Landsmannschaft (Studentenverbindung) - History

History

In order to understand the history of German fraternities it needs to be known that the first universities in Europe were established in the 12th and 13th century in Paris (France), Bologna and Padua Italy, and later also in Oxford and Cambridge (England). Students joined groups in regards to region in order to have protection as well as support in being heard in their interests. The two early forms were called nations (Nationes) or colleges (Collegien) and organized not only the work but also social life and had major influence in universities as they elected the head of a university (magister) in some areas.

Landsmannschaften formerly had the character of guilds. They were loosely organized bodies of students from the same region or nation naturally enough drawn together by their longings for companionship. A good example is the Mosellanerlandsmannschaft of the University of Jena. It contained members from the Rhineland, Palatinate, Swabia, and Alsace. The purpose of the organizations in general was: (1) to encourage friendship; (2) to compel the adjustment of difficulties arising among members; (3) to protect a “brother member” against slander or other attack from outsiders; (4) to share in social enjoyments; (5) to perform friendly services for one another; (6) to yield to the will of the majority; (7) to obey the president as long as he directs for the best interests of the organization. By 1786 this code had grown to 86 paragraphs.