Famous German Leaders

Otto von Bismarck was a Prussian statesman and diplomat who oversaw the unification of Germany. Known as the Iron Chancellor, he implemented Realpolitik and firm governance during his tenure as minister president and foreign minister of Prussia. Bismarck orchestrated three decisive wars and successfully aligned smaller German states with Prussia to create a unified German Empire. As the architect of Germany's domestic policies, he established the first modern welfare state and engaged in political battles with various factions, including the Catholic Church and socialists. Bismarck's rule was characterized by a staunch monarchist approach and a distrust of democracy.

Erwin Rommel was a highly esteemed German Generalfeldmarschall (field marshal) known as the Desert Fox for his exceptional leadership in World War II. He served in the Wehrmacht of Nazi Germany and was a renowned tank commander during the North African campaign. Rommel was a decorated officer in World War I and authored a book on military tactics based on his experiences. Despite his association with the Nazis, he became a symbol of military prowess and conducted a clean war, earning respect even from his adversaries.

Karl Dönitz was a German admiral who played a significant role in naval history during World War II. He began his career in the Imperial German Navy, where he demonstrated strategic prowess by formulating the concept of U-boats operating in attack groups for greater efficiency. As Supreme Commander of the Navy, he led the Kriegsmarine's U-boat arm and was a key adversary of Allied naval forces in the Battle of the Atlantic. After briefly succeeding Hitler as head of state, Dönitz was tried as a major war criminal at the Nuremberg trials.

Henning von Tresckow was a major general in the German Army who played a key role in organizing resistance against Adolf Hitler during World War II. He attempted to assassinate Hitler in 1943 and was the mastermind behind the Valkyrie plan, aimed at overthrowing the German government. Von Tresckow was considered a central figure in the plot to assassinate Hitler in July 1944. Despite the failure of the plan, he remained committed to opposing the Nazi regime and ultimately took his own life on the Eastern Front.

Konrad Adenauer was a prominent German statesman who served as the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany from 1949 to 1963. He was also the first leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) from 1946 to 1966. Adenauer played a key role in rebuilding West Germany's economy after World War II and establishing close relations with France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. He was a strong anti-communist figure, advocating for an Atlanticist foreign policy and contributing to the re-establishment of national military forces and intelligence services. Adenauer's efforts also led to West Germany joining NATO and signing the Treaty of Rome in 1957, making him a significant figure in the establishment of the European Union.

Erich Ludendorff was a German military officer and politician known for his significant role in the Nazis' rise to power. He achieved fame during World War I for his victories at Liège and Tannenberg. As First Quartermaster General, he led Germany's military strategy until defeat. Ludendorff was a nationalist leader post-war, promoting the stab-in-the-back myth. He participated in failed coup attempts and authored "The Total War," advocating perpetual military readiness. His military career ended with his resignation due to Germany's collapse in WWI.

Gregor Strasser was a German politician and early leader of the Nazi Party. He served in the Imperial German Army during WWI, rising to first lieutenant. After the war, he joined the Nazi Party, becoming an influential figure. Strasser participated in the Beer Hall Putsch, leading to his imprisonment. He oversaw significant growth in the party's membership and reputation, transforming it into a nationwide force. Strasser advocated for the party's radical wing, which led to conflicts with Hitler. Eventually, he resigned from active politics and was later executed in the Night of the Long Knives purge.

Prince Rupert of the Rhine was an English-German army officer, admiral, scientist, and colonial governor. He began his military career as a child, fighting in various wars in Europe. During the English Civil War, he served as a prominent Royalist cavalry commander. After a varied career that included service in France and the Caribbean, he returned to England and became a senior naval commander. Rupert made lasting contributions to the Royal Navy's development and served as the first governor of the Hudson's Bay Company.

Klemens von Metternich was a prominent Austrian statesman and diplomat who served as the Austrian Empire's foreign minister and Chancellor for three decades. He played a central role in the European balance of power known as the Concert of Europe. Metternich rose through diplomatic posts, engineered key alliances and treaties, and led Austria at major congresses like the Congress of Vienna. He implemented the "Metternich system" of international congresses and pursued policies to maintain the Austrian Empire's stability and resist Russian expansionism.

