Georg Michaelis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Georg Michaelis
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| Chancellor of Germany (Imperial Germany) |
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| In office 14 July 1917 – 1 November 1917 |
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| Monarch | Wilhelm II |
| Deputy | Karl Helfferich |
| Preceded by | Theobald von Bethmann Hollweg |
| Succeeded by | Georg von Hertling |
| Minister President of Prussia | |
| In office 14 July 1917 – 1 November 1917 |
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| Preceded by | Theobald von Bethmann Hollweg |
| Succeeded by | Georg von Hertling |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 September 1857 Haynau, Province of Silesia, Kingdom of Prussia |
| Died | 24 July 1936 (aged 78) Bad Saarow, Province of Brandenburg, Nazi Germany |
| Political party | None as Chancellor, later the German National People's Party |
| Spouse | Margarete Schmidt |
| Children | Elisabeth Charlotte Emma Georg Sylvester Wilhelm Eva Martha |
| Signature |  |
Georg Michaelis (born September 8, 1857 – died July 24, 1936) was an important leader in Germany during World War I. For a few months in 1917, he served as the Chancellor of Germany. This was a very important job, like being the head of the government.
He was the first person to become Chancellor of the German Empire who was not from a noble family. Michaelis had a background in business and economics. One of his main goals was to encourage peace talks with Russia. He also wanted to prepare Germany for recovery after the war.
Contents
The Life of Georg Michaelis
Early Years and Education
Georg Michaelis was born in a town called Haynau, which was part of Prussia at the time. He grew up in Frankfurt (Oder). From 1876 to 1884, he studied law at several universities. He earned a high degree in law, becoming a Doctor of Laws.
After finishing his studies, Michaelis lived and worked in Tokyo, Japan. From 1885 to 1889, he taught law at a university there.
Return to Germany and Government Work
When he returned to Germany, Michaelis joined the Prussian government. In 1909, he became an important official in the Prussian Treasury in Berlin.
Later, starting in 1915, he was in charge of the Reichsgetreidestelle. This office managed the supply of important grains like corn and wheat in Prussia during World War I. This was a very important job during wartime to make sure people had enough food.
Becoming Chancellor of Germany
In July 1917, the German parliament (called the Reichstag) and the army leaders wanted the current Chancellor to resign. Georg Michaelis was a surprising choice to become the new Chancellor of Germany. He also became the Minister President of Prussia at the same time.
The army commander, Paul von Hindenburg, supported Michaelis. He saw Michaelis as someone who would follow the army's plans. Michaelis was known for being direct and efficient. People described him as "Germany's first everyday Chancellor" because he wasn't from a noble family. However, the powerful German military still had a lot of control behind the scenes.
Challenges as Chancellor
Michaelis faced many difficult problems during his short time as Chancellor. World War I was still happening, and there were big challenges with supplies and logistics.
On July 19, 1917, the Reichstag passed a "Peace Resolution." This resolution called for peace without taking land or demanding payments from other countries. Michaelis tried to make it seem like he agreed with this resolution. However, he secretly told the Crown Prince that he could interpret the resolution in a way that would allow Germany to continue its war goals.
The government also struggled to control rising prices and strikes. The army leaders worried about stability in Germany, especially after the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. This revolution had caused Russia to leave the war.
Michaelis understood that Austria-Hungary, one of Germany's allies, was struggling and wanted peace. But the German military leaders did not want to give up their power. They hoped to weaken Russia further and secure Germany's borders. Michaelis, however, was a realist. He knew that a full military victory was unlikely.
He also discussed plans for a future economic union in Europe, called Mitteleuropa. This plan aimed to connect economies and improve trade after the war.
His Resignation
In August 1917, there were naval mutinies (rebellions) by sailors in Wilhelmshaven. Michaelis tried to blame socialist politicians in the Reichstag for these events. However, the Reichstag demanded his resignation.
On October 24, 1917, several political parties asked the Kaiser to remove Michaelis. Michaelis believed he was forced to resign because he refused to support liberal changes to how elections were held. He was replaced by Georg von Hertling. Michaelis left his position on November 1, 1917.
Later Life and Death
After leaving his role as Chancellor, Michaelis served as a governor in the Prussian province of Pomerania from 1918 to 1919. Even after World War I ended, he worked with local councils of workers and soldiers. However, the new socialist government in Prussia soon replaced him.
In his later years, Michaelis worked in business and with student groups. He also became a member of the German National People's Party. This party supported the idea of a monarchy and traditional values. In 1921, he wrote his life story, called Für Staat und Volk. Eine Lebensgeschichte (For State and People. A Life Story).
Georg Michaelis passed away on July 24, 1936, in Bad Saarow-Pieskow, at the age of 78.
Works
- History of Economics. 1890. Hakubunkan. - Japanese version
See also
In Spanish: Georg Michaelis para niños
