[10] Because of the unstable political climate following the revolutions of 1848 in the German states and the limited economic opportunities for a man working outside a guild,[11] Steinweg decided to leave the country.

Later in New York, he anglicized his name to Henry E. Steinway upon advice from friends, who concluded that the German surname Steinweg would be disadvantageous for doing business.

[citation needed] In 1862 they gained the first prize in London in competition with the most eminent makers in Europe; and this victory was followed in 1867 by a similar success at the Universal exposition in Paris.

According to pianistic giants such as Franz Liszt, Anton Rubinstein, and other high authorities, the Steinways have done more to advance the durability, action, and tone-quality of their instruments than any other makers of Europe or America.

[13] He and his wife, Juliane, had ten children:[14] Henry Engelhard Steinway died in New York City, United States, on February 7, 1871.