Kurt von Schleicher was a German general and politician who played key roles in the Weimar Republic and the Reichswehr. Rising through the ranks of the Prussian Army, he became a General Staff officer during World War I. Schleicher served as a liaison between the Army and the Weimar Republic, and later held positions in the Reichswehr's Armed Forces Department and Defence Ministry. He briefly served as Chancellor of Germany, attempting to negotiate with Hitler and proposing a dictatorship under Hindenburg before being murdered by the SS in 1934.

Friedrich Wilhelm Ernst Paulus was a German Generalfeldmarschall during World War II. He rose through the ranks in the military and played key roles in World War I and World War II. Paulus participated in various invasions and eventually led the German 6th Army during the Battle of Stalingrad. Despite his lack of field experience, he was entrusted with significant responsibilities. After his surrender in Stalingrad, Paulus became a vocal critic of the Nazi regime and later worked in military history research in East Germany.

Helmut Schmidt was a prominent German politician and member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). He served as the Chancellor of West Germany from 1974 to 1982, following roles as Minister of Defence and Finance in the government of Willy Brandt. Schmidt focused on international affairs during his chancellorship, advocating for European political unification and partnering with the United States. He played a key role in creating the European Monetary System and was a strong advocate for European monetary union and a European Central Bank.

August von Mackensen was a German field marshal who commanded Army Group Mackensen during World War I, establishing himself as one of the German Empire's most skilled military leaders. Following the war, he was interned by the Allies for a year before retiring from the army in 1920. In 1933, he was appointed as a Prussian state councillor by Hermann Göring. Despite suspicions of disloyalty by senior Nazi Party members during the Nazi era, Mackensen remained a committed monarchist and continued to participate in official functions wearing his World War I uniform.

Adolf Galland was a highly decorated German Luftwaffe general and flying ace during World War II. He flew over 700 combat missions, achieving 104 aerial victories against the Western Allies. Galland initially served as a ground-attack pilot before transitioning to a fighter pilot role, flying Messerschmitt Bf 109s in major battles such as the Battle of France and Battle of Britain. He later became the commander of the German Fighter Force, leading successful operations and earning multiple Knight's Cross awards. Galland's career was marked by conflicts with Luftwaffe leadership, ultimately leading to his dismissal and later return to operational flying until the end of the war.

Wilhelm Canaris was a German admiral who served as the chief of the Abwehr, Germany's military-intelligence service, from 1935 to 1944. Initially a supporter of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime, Canaris later turned against Hitler following the German invasion of Poland in 1939. In his role as head of the Abwehr, Canaris played a key role in resistance efforts against the Nazi leadership during World War II. He was ultimately executed for high treason in 1945 as the Allied forces advanced through Germany.

Erich Raeder was a German admiral who held the rank of grand admiral during World War II. He played a significant role in the naval history of the war, leading the Kriegsmarine for the first half of the conflict. Raeder was the first person to hold the rank of grand admiral since 1918. However, he resigned in 1943 and was later convicted of war crimes at the Nuremberg trials. Despite being sentenced to life imprisonment, Raeder was released early due to deteriorating health in 1955.

Helmut Kohl was a German politician who served as Chancellor of West Germany from 1982 to 1990 and Chancellor of Germany from 1990 to 1998. He was the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) from 1973 to 1998. Kohl oversaw the end of the Cold War, German reunification, and the creation of the European Union. He was committed to European integration, the Franco-German relationship, and was a key figure in the eastern enlargement of the EU. Kohl also played a significant role in resolving the Bosnian War.

Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher was a Prussian Generalfeldmarschall known for his leadership during the Napoleonic Wars. He began his military career in the Swedish Army before joining the Prussian Army during the Seven Years' War. Despite facing setbacks, he rose through the ranks and played key roles in various battles against Napoleon, earning recognition for his strategic victories. Blücher's aggressive approach in warfare earned him the nickname "Marshal Forward" and he remains one of the most highly decorated Prussian-German soldiers in history.

