Background
Hall was born on February 25, 1812 in Christianshavn, Denmark, the son of the highly respected artisan and train-band colonel Mads Hall.
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Carl Christian Hall
Edit ProfileEducation
After a distinguished career at school and college, Hall adopted the law as his profession.
Career
A natural conservatism indisposed Hall at first to take any part in the popular movement of 1848, to which almost all his friends had already adhered; but the moment he was convinced of the inevitability of popular government, he resolutely and sympathetically followed in the new paths. Sent to the Rigsforsamling of 1848 as member for the first district of Copenhagen, a constituency he continued to represent in the Folketing till 1881, Hall immediately took his place in the front rank of Danish politicians. He was not altogether satisfied with the fundamental law of June; but he considered it expedient to make the best use possible of the existing constitution and to unite the best conservative elements of the nation in its defence. The aloofness and sulkiness of the aristocrats and landed proprietors he deeply deplored. Failing to rally them to the good cause he determined anyhow to organize the great cultivated middle class into a-political party. Hence the "June Union, " whose programme was progress and reform in the spirit of the constitution, and at the same time opposition to the one-sided democratism, and party-tyranny of the Bondevenner or peasant party. The "Union" exercised an essential influence on the elections of 1852, and was, in fact, the beginning of the national Liberal party, which found its natural leader in Hall. During the years 1852-1854 the burning question of the day was the connexion between the various parts of the monarchy. Hall was " eider-equilibrium at the very outset incited sympathy, while his wit and humour made him the centre of every circle within which he moved.
Achievements
Politics
As prime minister, from 1857 (and also as foreign minister from 1858) Hall tried to draw Schleswig closer to Denmark, despite Prussian objections. Hall pushed through the November constitution of 1863, which incorporated Schleswig into Denmark and which soon led to war with the German states.
Membership
Member of the Folketing
Personality
Hall displayed rare ability as a debater, his inspiring and yet amiable personality attracted hosts of admirers, while his extraordinary tact and temper disarmed opposition and enabled him to mediate between extremes without ever sacrificing principles.
Connections
In 1837 Hall married the highly gifted but eccentric Augusta Marie, daughter of the philologist Peter Oluf Brondsted.
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Born
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Died
August 14, 1888 (aged 76) -
Nationality
Danish -
Ethnicity
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Political Party
National Liberal Party