Reich President facts for kids

The Reich President (German: Reichspräsident) was the leader of Germany during a time called the Weimar Republic (1919-1933) and later during Nazi Germany (1933-1945). This person was the head of state, similar to a president today.

The Reich President took over from the German emperor after World War I. This role had more power than the current Federal President of Germany.

What the Reich President Did

The Reich President was chosen by the German people for a seven-year term. They could be elected again if people wanted them to continue. This powerful leader was also the head of the country's army.

Powers of the President

The Reich President had important jobs. They could choose and remove the Reich Chancellor (like a prime minister). They also had the power to send away the Reichstag, which was the German parliament.

The president was supposed to work with the Reichstag to make laws. However, during the Weimar Republic, Germany faced many challenges. Because of this, presidents often used special powers to make laws without the Reichstag's full approval. This happened a lot in the early 1930s. Later, during the time of Adolf Hitler, the Reichstag had very little real power.

Who Were the Reich Presidents?

Here are the people who held the title of Reich President:

During the Weimar Republic (1919-1933)

• Friedrich Ebert (1919-1925, from the SPD). He died while still in office.
• Hans Luther (1925, not part of a political party). He served as a temporary president.
• Walter Simons (1925, not part of a political party). He also served as a temporary president.
• Paul von Hindenburg (1925-1933, not part of a political party). He was re-elected in 1932.

During Nazi Germany (1933-1945)

• Paul von Hindenburg (1933-1934, not part of a political party). He passed away while in office.
• Adolf Hitler (1934-1945, from the NSDAP). He took his own life at the end of World War II.
• Karl Dönitz (1945, from the NSDAP). He was imprisoned after the war.

Images for kids

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  Candidate Karl Jarres (conservatives and national liberals) in 1925, first round.

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  Propaganda for Paul von Hindenburg, right-wing candidate in the second round of 1925.

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  Propaganda at a poll site, 12 April 1932.

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  Friedrich Ebert, president 1919–1925, painted by Lovis Corinth in 1924.

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  Reichspräsident Paul von Hindenburg (center) at the Reichstag, 1 January 1931.

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  The Reichstag, 12 September 1932: Chancellor Franz von Papen (standing left) who wants to declare the dismission, above at the right the Reichstag president Hermann Göring (NSDAP) who looks the other way.

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  Paul von Hindenburg, president 1925–1934, painted by Max Liebermann in 1927.

See also

In Spanish: Presidente de Alemania (1919-1945) para niños