Carl Philipp Gottfried von Clausewitz was a Prussian general and military theorist known for his emphasis on the moral and political aspects of war. His seminal work, "On War," highlighted the complex and unpredictable nature of warfare, advocating for rapid decision-making by commanders amidst uncertainty. He believed that war should not be simplified to mere calculations or geometric models, but understood through historical context and practical experience. Clausewitz's famous aphorism, "War is the continuation of policy with other means," reflects his view on the interconnectedness of military and political strategies.

Friedrich Ebert was a German politician of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) and the first president of Germany from 1919 until his death in office in 1925. He became the leader of the SPD in 1913 and played a crucial role during the German Revolution of 1918–19. Ebert's policies focused on maintaining order in post-World War I Germany, leading him to form alliances with conservative and nationalistic forces to suppress both left-wing and right-wing uprisings, making him a controversial historical figure.

Willy Brandt was a prominent German politician and statesman, serving as the leader of the Social Democratic Party of Germany and chancellor of West Germany. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in strengthening cooperation in western Europe and promoting reconciliation with Eastern European countries. Brandt, known for his Ostpolitik initiative, focused on European integration and improving relations with Eastern Europe. Despite controversies over his policies, he left a lasting impact on international relations and economics, with initiatives like the Brandt Report and the Kniefall von Warschau.

Helmuth von Moltke the Elder was a distinguished Prussian field marshal and chief of staff of the Prussian Army for three decades. Known for revolutionizing military tactics, he led troops in various wars across Europe and the Middle East. Renowned for his strategic brilliance, he played key roles in the Second Schleswig War, Austro-Prussian War, and Franco-Prussian War. Moltke was a pioneer in utilizing railways for military purposes, earning him the reputation of embodying Prussian military organization and tactical genius.

Ernst Thälmann was a German communist politician and leader of the Communist Party of Germany (KPD) from 1925 to 1933. He played a significant role during the political turmoil of the Weimar Republic, aligning the KPD closely with the Soviet Union and Joseph Stalin's policies. Thälmann viewed the Social Democratic Party as a primary adversary, labeling them as "social fascists." He led the paramilitary Roter Frontkämpferbund and was arrested by the Gestapo in 1933, spending eleven years in solitary confinement until his execution by Adolf Hitler's order in 1944.

Paul von Hindenburg was a German field marshal who led the Imperial German Army during World War I. He achieved fame on the Eastern Front as the victor of Tannenberg and oversaw a series of victories against the Russians. Hindenburg later became Chief of the Great General Staff, establishing a de facto military dictatorship with General Ludendorff. After World War I, he became president of Germany and played a role in the Nazi seizure of power by appointing Hitler as chancellor.

Gustav Stresemann was a German statesman who served as chancellor and foreign minister of Germany. He played a pivotal role in reconciling Germany and France, earning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1926. Stresemann was a vocal advocate for German militarism during WWI but later founded the German People's Party and embraced Weimar democracy. As chancellor, he implemented economic policies to combat hyperinflation and negotiated international agreements such as the Dawes Plan and Locarno Treaties. Stresemann's diplomatic efforts aimed to stabilize Germany's postwar position and promote peace.

Julius Streicher was a prominent figure in the Nazi Party, serving as the Gauleiter of Franconia and a member of the Reichstag. He gained notoriety as the founder and publisher of the antisemitic newspaper Der Stürmer, a key component of Nazi propaganda. Streicher's publication was financially successful, making him a wealthy individual. Following World War II, he was convicted of crimes against humanity for perpetuating antisemitic propaganda that contributed to the genocide of Jews. Streicher was the first Nazi regime member to be executed for inciting genocide at the Nuremberg Trials.

Hans Paul Oster was a general in the Wehrmacht and a key figure in the anti-Nazi German resistance from 1938 to 1943. Serving as deputy head of the counter-espionage bureau in the Abwehr, he used his position to carry out resistance activities disguised as intelligence work. Oster was involved in various resistance plots, including the 1938 conspiracy and aiding Abwehr officers assisting Jews to escape Germany. Following his arrest in 1943 and subsequent interrogation, he implicated Admiral Wilhelm Canaris as a leading figure in the Resistance Movement. Oster was executed in April 1945 at Flossenbürg concentration camp.

