The Historical and Political Impact of the Eulenburg Affair in the German Empire

Apr 26, 2026, 09:46

Introduction

This report examines the Eulenburg Affair, a series of legal and social conflicts in the early 20th century involving the close advisors of Kaiser Wilhelm II. It also discusses the recent sale of a porcelain vase linked to these historical figures.

Main Body

On April 24, the Lempertz auction house in Berlin sold a porcelain vase, valued between €300,000 and €450,000. The item is believed to have been a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II to Prince Philipp of Eulenburg-Hertefeld. This object connects to the Eulenburg Affair, a time of instability in the German Empire. During this period, the Kaiser relied heavily on a small group of advisors who met at Liebenberg castle. Historian Robert Beachy describes these men, including Prince Eulenburg, as having close male friendships that included romantic letters. Political tension grew when critics, especially the nationalist journalist Maximilian Harden, claimed that this group had too much influence over government policy. Harden asserted that leaks from the Liebenberg group during the First Moroccan Crisis (1905-06) damaged Germany's diplomatic position. In November 1906, Harden published an article suggesting that Prince Eulenburg and his friends were homosexual. He used the term 'warm' to describe their orientation and argued that the group was a corrupting influence on the state. These claims led to several public trials. In one case, General Kuno von Moltke sued Harden for libel. During the trial, evidence about von Moltke's private life and marriage was presented. The sexologist Magnus Hirschfeld testified as an expert, emphasizing that sexual orientation is a biological trait rather than a choice. Although Harden won the case, the trials brought Hirschfeld's theories on gender and sexuality to public attention. Historians note that the affair increased homophobia and led to the idea that homosexuality was a sign of 'degeneracy,' which later influenced stricter laws under the Nazi regime. Furthermore, the press used antisemitic language against Harden and Hirschfeld, linking homosexuality to a lack of patriotism. The scandal ended with the professional and social ruin of Prince Eulenburg, who died in isolation in 1921.

Conclusion

The Eulenburg Affair caused a shift in how the public viewed the German monarchy. As a result, it contributed to a climate of social division that existed before Kaiser Wilhelm II eventually gave up his throne in 1918.

Vocabulary Learning

assert (v.)
declare / to state clearly and firmly that something is true斷言；堅稱
Example:The lawyer continued to assert that his client was innocent despite the new evidence.
instability (n.)
unsteadiness / a state in which things are likely to change or fail suddenly不穩定；動盪
Example:The country experienced a period of political instability after the sudden change in leadership.
isolation (n.)
separation / the state of being alone or separate from others孤立；隔絕
Example:Many elderly people suffer from social isolation if they do not have family nearby.
monarchy (n.)
kingship / a system of government in which a country is ruled by a king or queen君主政體；君主制
Example:Some people believe that a monarchy is an outdated form of government in the modern world.
trait (n.)
characteristic / a particular quality that someone has特徵；特性
Example:Patience is a personality trait that is very important for a teacher to have.

Sentence Learning

The item is believed to have been a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II to Prince Philipp of Eulenburg-Hertefeld.
Passive Voice: This structure uses a reporting verb in the passive voice followed by a perfect infinitive to discuss a past belief or rumor.被動語態: 此句型使用被動語態的報導動詞，後接完成式不定詞，用以討論過去的一種觀點或傳聞。
During this period, the Kaiser relied heavily on a small group of advisors who met at Liebenberg castle.
Relative Clause: The word 'who' introduces a defining relative clause that identifies which specific group of advisors is being discussed.關係子句: 單字「who」引導了一個限定性關係子句，用以明確指出正在討論的是哪一群顧問。
Although Harden won the case, the trials brought Hirschfeld's theories on gender and sexuality to public attention.
Linking Word: 'Although' is used to introduce a subordinate clause that shows a contrast with the information in the main clause.連接詞: 「Although」用於引導從句，表示與主句內容的對比（儘管）。
The scandal ended with the professional and social ruin of Prince Eulenburg, who died in isolation in 1921.
Relative Clause: This non-defining relative clause adds extra, non-essential biographical information about Prince Eulenburg.關係子句: 此非限定性關係子句為歐倫堡親王提供了額外的、非必要的生平補充資訊。
Historian Robert Beachy describes these men, including Prince Eulenburg, as having close male friendships that included romantic letters.
Relative Clause: The word 'that' introduces a relative clause providing more detail about the nature of the 'friendships'.關係子句: 單字「that」引導了一個關係子句，為「友誼」的性質提供更多細節。