Little by little, where kings and princes once ruled, a modern and progressive city emerges. A new spirit has arrived. Technological progress, increasing industrialization, science and humanism transform the royal seat into a dynamic metropolis. Industrialization creates job opportunities, which brings thousands of immigrants to the city in the east of the German Reich. The jobs boom leads to an enormous increase in the number of inhabitants. Dresden grows more than fourfold, from 104,000 inhabitants in 1852 to around 548,000 in 1910. It develops into a modern industrial city, which also transforms the challenges for the transport sector and individuals’ transportation requirements.

It’s not long until the outdated horse tracks and roads need to be modernized due to the huge population growth. From 1893, electric trams provide the population with faster travel. Price, availability and the health benefits make the bicycle ever more popular. Cycling clubs are formed and competitive cycling becomes a real crowd-puller. In the midst of it all is Friedrich T. Gottschalk, who, as a member of a bicycle association, recognizes the demand and turns a profit by manufacturing bicycle parts. A welcome market has emerged for Rotax.