Prince Maximilian of Baden was a German prince, general, and politician who briefly served as the last chancellor of the German Empire and minister-president of Prussia in 1918. He played a key role in initiating peace negotiations at the end of World War I based on President Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points. Maximilian took steps towards establishing a parliamentary system of government in Germany and facilitated the transition to the Weimar Republic by proclaiming the abdication of Emperor Wilhelm II during the German Revolution of 1918–1919.

Dieter Zetsche is a prominent German engineer and business executive known for his leadership in the automotive industry. He served as the chairman of the board of management of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz for over a decade, from 2006 to 2019. Zetsche's career at Daimler spanned over two decades, having been a member of the company's board since 1998. He also held the position of chairman of TUI AG, showcasing his expertise and influence in the corporate world.

Paul Hausser, also known as Paul Falk, was a German general and high-ranking commander in the Waffen-SS. He served as an officer in the Prussian Army during World War I and later joined the SS, playing a key role in forming the Waffen-SS. During World War II, he achieved the rank of army group commander and led Waffen-SS troops in significant battles. After the war, he became a founding member and spokesperson for HIAG, a lobby group advocating for the rehabilitation of former Waffen-SS members.

Ferdinand Schörner was a German military commander in the Wehrmacht of Nazi Germany during World War II, eventually reaching the rank of Generalfeldmarschall. Known for his dedication to the Nazi regime, he was recognized for his ruthless tactics and became Hitler's preferred commander towards the end of the war. Schörner commanded various army groups and held the position of the last Commander-in-chief of the German Army. Following the war, he faced convictions for war crimes in both the Soviet Union and West Germany, leading to imprisonment in multiple countries.

Charles, Prince Napoléon is a French politician and disputed head of the Imperial House of France. He is considered the heir to the legacy of Emperor Napoléon I by some Bonapartists, who refer to him as Napoleon VII. However, others believe his son, Jean-Christophe, holds the title of the current head of the house and rightful heir. Charles is actively involved in Bonapartist politics and continues to navigate the complexities of his lineage and position within the Imperial House of France.

Erwin von Witzleben was a German Generalfeldmarschall in the Wehrmacht during World War II. He was known for his military leadership and strategic skills. He played a significant role in the 20 July plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, aiming to overthrow the Nazi regime. Von Witzleben was set to become the Commander-in-Chief of the Wehrmacht in a post-Nazi government if the plot had been successful. His actions demonstrated his commitment to opposing Hitler's dictatorship and his willingness to risk his career for the greater good.

General Erich von Falkenhayn served as the second Chief of the German General Staff of the First World War from September 1914 to August 1916. He replaced General Helmuth von Moltke the Younger but was later removed due to the failure of his offensive strategy at the Battle of Verdun and other subsequent battles. Falkenhayn believed in reaching a compromise peace rather than pursuing a decisive victory, which led to criticism from some quarters. His reputation as a war leader was challenged during and after the war.

Ludwig Erhard was a prominent German politician and economist known for his affiliation with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and his role as Chancellor of West Germany from 1963 to 1966. He spearheaded postwar economic reforms and the country's remarkable economic recovery, earning him the moniker "father of the economic miracle." Erhard championed the social market economy concept, which continues to shape Germany's economic policy today. Despite his significant contributions, Erhard faced challenges during his chancellorship, leading to his resignation in 1966.

Ursula von der Leyen is a German politician who has held various prominent positions in government. She served as a minister in Angela Merkel's cabinet, including as the federal minister of defence. Von der Leyen is a member of the Christian Democratic Union and the European People's Party. In 2019, she became the first woman to be elected as the President of the European Commission. She has been recognized for her leadership and was named the most powerful woman in the world by Forbes in 2022 and 2023.

