Biography
Julius Sophus Felix Dahn was born in Hamburg as the oldest son of Friedrich (1811-89) and Constanze Dahn who were notable actors at the city's theatre. The family had both German and French roots. Dahn began his studies in law and philosophy in Munich (he had moved there with his parents in 1834), and graduated as Doctor of Laws in Berlin. After his habilitation treatise, Dahn became lecturer of German Law in Munich in 1857. In 1863 he became senior lecturer/associate professor in Würzburg, received a professorship in Königsberg in 1872, and in 1888 he relocated to Breslau, again as a full professor, and was elected rector of the university in 1895. During his regime, he discriminated Polish students by enforcing a ban on Polish student associations. He belonged to as honorary member to association "Germania" a nationalistic and antisemitic organisation, and was one of the leaders of the far right of Alldeutscher Verband Dahn was also honorary doctor in Medicine and in Philosophy. A month before his 78th birthday, Dahn died in Breslau (Wrocław). Dahn was married to Therese von Droste-Hülshoff (1845-1929).
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