Erich Zeigner facts for kids
Erich Zeigner was an important German politician. He was born on February 17, 1886, in Erfurt and passed away on April 5, 1949, in Leipzig. He is best known for being the Prime Minister of the German state of Saxony during a challenging time in 1923.
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Erich Zeigner's Early Career
Erich Zeigner began his political journey in the early 1920s. In August 1921, he became the Minister of Justice for Saxony. This role meant he was in charge of legal matters for the state. His work in justice prepared him for bigger responsibilities.
Becoming Prime Minister
On March 21, 1923, Erich Zeigner took on a very important role. He became the third Prime Minister of the Free State of Saxony. This made him the leader of the state government. During his time as Prime Minister, he faced many political challenges.
Facing Tough Decisions
In October 1923, Zeigner made a significant decision. He included two members from the Communist Party in his government. This was a controversial move at the time. The German Chancellor, Gustav Stresemann, demanded that Zeigner remove these ministers.
Zeigner refused to follow the Chancellor's demand. Because of this, on October 29, 1923, the President of Germany, Friedrich Ebert, removed Zeigner from his position. This was done using a special power from the Weimar constitution. After his removal, a temporary commissioner took over.
Life After Politics
After being removed from office, Erich Zeigner faced difficulties. In November 1923, he was arrested and later spent some time in prison. He was released in August 1925.
In 1932, Zeigner spoke out against the Nazi Party. This was a brave act, as the Nazis were gaining power. When the Nazis took control in 1933, Zeigner was arrested again. He was later found not guilty in 1935. After this, he had to work odd jobs to make a living.
He was briefly imprisoned again in 1939. Later, in 1944, after an attempt to assassinate Hitler, Zeigner was arrested once more. He was sent to a concentration camp, a very difficult and dangerous place.
Return to Public Service
After World War II ended in 1945, Erich Zeigner returned to Leipzig. He quickly became involved in the city's administration. In July 1945, he was appointed as the Lord Mayor of Leipzig. This meant he was the main leader of the city.
He continued to serve as Lord Mayor until his death. In October 1946, the people of Leipzig confirmed him in his role through an election. He worked hard to help rebuild the city after the war.
Later Life and Legacy
Erich Zeigner passed away on April 5, 1949, due to natural causes. He lived a life dedicated to public service, facing many challenges and political changes throughout his career.
