Ludwigshafen, on the Rhine, Germany. BASF (Badische Anilin und Soda Fabrik) is founded, the first major German chemical company, which, among other things, will specialize in the production of synthetic indigo. The second, Hoechst, will be founded the following year, 1862, and will also specialize in the production of synthetic indigo, but especially aniline red (a magenta color, also known as fuchsin). Aniline red will also be produced by the third major German chemical company: Bayer, founded in 1861, best known for aspirin. By the end of the 19th century, Germany had over 90% of the world market for synthetic dyes,2 giving it a near-monopoly on research and development that led to several other very important spin-offs in sectors such as medicines, fertilizers, explosives, poison gases, plastics, synthetic and artificial fabrics, and synthetic petroleum. After the First World War, the most important German chemical companies merged into a gigantic conglomerate: IG Farben (Interessengemeinschaft Farbenindustrie Aktiengesellschaft). After the Second World War, IG Farben split again into BASF, Hoechst, and Bayer.