Manfred Rommel was a German politician of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) who served as mayor of Stuttgart from 1974 to 1996. Known for his tolerant and liberal policies, he was highly regarded as one of the most popular municipal politicians in Germany. Rommel received numerous foreign honors for his contributions. He played a key role in establishing museums in honor of his father, Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, and maintained friendships with the sons of his father's military adversaries, George Patton IV and David Montgomery.

Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben was a Prussian military officer known for his pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War. He reformed the Continental Army, improving its discipline and professionalism. With extensive military experience in Europe, including service in the Prussian Army and under King Frederick II, Steuben brought valuable expertise to the American forces. He authored influential drill manuals and implemented reforms that significantly enhanced the performance of U.S. troops. Commissioned as Inspector General, he served as General George Washington's chief of staff during the war.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier is a prominent German politician affiliated with the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). He has served as the President of Germany since 2017, having previously held key positions such as Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice Chancellor. Steinmeier's career includes roles as Chief of Staff of the Chancellery and Under-Secretary of State. He is recognized for his involvement in the Schröder government's reforms and has faced criticism for his diplomatic approaches towards countries like Russia and China.

Berthold Maria Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg is a retired German Bundeswehr general who served in the Heer (Army) for thirty-eight years. He commanded Germany's largest military base early in his career and was known as the longest-serving soldier in Germany at the time of his retirement in 1994. He comes from a family with a background in military service and resistance leadership, with his father being World War II colonel Claus von Stauffenberg.

Joachim von Ribbentrop was a German politician and diplomat who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nazi Germany from 1938 to 1945. He initially gained Hitler's attention for his worldly knowledge and expertise in foreign affairs. Ribbentrop played significant roles in brokering key alliances before World War II, including the Pact of Steel with Italy and the Nazi-Soviet non-aggression pact. Despite early influence, his standing diminished as the war progressed. Convicted at the Nuremberg trials, he was executed for his role in starting World War II and enabling the Holocaust.

Geoffrey V Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, was a notable figure in the 12th century. He inherited the titles of Count of Anjou, Touraine, and Maine in 1129, consolidating power in the region. Through strategic marriage and military conquest, he became Duke of Normandy in 1144. His union with Empress Matilda paved the way for the long reign of the Plantagenet dynasty in England through their son, Henry II. Geoffrey's legacy as a skilled ruler and founder of the Angevin Empire endures in history.

Kurt Eisner was a multifaceted figure in German history, known for his roles as a politician, revolutionary, journalist, and theatre critic. As a socialist journalist, he orchestrated the socialist revolution that toppled the Wittelsbach monarchy in Bavaria in 1918. Eisner's leadership during this period earned him the moniker "the symbol of the Bavarian revolution." His influence was such that he is cited as an illustration of charismatic authority by Max Weber. Tragically, Eisner was assassinated by a far-right German nationalist in Munich in 1919.

Wilhelm Adalbert Hosenfeld was a German Army officer who rose to the rank of Hauptmann (captain) by the end of World War II. Originally a school teacher, he played a significant role in hiding and rescuing several Polish individuals, including Jews, in Nazi-occupied Poland. Notably, he helped Jewish pianist Władysław Szpilman survive in the ruins of Warsaw during the final months of 1944. Despite being taken prisoner by the Red Army, Hosenfeld's courageous actions were posthumously recognized for his humanitarian efforts during the war.

Friedrich Ratzel was a prominent German geographer and ethnographer known for his significant contributions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is credited with introducing the term Lebensraum, which later became a key concept in National Socialist ideology. Ratzel's work focused on the relationship between human societies and their physical environments, pioneering the field of political geography. He also conducted extensive research on the influence of geography on the development of civilizations, emphasizing the importance of environmental factors in shaping human history.

Otto Strasser was a German politician and early member of the Nazi Party. Alongside his brother Gregor, he represented the party's radical wing, advocating for Strasserism. Disputes with the dominant Hitlerite faction led him to break from the party and form the Black Front, aiming to challenge Hitler's leadership. The Black Front operated as a secret opposition group during World War II and Strasser remained in exile. He was a key figure in the ideological divergence within the Nazi Party and the broader political landscape of the time.

