Matthias Erzberger

Matthias Erzberger (September 20, 1875 - August 26, 1921) was a German political figure.

Related Topics:
September 20 - 1875 - August 26 - 1921 - German - Political figure

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He was born in Wurttemberg, the son of a craftsman. He became a journalist working for the Deutsches Volksblatt. Erzberger joined the (Catholic) Center Party and was elected to the Reichstag in 1903. Initially supporting Germany's involvement in World War I, by 1917 he called for a negotiated end to the war. As the head of the German delegation, he signed the armistice ending World War I on November 11 1918 at Compiègne with French representative Ferdinand Foch. Erzberger became finance minister in June 1919, and endorsed the Treaty of Versailles. He was forced from office in March 1920, and was later murdered in Baden by members of the Freikorps. Erzberger's assassins fled Germany and were prosecuted only after World War II.

Related Topics:
Wurttemberg - Reichstag - World War I - Armistice ending World War I - November 11 - 1918 - Compiègne - Ferdinand Foch - Treaty of Versailles - Baden - Freikorps

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