Paul Geleff facts for kids
Paul Johansen Geleff (born January 6, 1842, died 1928) was an important Danish leader. He helped start the socialist movement in Denmark. Socialists believe in fairness for all people. They think that society should work together to help everyone, especially workers.
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Early Life and Education
Paul Geleff finished his training to become a school teacher in 1864. After that, he worked as a teacher. He also became a publisher, which means he helped print and share books and newspapers. In 1867, he started his own publication called Hejmdal. He once had to pay a fine for something he wrote about the country of Prussia.
Starting the Socialist Movement
In 1871, Paul Geleff met H. F. V. Brix. Through Brix, he then met Louis Pio. These three men worked together to create a new socialist movement in Denmark. In July 1871, they started a newspaper called Socialisten, which means 'The Socialist'. A few months later, in October, they helped create a Danish branch of the First International. This was a big group of workers and socialists from many different countries.
Challenges and Imprisonment
The new organization supported a strike by bricklayers. They also planned a meeting to get more support for workers' rights. However, the government did not like this. They banned the organization and stopped all its meetings. In the summer of 1872, Paul Geleff, Louis Pio, and H. F. V. Brix were all arrested.
Geleff was sent to prison for three years. While he was in prison, he wrote a book about his experiences. It was called Under Laas og Lukke, which means "Under lock and key". This book was published in 1876.
New Beginnings and Moving to America
After he was released from prison, Paul Geleff and Louis Pio started organizing socialist activities again. In 1876, Geleff helped create the Social Democratic Party. This political party aimed to improve the lives of working people.
In March 1877, Geleff and Pio decided to move to the United States. They received some financial help to make this big move. Their plan was to start a new community in America. However, after they settled in America, Geleff and Pio stopped working together. Geleff wrote a short book about his journey and his split with Pio. It was called Den rene, skære Sandhed om Louis Pio og mig selv, meaning "The pure truth about Louis Pio and myself". It was published in 1877.
Later Life and Return to Denmark
Paul Geleff sometimes wrote articles for a newspaper called Den Danske Pioneer. This newspaper was published from Omaha in Nebraska. Geleff played an important part in making sure the newspaper had strong, forward-thinking ideas.
In 1920, Paul Geleff returned to Denmark. He lived as a retired person and received support from the Social Democratic Party. Paul Geleff passed away in 1928. He was buried on the island of Capri.
