In 1863, the General German Workers' Association (Allgemeiner Deutscher Arbeiterverein) was established in Leipzig, Kingdom of Saxony, during a period marked by rapid industrialization across Europe. The association was formed by a group of dedicated socialists, including Ferdinand Lassalle, who sought to address the critical issues facing the working class in Germany. The backdrop to this movement was a nation grappling with economic inequality, labor exploitation, and a lack of political representation for the working populace.

The founding conference convened in Leipzig with delegates from various German states, emphasizing the need for a unified voice for workers. The association aimed to educate the working class on their rights, advocate for social reforms, and influence political systems that marginalized labor interests. By promoting solidarity among workers, the association sought to elevate living standards and secure better working conditions.

Lassalle's vision of political engagement and the necessity of a working-class movement led to significant outreach and recruitment efforts throughout Germany. The association's directives were rooted in the promotion of social justice, emphasizing that the working class could achieve their rights through collective action and organized political efforts. This foundational moment ultimately laid the groundwork for later developments in German social democracy, culminating in the formation of the Social Democratic Party (SPD).