Alfred Baeumler Professor at the University of Berlin, leading philosopher of the Third Reich Date of Birth: 19.11.1887 Country: Germany

1. Early Life and Education
2. Academic Career
3. Nazi Ideology
4. Key Philosophy
5. Role in Nazi Germany
6. Post-War Period

Early Life and Education

Alfred Baeumler was born on November 19, 1887, in Bohemia. He studied philosophy and art history at the universities of Berlin and Bonn and earned a doctorate in aesthetics from the University of Munich in 1914.

Academic Career

In 1924, Baeumler became a lecturer at the Dresden University of Technology, rising to the rank of professor four years later. He also taught at the Institute for Political Education in Berlin from 1933 onwards.

Nazi Ideology

Baeumler initially adhered to national-conservative ideologies but later embraced National Socialism. He joined the Nazi Party in 1932 and openly supported the regime. As a professor, he used Nietzsche's philosophy to legitimize Nazi principles.

Key Philosophy

Baeumler's philosophy centered around the idea of "German spirit" and the need for a strong, authoritarian state. He believed that National Socialism represented the culmination of German history and culture.

Role in Nazi Germany

Baeumler became one of the leading philosophers of Nazi Germany and played a significant role in shaping Nazi educational policy. He was appointed to the University of Berlin in 1933 and delivered a notorious lecture entitled "Against the Un-German Spirit."

Post-War Period

After the war, Baeumler was imprisoned for three years. He never returned to academic life and died in 1968 in Eningen-unter-Achalm, near Reutlingen.