In 1907, the Deutscher Werkbund was founded in Germany. The movement came to try and give Germany a better position in the global market with the Arts and crafts movement flourishing in America and England. The founders of the Deutscher Werkbund, Hermann Muthesius and Henry van de Velde, were directly inspired by William Morris, the leader of the Arts and Crafts movement. The main difference between the Werkbund and the Arts and Crafts movement that was that the Deustche Werkbund was not against using machines to produce their products. The Arts and Crafts movement was about small, independent designers being able to produce and create products by hand. The Deutscher Werkbund was about promoting designers, and using technology as a tool to better create products that are beautiful and affordable. The union of the Deutscher Werkbund helped product design in Germany flourish at the time. Germans were not afraid to use machinery to create their products, yet also had only access to quality materials. Within only seven years, there were nearly 2,000 members of the Deutscher Werkbund. The Deutscher Werkbund survived two World Wars. While there were no real rules for the types of technology that can be used like in the Arts and Craft movement, the main rule was that the form must follow function, and all ornament must be eliminated.
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