This article suggests that in Imperial Germany with regards to its political and social consequences two different modes of philanthropy emerged: (1) state-centered philanthropy in court cities (Residenzstädte) where philanthropy was dominated and guided by the ruler and (2) society-centered philanthropy in bourgeois cities (Bürgerstädte) where philanthropy helped develop a true civil society and a self-confident bourgeoisie that was eager to shape society according to its own visions. Using the example of Leipzig, the article discusses various fields of voluntary giving from support for the arts to support for higher education and social housing. It clearly shows that philanthropy was not limited to the sphere of arts and culture but extended into the provision of basic social needs for the lower classes. In contrast to Berlin and Dresden, Leipzig's bourgeoisie displayed all the qualities of an independently acting social class that used its economic potential without State guidance to solve major challenges of industrialization and urbanization.

Geschichte und Gesellschaft (Göttingen)