List of presidents of the Reichstag facts for kids

The President of the Reichstag (in German: Präsident des Reichstags) was the person in charge of the German parliament, called the Reichstag. This important role existed from 1871 to 1918 during the German Empire, and again from 1920 to 1945 during the Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany.

The President's main job was to lead the meetings of the Reichstag. They made sure debates followed the rules and that everyone had a chance to speak. It was a bit like a school principal leading a big assembly, making sure everything runs smoothly.

Quick facts for kids President of the Reichstag
Longest serving and last officeholder Hermann Göring 30 August 1932 – 23 April 1945
Presidium of the Reichstag
Style	Mr. President
Seat	Reichstag building, Königsplatz, Berlin
Nominator	Political parties
Appointer	Reichstag traditionally appointing nominee of the largest party
Term length	Contemporaneous to legislative period
Constituting instrument	German Constitution
Formation	March 1871
First holder	Eduard von Simson
Final holder	Hermann Göring
Abolished	23 April 1945
Succession	President of the Bundestag, 1949 President of the Volkskammer, 1949

Who Were the Presidents of the Reichstag?

Many different people held the position of President of the Reichstag over the years. They came from various political parties and played a key role in German politics.

Presidents During the German Empire (1871–1918)

The first President of the Reichstag was Eduard von Simson, who started in March 1871. During this time, many presidents came from conservative or national liberal parties. They helped guide the new German Empire's parliament.

• Eduard von Simson (March 1871 – February 1874)
• Max von Forckenbeck (February 1874 – May 1879)
• Albert von Levetzow (November 1881 – November 1884 and November 1888 – March 1895)
• Franz von Ballestrem (December 1898 – February 1907)
• Johannes Kaempf (February 1912 – May 1918)

Presidents During the Weimar Republic (1920–1945)

After World War I, Germany became a republic. The Reichstag continued to be the main parliament. During this period, the presidents often came from different political backgrounds, reflecting the changing times in Germany.

• Constantin Fehrenbach (June 1918 – November 1918, and February 1919 – June 1920 for the National Assembly)
• Paul Löbe (June 1920 – May 1924, and January 1925 – August 1932)
• Hermann Göring (August 1932 – April 1945)

Hermann Göring was the last person to hold this position. The role of the President of the Reichstag ended in April 1945.

The Presidium of the Reichstag

The President of the Reichstag didn't work alone. They were part of a group called the Presidium. This group included the President and several Vice-Presidents. They all worked together to manage the parliament's activities and ensure its rules were followed.

Images for kids

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  Eduard von Simson, the first President of the Reichstag.

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  Max von Forckenbeck

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  Otto Theodor von Seydewitz

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  Gustav von Goßler

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  Albert von Levetzow

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  Wilhelm von Wedell-Piesdorf

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  Rudolf von Buol-Berenberg

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  Franz von Ballestrem

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  Udo zu Stolberg-Wernigerode

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  Hans von Schwerin-Löwitz

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  Johannes Kaempf

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  Constantin Fehrenbach

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  Eduard David

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  Conrad Haußmann

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  Paul Löbe

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  Max Wallraf

See also

In Spanish: Presidente del Reichstag para niños

• Reichstag (North German Confederation)
• Reichstag (German Empire)
• Reichstag (Weimar Republic)
• Reichstag (Nazi Germany)

Sources

• German ministries 1871–1945 – Rulers.org