Franz Josef Strauss was a prominent German politician who served as the chairman of the Christian Social Union in Bavaria for nearly three decades. He held various positions in the federal cabinet and was the minister-president of Bavaria. Strauss played a key role in the founding of Airbus and was known for his focus on regional politics in Bavaria. Despite a failed bid for the chancellorship in 1980, he continued to lead the Bavarian government until his death in 1988, facing a notable rivalry with CDU chairman Helmut Kohl.

Maurice de Saxe was a skilled soldier and military commander of the 18th century. Initially serving in the Army of the Holy Roman Empire and later the Imperial Army, he eventually joined the French service. Rising through the ranks, he became a Marshal and Marshal General of France. Known for his leadership and strategic prowess, de Saxe achieved fame for his significant role in the War of the Austrian Succession, notably his crucial victory at the Battle of Fontenoy.

Sepp Dietrich was a German politician and SS commander during the Nazi era. He joined the Nazi Party in 1928, serving as Adolf Hitler's chauffeur and bodyguard. Despite lacking formal staff officer training, Dietrich became one of the highest-ranking officers in the Waffen-SS, commanding units up to army level in World War II. He was responsible for the Malmedy massacre during the Battle of the Bulge, leading to his conviction for war crimes. Post-war, he was involved with HIAG, a group for former Waffen-SS personnel, until his death in 1966.

Hasso Plattner is a successful German businessman known for co-founding the software company SAP SE. He has played a significant role in the company's growth, serving as chairman of the supervisory board since May 2003. Plattner has been instrumental in shaping SAP's strategic direction and driving innovation within the organization. With a reported net worth of US$17.9 billion as of August 2020, he is recognized as one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, reflecting his achievements in the business world.

Rosa Luxemburg was a revolutionary socialist and anti-war activist known for her involvement in various socialist parties and movements. She was a key figure in the revolutionary socialist movements of Poland and Germany during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly the Spartacist uprising. Luxemburg co-founded the anti-war Spartacus League, which later became the Communist Party of Germany. She played a significant role in the November Revolution and co-founded the newspaper Die Rote Fahne. Luxemburg was captured, tortured, and executed during the Spartacist uprising of January 1919.

Walther Rathenau was a prominent German industrialist, writer, and politician. He played a crucial role in organizing the German war economy during World War I and later held key governmental positions in the Weimar Republic, including serving as foreign minister. Rathenau was known for his negotiation of the 1922 Treaty of Rapallo, which normalized relations between Germany and Soviet Russia. His commitment to fulfilling Germany's obligations under the Treaty of Versailles led to his assassination by ultra-nationalist groups, turning him into a symbol of democracy during the Weimar era.

Walter Scheel was a German statesman who transitioned from being a member of the Nazi Party to joining the Free Democratic Party of Germany (FDP) in 1946. He held various governmental positions, serving as the Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development, President of Germany, and leading the FDP. During Willy Brandt's chancellorship, Scheel was the Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice Chancellor. He briefly acted as Chancellor of West Germany and then served as the President until 1979. Scheel was also a member of the Protestant Church in Germany.

Friedrich Wilhelm Waldemar Fromm was a German Army officer who served as Commander in Chief of the Replacement Army during World War II. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing training and personnel replacement for combat divisions of the German Army. Despite holding a high-ranking position, Fromm faced consequences for his failure to take action against the plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler on 20 July 1944. He was ultimately executed for his involvement in this event.

Hans-Dietrich Genscher was a prominent German statesman and member of the Free Democratic Party (FDP). He held key government positions, serving as Federal Minister of the Interior and later as Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice Chancellor of Germany. Known for his adept diplomacy skills and advocacy for Realpolitik, Genscher played a crucial role in German reunification and international diplomacy during the breakup of Yugoslavia. After leaving office, he continued his involvement in international affairs through various organizations and initiatives, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation.

