The turn of the century around 1900 was a time of dynamic development for German cities. Westmünsterland in the Westphalian–Dutch border region was no exception. While factories developed into the most important employers in the towns, a new group of actors appeared on the scene, seeking their place in urban politics, society and the economy: entrepreneurs. Using the town of Ahaus as an example, the author examines the economic, social and local political role of factory owners and explores the question of what influence these entrepreneurs had on the development of the small town around 1900.
