Class struggles and civil society actions, political conflicts, and social club life: Jürgen Schmidt describes and explains the diverse history of the German labor movement from the 1830s to the founding of the German Empire in 1871. During these decades, craftsmen, wage workers, and intellectuals came together in political associations, parties, trade unions, and cooperatives. They discussed revolutionary ideas and reform concepts across national borders, fought in the Revolution of 1848, organized strikes, celebrated lively club festivities, and faced state persecution. They remained a minority, sought to overcome capitalism, and aimed to create a new social order. Nevertheless, they attempted to gain a respected place in society.