Prince Eitel Friedrich of Prussia served as a military officer in the German Army during World War I. He held the rank of a general and commanded various army units. Following the war, he was involved in various charitable and social activities. He also undertook diplomatic duties on behalf of the German Empire. Prince Eitel Friedrich was known for his dedication to his military service and his efforts to support his country during a challenging period in its history.

Herbert von Bismarck was a German politician who served as Foreign Secretary from 1886 to 1890. He closely followed in the footsteps of his father, Otto von Bismarck, and his political career was intertwined with his father's. He succeeded his father as the 2nd Prince of Bismarck in 1898. Herbert von Bismarck's professional life was marked by his important role in foreign affairs and his close association with his father's political legacy. He passed away in Friedrichsruh.

Ernst Toller was a prominent German author, playwright, left-wing politician, and revolutionary known for his Expressionist plays. He briefly served as President of the Bavarian Soviet Republic in 1919 and later led its army. Toller was imprisoned for five years due to his involvement in armed resistance against the central government. While in prison, he wrote several acclaimed plays that were performed internationally. Exiled from Germany in 1933, Toller toured the US and Canada, settling in California before moving to New York. He tragically died by suicide in 1939.

Oswald Boelcke was a World War I German professional soldier and pioneering flying ace credited with 40 aerial victories. He is honored as the father of the German fighter air force and air combat as a whole. Boelcke was a highly influential mentor, patrol leader, and tactician in the first years of air combat. He played a key role in transforming the German Flying Troop into the Luftstreitkräfte and codified his combat experiences into the first manual of fighter tactics, the Dicta Boelcke.

Walter Ulbricht was a German communist politician who played a prominent role in the establishment of the Communist Party of Germany and the German Democratic Republic. Serving as the First Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party, he wielded significant influence in East Germany, also acting as the head of state. Ulbricht's leadership saw the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961 to prevent emigration, as well as the implementation of economic systems that ultimately led to his retirement in 1971 and subsequent death in 1973.

Baldur von Schirach was a German politician and prominent member of the Nazi Party. He served as head of the Hitler Youth from 1931 to 1940 and later became the Gauleiter and Reichsstatthalter of Vienna. As a key figure in the Nazi regime, he played a significant role in overseeing youth organizations, military campaigns, and the deportation of Viennese Jews to concentration camps. Following his conviction at the Nuremberg trials for crimes against humanity, he served a 20-year prison sentence before retiring in Southern Germany.

Franz Halder was a German general and chief of staff of the Army High Command in Nazi Germany from 1938 to 1942. He played a significant role in planning and executing Operation Barbarossa, the 1941 invasion of the Soviet Union, and was involved in drafting orders that led to numerous war crimes. After World War II, he worked as a lead consultant for the US Army Historical Division, overseeing the creation of historical documents that aimed to exonerate the German Army and shape a false narrative of the German-Soviet conflict.

Johannes Rau was a prominent German politician affiliated with the Social Democratic Party (SPD). He held various significant positions throughout his career, including serving as the Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia for two decades. Rau was also elected as the President of Germany, a position he held for five years. Additionally, he had the honor of serving as the President of the Bundesrat during two separate terms. Johannes Rau's professional life was marked by dedicated service to his country and the people he represented.

Josef Kramer served as a Hauptsturmführer in the German Nazi regime during World War II. He held positions as the Commandant of Auschwitz-Birkenau and later, of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Known as The Beast of Belsen for his brutal treatment of camp inmates, Kramer was directly involved in the deaths of thousands of people. Following the war, he was captured by the British Army, tried for war crimes, and ultimately executed by hanging for his atrocities.

Günther von Kluge was a German Generalfeldmarschall during World War II, commanding the 4th Army in the invasions of Poland and France. He led the 4th Army in Operation Barbarossa and the Battle for Moscow, later taking command of Army Group Centre. Kluge then served as OB West in occupied France, unable to halt the Allied invasion. Despite not being directly involved, he tragically ended his own life following the failed 20 July plot against Hitler, being replaced by Walter Model.

