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Heinrich BruningGerman politician, Reich Chancellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs
Date of Birth: 26.11.1885
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Heinrich Brüning
- Military Service
- Early Political Career
- Chancellor During the Global Crisis
- Economic Policies
- Foreign Policy
- Downfall from Power
- Post-Political Career
Heinrich Brüning
Early Life and EducationHeinrich Brüning was born in Münster, Germany, on November 26, 1885. He studied philosophy and political science at the universities of Bonn and Berlin, completing his education in 1915.
Military Service
Despite poor health and nearsightedness, Brüning volunteered for military service in World War I as a machine gunner. He was wounded in action, received decorations for bravery, and was promoted to lieutenant in the army reserve. This experience would later serve him well in his political career.
Early Political Career
Brüning began his political career in September 1919, when Prussian Social Welfare Minister Adam Stegerwald appointed him as his personal assistant. A year later, Brüning became director of the Christian National German Trade Union Federation, a position he held until 1930. He was first elected to the Reichstag in May 1924, representing the Catholic Center Party.
Chancellor During the Global Crisis
Following the collapse of the "Grand Coalition" government led by Social Democrat Hermann Müller in March 1930, President Paul von Hindenburg appointed Brüning as Reich Chancellor. As stipulated in Article 53 of the Weimar Constitution, the President had the right to appoint the Chancellor. This allowed Brüning to form a minority government, relying on the support of the President and the declaration of a state of emergency.
Economic Policies
The global economic crisis and the burden of war reparations and pensions on the German economy necessitated drastic measures. Brüning's government implemented emergency laws, including wage cuts and tax increases, under Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution.
Foreign Policy
Brüning sought closer ties with Catholic circles in France and conservative groups in the United States and Britain. By warning Western powers of the threat of Bolshevism in Germany due to the economic crisis, he secured concessions. Foreign troops were withdrawn from the Rhineland in July 1930, and Germany received a one-year moratorium on reparations payments in 1931.
Downfall from Power
Brüning's popularity waned due to his unpopular economic policies. In January 1932, he declared that Germany was unable to pay reparations. His proposal to support East Prussian farmers angered landowners, including Hindenburg. The President withdrew his support, and Brüning resigned in May 1932.
Post-Political Career
After the rise of Hitler, Brüning retired from politics. In 1934, he fled to Holland to avoid arrest during the "Night of the Long Knives." He later emigrated to the United States and returned to Cologne in 1951, where he became a professor. He began writing his memoirs in 1954, which were published posthumously in 1970. Heinrich Brüning died on March 30, 1970.
