Reich Chancellor facts for kids

The Reich Chancellor (German: Reichskanzler) was a very important leader in Germany, similar to a prime minister today. This person was in charge of the government during a time in German history called the German Reich. The word Reich means "realm" or "empire" in German.

What Was a Reich Chancellor?

A Reich Chancellor was the head of the government in Germany. They were like the chief manager of the country, leading the cabinet of ministers and helping the head of state (like an emperor or president) make big decisions. This role existed from 1871 until 1945.

Leaders of the German Empire

The German Empire was a period when Germany was ruled by an emperor. The Reich Chancellors during this time were usually not members of political parties. They served the emperor directly.

• Otto von Bismarck (1871-1890)
• Leo von Caprivi (1890-1894)
• Chlodwig zu Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst (1894-1900)
• Bernhard von Bülow (1900-1909)
• Theobald von Bethmann Hollweg (1909-1917)
• Georg Michaelis (1917)
• Georg von Hertling (1917-1918, Zentrum)
• Max of Baden (1918)

Leaders During the Weimar Republic

After the German Empire ended, Germany became a republic, which means the people had more say in their government. This period was called the Weimar Republic. The chancellors during this time were often leaders of political parties.

• Friedrich Ebert (1918-1919, SPD, Reich Chancellor/President of the Council of the People's Deputies)
• Philipp Scheidemann (1919, SPD, Reich Minister-President)
• Gustav Bauer (1919-1920, SPD, Reich Minister-President/Reich Chancellor)
• Hermann Müller (1920, SPD)
• Konstantin Fehrenbach (1920-1921, Zentrum)
• Joseph Wirth (1921-1922, Zentrum)
• Wilhelm Cuno (1922-1923, no party)
• Gustav Stresemann (1923, DVP)
• Wilhelm Marx (1923-1925, Zentrum)
• Hans Luther (1925-1926, no party)
• Otto Geßler (1926, DDP, acting)
• Wilhelm Marx (1926-1928, Zentrum)
• Hermann Müller (1928-1930, SPD)
• Heinrich Brüning (1930-1932, Zentrum)
• Franz von Papen (1932, Zentrum/no party)
• Kurt von Schleicher (1932-1933, no party)

Leaders During Nazi Germany

The period of Nazi Germany was a dark time when a single political party took complete control. The chancellors during this time were members of the Nazi Party.

• Adolf Hitler (1933-1945, NSDAP)
• Joseph Goebbels (1945, NSDAP)
• Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk (1945, NSDAP, Leading Minister)

Images for kids

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  Otto von Bismarck, Chancellor of the German Empire

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  The Chancellor's Office in Berlin, where the modern German Chancellor works.

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  The cabinet bench in the Reichstag building (to the left of the flag) with the raised seat of the chancellor in the front row.

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  The 18th Vice-Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz.

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  Federal Chancellery, Berlin.

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  Palais Schaumburg, Bonn.

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  Schloss Meseberg, State of Brandenburg.