Adolph Woermann
Encyclopedia
Adolph Woermann was a German merchant, shipowner and politician, who was also instrumental in the establishment of German colonies
in Africa
. In his time he was the largest German trader to West Africa and - with his Woermann-Linie
- the largest private shipowner in the world.
German colonial empire
The German colonial empire was an overseas domain formed in the late 19th century as part of the German Empire. Short-lived colonial efforts by individual German states had occurred in preceding centuries, but Imperial Germany's colonial efforts began in 1884...
in Africa
Africa
Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...
. In his time he was the largest German trader to West Africa and - with his Woermann-Linie
Woermann-Linie
The Woermann-Linie was a German shipping line which existed from 1885 to 1941. It was set up on 15 June 1885 by Adolph Woermann and became one of the leading shipping companies to Africa. From 1899 it was based in Afrikhaus in Hamburg. In 1941-42 it was taken over by John T. Essberger....
- the largest private shipowner in the world.