# Goethe's Werther (1774)

URL: https://germany-history.com/timeline/1774-goethe-s-werther
Location: Leipzig
Categories: main-event

In 1774 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe published The Sorrows of Young Werther. The novel became a European sensation. Goethe moved to Weimar in 1775 and became Germany's greatest poet.

## Why it matters
It began the golden age of German literature.

Ruler at the time: [Joseph II](https://germany-history.com/rulers/joseph-ii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia – The Sorrows of Young Werther](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sorrows_of_Young_Werther)
- [Wikipedia – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_Wolfgang_von_Goethe)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica – The Sorrows of Young Werther](https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Sorrows-of-Young-Werther)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Johann-Wolfgang-von-Goethe)