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Why did Heinrich Heine convert to Protestantism in 1825?
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Heinrich Heine
Heinrich Heine, c. 1827.
Heinrich Heine converted to Protestantism in 1825 primarily to open up the possibility of a civil service career, as such positions were closed to Jews at that time.1
Heine undertook this conversion with little enthusiasm and some resentment. Ultimately, the decision did not lead to the intended professional outcome, as he never held a position in government service nor practiced law.1