Friedrich Raiffeisen was a German politician and social reformer born on March 30, 1818. He is best known for founding the cooperative movement in Germany, which aimed to improve the economic conditions of rural communities. Raiffeisen established the first rural credit union in 1864, promoting the idea of mutual assistance among farmers. His work laid the foundation for the Raiffeisen banks, which provide financial services to local communities. Raiffeisen's principles of cooperation and self-help have influenced cooperative movements worldwide, making him a significant figure in the development of social and economic structures that empower individuals through collective action.