Göttingen Seven

German history

Also known as: Göttingen Sieben

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June 29, 2026

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The "Göttingen Seven" refers to seven professors at the University of Göttingen who, in 1837, protested King Ernest Augustus's revocation of Hanover's constitution. This act of civil liberty led to their dismissal from the university. The University of Göttingen itself was founded in 1737 and was an early center for Enlightenment ideals, emphasizing rationality and academic freedom. Despite the immediate consequences for the professors, their stand is remembered as a significant defense of academic principles. The university has a rich history, including periods of academic excellence in mathematics and science, as well as challenging times during the Nazi regime when many scholars were expelled.12

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Göttingen
…(1837) of seven professors, the Göttinger Sieben (“Göttingen Seven”), diminished its prosperity. Strong mathematics and physics faculties led to its revival in the late 19th century. The university library is one of the richest collections in Germany.
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…(1837) of seven professors, the Göttinger Sieben (“Göttingen Seven”), diminished its prosperity. Strong mathematics and physics faculties led to its revival in the late 19th century. The university library is one of the richest collections in Germany.
Read More

Brothers Grimm
The Göttingen years: Work on German mythology of the Brothers Grimm
…five other professors (the “Göttingen Seven”), sent a protest to the king, explaining that they felt themselves bound by oath to the old constitution. As a result, they were dismissed, and three professors, including Jacob, were ordered to leave the kingdom of Hanover at once. Through their part in…
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…five other professors (the “Göttingen Seven”), sent a protest to the king, explaining that they felt themselves bound by oath to the old constitution. As a result, they were dismissed, and three professors, including Jacob, were ordered to leave the kingdom of Hanover at once. Through their part in…
Read More

University of Göttingen
History
Known as the “Göttingen Seven,” these professors’ protest led to their dismissal and a temporary plunge in enrollment. Despite these immediate results, the Göttingen Seven are remembered for their powerful demonstration of civil liberty and the defense of academic principles.
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Known as the “Göttingen Seven,” these professors’ protest led to their dismissal and a temporary plunge in enrollment. Despite these immediate results, the Göttingen Seven are remembered for their powerful demonstration of civil liberty and the defense of academic principles.
Read More