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Konstantin von NeurathGerman politician, diplomat, baron.
Date of Birth: 02.02.1873
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Diplomatic Career
- Diplomatic Service:
- Political Career
- Foreign Minister under Weimar Republic:
- Nazi Party Membership and Foreign Policy
- Diplomatic Achievements:
- The Polish-German Agreement of 1934
- Protector of Bohemia and Moravia:
- Trial and Imprisonment
- Later Life and Death
Early Life and Diplomatic Career
Birth and Education:Konstantin von Neurath was born on February 2, 1873, in Klein-Glattbach, Württemberg.
Diplomatic Service:
In 1901, Neurath joined the diplomatic service. He served as Germany's Consul General in London in 1903 and during World War I, he worked in the German embassy in Constantinople.
Political Career
Head of Württemberg Government:From 1917-18, Neurath served as the head of the Württemberg government.
Foreign Minister under Weimar Republic:
In 1930, Neurath became Germany's Ambassador to London. He represented Germany at the London Conference in 1932, where he unsuccessfully sought the cancellation of reparations. From 1932-33, he held the post of Foreign Minister under Franz von Papen and Kurt von Schleicher.
Nazi Party Membership and Foreign Policy
Entry into the Nazi Party and SS:In January 1933, Neurath became Foreign Minister under Adolf Hitler. He joined the Nazi Party and the SS, rising to the rank of SS-Gruppenführer (Lieutenant General).
Diplomatic Achievements:
Neurath played a key role in several key foreign policy initiatives, including:
The Polish-German Agreement of 1934
The rearmament of the Rhineland (1936)The Anti-Comintern Pact with Italy and Japan (1936)
The annexation of Austria (1938)
Protector of Bohemia and Moravia
Removal as Foreign Minister:
In February 1938, Neurath was replaced as Foreign Minister by Joachim von Ribbentrop.
Protector of Bohemia and Moravia:
From 1939-43, Neurath served as the Protector of Bohemia and Moravia, where he oversaw the implementation of Nazi policies, including the suppression of Czech resistance and the "Germanization" of Czechoslovakia.
Trial and Imprisonment
War Crimes Charges:After the war, Neurath was arrested and charged with war crimes.
Nuremberg Trial Verdict:
The International Military Tribunal found Neurath guilty on all four counts of the indictment and sentenced him to 15 years in prison.
Later Life and Death
Release and Death:Neurath was released from Spandau Prison in 1954 and died on August 14, 1956, in Enzweihingen.
