Reichsminister facts for kids

Reichsministers were important government leaders in Germany between 1919 and 1945. They were like the heads of different government departments, similar to how a country today has a Minister of Education or a Minister of Finance. These leaders were also often members of the German parliament, which was called the Reichstag.

Before 1919, during a time known as the German Empire, there were no officials called Reichsministers. This title was created after World War I, when Germany became a republic.

What Was a Reichsminister?

A Reichsminister was a high-ranking official in the German government. Each Reichsminister was in charge of a specific ministry, which is a branch of the government that deals with a particular area. For example, there might have been a Reichsminister for Foreign Affairs, who handled Germany's relationships with other countries, or a Reichsminister for Justice, who oversaw the legal system.

How Were Reichsministers Chosen?

Reichsministers were usually chosen by the head of the government, often called the Chancellor or Prime Minister. They were then approved by the President. Their job was to help run the country and make sure that government policies were put into action.

Reichsministers in Different Eras

The role of Reichsministers changed over time, especially as Germany went through different political periods.

During the Weimar Republic (1919-1933)

After World War I, Germany became a democratic country known as the Weimar Republic. During this time, Reichsministers were part of a government that was elected by the people. They worked together in a cabinet, which is a group of top government officials who advise the head of government. The first group of these ministers started their work in February 1919.

During Nazi Germany (1933-1945)

When the Nazis came to power in 1933, the role of Reichsministers changed a lot. Instead of serving a democratic government, they became part of a dictatorship. Their main job was to carry out the orders of the leader, Adolf Hitler. Many new ministries were created during this time to help the Nazi party control all parts of German life.

Images for kids

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  Anton von Schmerling from Austria: on July 15th 1848 he belonged to the first three men that the Reichsverweser installed as German Reichsminister.

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  The first German cabinet after the revolution, February 1919, with Reichsministerpräsident Philipp Scheidemann