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John A. Roebling 1806 - 1869

John A. Roebling was born in Mulhausen, Prussia on June 12, 1806. He studied architecture, bridge construction and hydraulics at the Polytechnic Institute in Berlin. He was also a student of the famous philosopher Hegel from whom he learned the doctrine of self-realization and independence, which characterized his life. It was his belief in this doctrine that led him, in 1831, to leave his country of birth and come to America, which promised a haven from the political and religious tyranny that was taking place in Prussia. He and other Prussian immigrants eventually settled on the outskirts of Pittsburgh, Pa. where they founded the town of Saxonburg as a utopian farming community. It was here that he began to make his career making rope out of wire. He used his wire rope to build suspension bridges, including the world famous Brooklyn Bridge, and it became very much in demand. His son, Washington Roebling, took over as head of the Roebling Steel Works in Roebling, NJ after his death in 1869. Roebling, NJ was built and run as a company town. The entire town was populated by and dedicated to, the company employees. Under Washington Roebling's leadership, The Roebling Steel Works went on to make the wire rope used in many other suspension bridges, including the George Washington Bridge, which connects New York with New Jersey, and the Golden Gate Bridge, which connects San Francisco with Marin County.

 

As you look at the informational sites (by clicking on the links above), answer the following questions :

 

1. What events in Prussian history during the early 1800's may have contributed to Roebling's interest in construction and trade ? (hint: think steel).

 

2. If Roebling had stayed in Prussia through the 1840's, could he have been successful building bridges there ?

 

3. How many immigrants came to America from the German Empire between 1820 and 1880 ?

 

4. How likely is it that John Roebling stopped at Ellis Island on his way to America ?

 

Standards links for this lesson: NJ 6.2, 6.4, 6.5, 6.7, 6.8 and NCSS III.c, III.g, VII.e., VIII.a., VIII.c, and IX.c.

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