Ernst II

Yesterday was the anniversary of the founding of the German Schuetzen Union in 1861. Leading the movement was Ernst II, prince of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. Ernst was a relatively liberal monarch as his subjects enjoyed more constitutionally guaranteed freedoms than in other German principalities. He was also much in favor of Germany reclaiming its rightful place as a world power through unification. His idea of uniting the German schuetzen societies, as well as the gymnastic and singing societies was part of his strategy. As he stated in his address to the assembled representatives at the gathering of Germany's schuetzen societies, "What is the danger of a people who are strong and united?" His wish was fulfilled ten years later by the Prussian King William I. This was known as the "Second Reich." I suppose the latest reunification could be called the Fourth Reich but the appellation has not caught on. Ernst II was also the only European monarch to recognize the Confederate States of America. His legacy lives on as one of his family is today the "Protector" of the German Schuetzen Union. German schuetzen often display flags and other regalia with the white/green, the colors of his house.