Founded in 1856 Corps Saxonia Karlsruhe stands proudly. It’s a student fraternity a Männerbund. Its members are known as Karlsruher Saxen. They are united by a shared history and ideals. This fraternity is part of the Weinheimer Senioren-Convent a significant organization.
The story of Corps Saxonia Karlsruhe begins unexpectedly. Several students from Saxonia Hannover were expelled. A Mensur fencing duel was the cause. It broke existing Mensur prohibitions in Germany. They found themselves in Karlsruhe. There they decided to establish a branch of Saxonia.
They chose to keep the colors the crest and the motto of the Hannover branch. The founding date however was set to match that of Saxonia Hannover February 27 1856. Years later Saxonia Hannover slightly altered its crest. This was done to avoid confusion between the two branches.
A strong bond formed between Saxonia Karlsruhe and Saxonia Hannover. On December 10 1856 a letter was sent proposing a Kartell an alliance. This Kartell became official on February 6 1857. It’s the oldest Kartell in the WSC older than the WSC itself. The Kartell was extended to Saxonia Danzig in 1904.
Initially the fraternity’s statutes were not approved. This changed in 1857 under the more tolerant leadership of Ferdinand Redtenbacher. The statutes were approved and the right to wear colors was granted.
Corps Saxonia played a vital role. They were instrumental in founding the WSC on December 29 1863. Their 20th anniversary celebration in 1876 was so impressive that local newspapers gave it prominent coverage. The local press praised their spirit and unity.
The fraternity’s demands grew towards the end of the 19th century. An Altherrenvereinigung an alumni association was formed on January 18 1903. It was registered to acquire land for a new Corpshaus a fraternity house.
Pressure from the Nazi regime led to the fraternity’s dissolution in 1935. The hope was that it would transform into a Kameradschaft a Nazi-approved organization. The majority of active and alumni members refused.
In 1947 some students revived the fraternity as Gesellschaft Saxonia. In 1951 Mensur fencing resumed. The fraternity’s colors were returned. The decision to dissolve was revoked. Corps Saxonia Karlsruhe continues to thrive a testament to its enduring spirit.