What is the history of Nuremberg?

Nuremberg is a city that sits in a strategic position in the southeastern part of Germany. It is located in the state of Bavaria and lies along the river Pegnitz. The city’s history dates as far back as 1050 AD and its current size is approximately 500,000 inhabitants.

Throughout its past millennium, Nuremberg has been an important factor in international politics and warfare, having served as the capital of the Holy Roman Empire and having been the stage for numerous historic events. It was an important site for the Third Reich during World War II, with its Nazi Party rallies, military parades and demonstrations taking place there.

In many ways, Nuremberg is seen as a symbol for the suffering that Germany has endured across centuries. That is why it is important to understand its history.

The Middle Ages – 1050 AD to 1525 AD

In the Middle Ages, Nuremberg experienced an influx of tradesmen who moved to the city to capitalize on its advantageous location; this period of development was marked by a strong trade economy and an increasingly large population. In 1219, Nuremberg was given imperial status as a free Imperial City, and this further elevated its importance in Europe. This period also saw the beginning of the city’s association with art and crafts, including two world-famous companies, Albrecht Dürer’s workshop and Glockengiesserei Pfundt.
Global trade increased in volume throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, with Nuremberg becoming one of the leading trade cities in Europe thanks to its accessibility via both waterways and land routes.

Early Modern Period – 1525 AD to 1806 AD

This period began with the ascension of Austria’s House of Habsburg to the throne of the Holy Roman Empire, which saw an increasing influence of Catholicism in the city. This influence was also seen in the increased presence of Protestants. In addition, this period saw a growth in international trade, especially with merchants from Italy and France. Nuremberg became one of the most important sites for peace negotiations and treaties, such as the Peace of Nuremberg in 1544 which ended the Schmalkaldic War.

In addition, this period saw the city become increasingly more important in terms of art and culture. Important works were produced by various artists such as Albrecht Dürer, Konrad Witz and Sebald Beham.

Industrialisation and World War I – 1806 AD to 1918 AD

During this period, Nuremberg experienced unprecedented growth thanks to industrialization that led to a flourishing economy. Large-scale industry began to emerge such as metallurgy and engineering. Despite its advances in industry, the city owned no coal or iron fields, instead relying heavily upon trading for raw materials

The years leading up to World War I saw a strong rise of National Socialism (Nazism) with Hitler and his “Fighting League for German Culture” reigning supreme over the city Despite Bavaria’s involvement with Austria and Hungary, it was declared to be a part of Prussia following Germany’s defeat in World War I.

World War II – 1933 AD to 1945 AD

The Third Reich rose to power in 1933 with Adolf Hitler as its leader; this resulted in a positive economic situation for Nuremberg. The Nazi Party openly celebrated German culture in Nuremberg, while also seeking to purge it of those they deemed race impure or Jews Life in Nuremberg was harsh during this period; Jews were persecuted and political prisoners were tortured and sometimes brutally murdered. It was also home to some of Hitler’s most propagandized gatherings such as the “Kräftemessen” (power struggle) rally held in 1936 as well as a parade featuring Hitler’s paramilitary SS troops.

The end of World War II saw Nuremberg fall into ruins due to Allied air strikes which destroyed about 70 percent of its buildings; only one bridge on the Pegnitz river remained standing. Thanks to its strategic importance during the war, it was chosen as one of four major cities in which joint Allied trials were held; these trials prosecuted Nazi war criminals responsible for some of the most infamous war crimes in history.

Post-War Reconstruction – 1945 AD onwards

With Germany’s post-war reconstruction efforts came the reconstruction of Nuremberg which included rebuilding bridges and much of the town center. Many historic buildings were also restored according to their pre-war designs. In addition, Nuremberg joined with neighbouring towns such as Fürth and Erlangen to form “Greater Nuremberg”, blossoming into what it is today – a culturally diverse city home to a variety of art galleries and 1000-plus year-old building complexes.

Nuremberg has certainly come a long way from its relatively dark past, becoming one of Germany’s major tourist destinations due to its rich cultural offerings. However, it is important that we remember the events that took place there so we can continue to strive for a better future free of such tragedies.

For more information about Nuremberg’s history visit The Museum of City History Nuremberg.