Konstantin Ferenbah German politician (Centre Party). Date of Birth: 11.01.1852 Country: Germany

1. Early Life and Education
2. Political Career
3. Reichstag Member and Chancellor
4. Chancellor of the Weimar Republic
5. Resignation and Later Career

Early Life and Education

Konstantin Fehrenbach was born in Badenweiler, Germany, on 11 January 1852. The son of a Catholic schoolteacher, he was initially destined for the priesthood. However, after entering the University of Freiburg in 1871 to study theology, he soon realized that the celibacy requirement conflicted with his aspirations.

In 1874, Fehrenbach abandoned theology for law. He passed his legal examination in 1879, married the daughter of a lawyer, and established a successful legal practice in Freiburg, specializing in criminal defense.

Political Career

Fehrenbach's political career began in 1884 when he was elected to the Freiburg city council as a member of the Catholic Center Party. He served as a member of the Baden state parliament from 1885 to 1887 but resigned due to disagreements with his party's ecclesiastical policies.

Fehrenbach returned to state politics in 1901 and remained a member of the state parliament until 1913. His ability to mediate inter-party disputes became evident in his efforts to resolve issues related to political Catholicism. In 1907, he was elected President of the state parliament with the support of the Center, Conservative, and Liberal parties.

Reichstag Member and Chancellor

In 1903, Fehrenbach became a member of the Reichstag, Germany's national parliament. He supported Chancellor Theobald von Bethmann-Hollweg in 1909 and gained national prominence in 1913 for his speech criticizing military excess in the so-called "Zabern Affair."

During World War I, Fehrenbach served as Chairman of the Reichstag's Main Committee and became a trusted advisor to Bethmann-Hollweg. He supported the Kaiser's 1917 "Easter Message" proposing a transition to a constitutional monarchy.

After the collapse of the monarchy in 1918, Fehrenbach attempted to convene the old Reichstag to preserve it, but was thwarted by the Council of People's Commissars. Nonetheless, he was elected President of the Weimar National Assembly, a position he held until 1920.

Chancellor of the Weimar Republic

In June 1920, the collapse of the grand coalition in the Reichstag necessitated the formation of a minority government led by Fehrenbach, then aged 68. His primary task as Chancellor was to implement the Treaty of Versailles, which imposed reparations and other restrictions on Germany.

Fehrenbach led the German delegation at the Spa Conference in 1920, where he demanded an increase in the size of the German armed forces. He also protested the occupation of the Ruhr Valley by Allied forces after Germany failed to meet reparations payments.

Resignation and Later Career

Fehrenbach resigned as Chancellor in May 1921 amidst disagreements within his coalition over how to respond to an ultimatum from the Allies. He continued to be politically active, serving as Deputy Chairman of the League Against Anti-Semitism and supporting the establishment of the Reichsbanner, an anti-extremist organization.

Fehrenbach died in Freiburg on 26 March 1926, at the age of 74. He was buried with state honors in Freiburg's main cemetery and became an honorary citizen of the city.