Heinrich Aloysius Maria Elisabeth Brüning was a German Centre Party politician and academic who served as the chancellor of Germany during the Weimar Republic from 1930 to 1932. He was known for his austerity policies during the Great Depression, which led to opposition in the Reichstag. Governing through emergency decrees issued by President Hindenburg, Brüning faced criticism for overriding the Reichstag. His land distribution policy caused his resignation in 1932. After fleeing Germany in 1934, he later became a professor at Harvard University.

Johann Ludwig "Lutz" Graf Schwerin von Krosigk served as the Minister of Finance of Germany from 1932 to 1945 and de facto Chancellor during May 1945. A non-partisan conservative, he was involved in the persecution of Jews, including stealing their property and laundering money. He held offices in the short-lived Flensburg government after Hitler's death. He was one of the few members of the Third Reich's cabinet to serve continuously from Hitler's appointment until his death. Convicted of laundering stolen property and financing concentration camps, he later worked as an author and publicist.

Georg von Hertling was a German politician known for his affiliation with the Catholic Centre Party. He served as foreign minister and minister president of Bavaria before becoming chancellor of the German Reich and minister president of Prussia. Hertling was the first party politician to hold both offices, breaking the tradition of career civil servants or military men. His conservative stance within the Centre Party and resistance to government dependence on parliament ultimately led to the downfall of his administration during the final months of World War I.

Theodor Heuss was a German liberal politician who served as the first president of West Germany from 1949 to 1959. His background as a political journalist provided a solid foundation for his career in politics. Heuss's cordial nature played a key role in stabilizing democracy in West Germany during the Wirtschaftswunder years. He was known for his contrast to the stern character of Chancellor Konrad Adenauer. Overall, Heuss made significant contributions to the political landscape of post-World War II Germany.

Horst Köhler is an economist and German politician who served as President of Germany from 2004 to 2010. He was elected for two terms, with his first term starting in 2004. Prior to his presidency, Köhler had a successful career in politics, civil service, and banking. He held leadership positions such as president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and head of the International Monetary Fund. He also served on the UN Secretary-General's High-level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda.

Willi Herold was a Nazi German war criminal during World War II. He deserted from the German Army towards the end of the war and assumed the identity of a Luftwaffe captain. Under this false identity, he orchestrated the mass execution of German deserters at a prison camp. Herold's actions led to his arrest by British forces for war crimes. He was subsequently executed for his crimes on 14 November 1946 at Wolfenbüttel Prison.

Publius Quinctilius Varus was a Roman general and politician who served under Emperor Augustus. He is best known for his role in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, where he suffered a devastating defeat against Germanic tribes led by Arminius, resulting in the loss of three Roman legions. This defeat marked a significant turning point in Roman history. Varus ultimately chose to take his own life rather than face capture. His legacy is primarily defined by this tragic event and its impact on Roman military strategy.

Alfred von Tirpitz was a German grand admiral and State Secretary of the German Imperial Naval Office from 1897 to 1916. He transformed the modest Imperial Navy into a formidable force capable of challenging Britain's Royal Navy. Despite achieving a tactical victory at the Battle of Jutland during World War I, his High Seas Fleet failed to overcome Britain's naval dominance. Tirpitz advocated for unrestricted submarine warfare, leading Germany into conflict with the United States. Dismissed in 1916, he later chaired the far-right German Fatherland Party.

Alfred Jodl was a German Generaloberst who held the position of Chief of the Operations Staff of the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht during World War II. He played a key role in the German Armed Forces High Command and was responsible for planning and coordinating military operations. Following the war, Jodl faced charges at the Nuremberg trials for crimes against peace, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. He was found guilty of signing criminal orders and sentenced to death, subsequently being executed in Nuremberg in 1946.

Chlodwig Carl Viktor, Prince of Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst, was a prominent German statesman who held various key positions throughout his career. He served as minister-president of Bavaria, German Ambassador to Paris, Foreign Secretary, and Imperial Lieutenant of Alsace-Lorraine before becoming Chancellor of the German Empire and minister-president of Prussia. Known for his liberal political views, Prince Hohenlohe was highly respected for his diplomatic skills and leadership abilities.