germany in security missions.

 

July 12, 1994

American president, Clinton, visits Berlin and states to the Berliners, "America stands at your side--now and forever."

July 12, 1996

Death of Gottfried von Einem in Oberdürnbach, Austria. Einem was a composer known primarily for his operas. He composed Dantons Tod (1947), Der Prozess (1953), Der Besuch der alten Dame (1971) and Jesu Hochzeit (1980).