Deutsche Demokratische Partei

The Deutsche Demokratische Partei (English: German Democratic Party), often abbreviated as the DDP, was a liberal party in nineteenth century Germany. The party was rebranded from the Liberale Vereinigung (LV) in 1865. During its entire existance, both the LV and the DDP were led by Orlan von Hammerstein. It's economic policy shift from the LV was rooted in the aftermath of the late 1850s iron shortages, which led many within the LV to believe in the value of state direction of industry in the name of preventing future shortages, while still recognizing the importance of private industrial leadership. Despite it's shift towards command on the economic front, the DDP was a party in favour of social and civil liberty, including the adoption of a "one man, one vote." electoral system. The DDP recognized Germany's potential in leading a Europe of fatherlands, standing in opposition to the very existence of the Russian and Austro-Hungarian multinational empires as unwielding, liberty crushing tyrannies. Due to von Hammerstein wide unpopularity, the LV was only able to participate once in government. The party was dissolved in 1870 when Orlan von Hammerstein died in a boat accident. It can therefore be concluded that he was basically what held the party together.

Notable members

 * Jakob Ferdinand Leibl (1855-1870)
 * Orlan von Hammerstein (1848-1870)
 * Stefan Mühlhausen (1848-1870)