I know of course; it’s simply luck
That I’ve survived so many friends. But last night in a dream
I heard those friends say of me: “Survival of the fittest”
And I hated myself."
-Bertolt Brecht
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein is known for his theory of relativity, and his eminence as a physicist is unparalleled. His name has even become synonymous with the word "genius". Einstein's life began in Württemberg, Germany, in March of 1879. He obtained his doctorate in 1905 while living in Switzerland. He returned to Germany a few years afterward, and Einstein became a German citizen in 1914.
For years, Einstein taught in Germany and contributed to their education system and culture, until conditions became too hostile. Adolf Hitler officially revived the Nazi Party and named himself leader in 1925. Eight years later, Hitler became Chancellor of Germany and began establishing ghettos and concentration camps for those deemed "inferior" or "dangerous". Dachau was created, thousands of books were burned, and Jews were excluded from the cultural arts and journalism; all within that year. As a Jew and a renowned physicist, Einstein was in more danger than most. At one point, Einstein's face was featured on the cover of a Nazi publication with the caption "Not Yet Hanged". During this fateful year, Albert Einstein left Germany forever and emigrated to America, where he remained until his death in 1955.
Einstein in generally thought to be the most notable and influential physicist of the 20th century, having contributed the theory of relativity and numerous advances in physics. He was the recipient of the 1921 Nobel Prize for physics in recognition of his explanation of the photoelectric effect.
For years, Einstein taught in Germany and contributed to their education system and culture, until conditions became too hostile. Adolf Hitler officially revived the Nazi Party and named himself leader in 1925. Eight years later, Hitler became Chancellor of Germany and began establishing ghettos and concentration camps for those deemed "inferior" or "dangerous". Dachau was created, thousands of books were burned, and Jews were excluded from the cultural arts and journalism; all within that year. As a Jew and a renowned physicist, Einstein was in more danger than most. At one point, Einstein's face was featured on the cover of a Nazi publication with the caption "Not Yet Hanged". During this fateful year, Albert Einstein left Germany forever and emigrated to America, where he remained until his death in 1955.
Einstein in generally thought to be the most notable and influential physicist of the 20th century, having contributed the theory of relativity and numerous advances in physics. He was the recipient of the 1921 Nobel Prize for physics in recognition of his explanation of the photoelectric effect.
Although Congress and Franklin D. Roosevelt did not enact or allow for policies to allow the millions of Jewish refugees into America, Roosevelt helped arrange the entry of thousands of scholars, artists, and others who were thought to be able to contribute to the culture and academia of the United States. By creating this exception, notable Europeans and contributions were saved. Albert Einstein was one of those saved by this act.
However, the strict quotas and rigorous entry requirements of the early 20th century prevented most of the numerous refugees from entering the United States. At this time, only 27,000 slots a year were available for the millions threatened by the tyranny of the Third Reich.
However, the strict quotas and rigorous entry requirements of the early 20th century prevented most of the numerous refugees from entering the United States. At this time, only 27,000 slots a year were available for the millions threatened by the tyranny of the Third Reich.