Kulturkritik in der deutschen Jugendbewegung ‚Wandervogel‘ 1896–1914

The topic of this dissertation is cultural-critical thought structures of the “Wandervogel”, the most influential German youth movement before World War I.
Although founded as an association for hiking tours, the Movement relates to the numerous circulating cultural-critical and socio-critical designs and soon devoted itself intensively to the topic of a cultural renewal.
As the starting point of the study, a clarification of the term ’cultural-critical’ is attempted, followed by a description of the historical and social context in which the “Wandervogel” arised and developed. In particular the predominant mentality, the cultural emphasis and the resulting cultural criticism of the educated middle class during the late 19th and early 20th century are taken into account. Moreover, the revaluation of the youth age and infancy, as well as the aspiration to exert influence on the youth belong to the trends of the turn of the century, and therefore are relevant for this work.
Later the work devotes itself in detail to the origin and the first phase of development of the “Wandervogel” , as well as its activities and ideals.
Essential components of the Movement ’s cultural life were read Literatur, a large number of journal publications and intensive discussion of music as a cultural form of expression. More-over, parties and conferences played an important role in the association life. These four areas – literature, magazines, music and events – form this investigation’s main focuses. The ac-companying discourses within the movement and the outwardly directed communication are also incorporated. The last part of this investigation which devotes itself to the events of the movement, considers the so-called “Ersten Freideutschen Jugendtag” 1913 and particularly treats the selfrepresentation and (attempted) influence on the movement by external actors.
Although the “Wandervogel” movement existed beyond World War I, this study is limited to the period until 1914, its founding and early days, because the structure and orientation of the Wandervogel changed greatly with the outbreak of war.