# Ernst Thälmann

> German communist politician, leader of Communist Party of Germany (1886–1944)

**Wikidata**: [Q77004](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q77004)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernst_Thälmann)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ernst-thalmann

## Summary
Ernst Thälmann was a German communist politician who served as the leader of the Communist Party of Germany from 1925 until his death in 1944, playing a significant role in the political landscape of Weimar Republic and Nazi Germany periods.

## Biography
- Born: April 16, 1886
- Nationality: German
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: Leadership of the Communist Party of Germany
- Employer(s): Communist Party of Germany
- Field(s): Politics, communism

## Contributions
Ernst Thälmann's primary contribution was as the leader of the Communist Party of Germany, guiding the party through significant political changes from the Weimar Republic to the Nazi era. He was instrumental in organizing communist activities and maintaining party structure during turbulent times. The source material indicates his role as a political leader rather than specific publications or projects.

## FAQs
**What was Ernst Thälmann's position in the Communist Party of Germany?**
He served as the leader of the Communist Party of Germany from 1925 until his death in 1944.

**When did Ernst Thälmann die?**
Ernst Thälmann died on August 18, 1944.

**What was Ernst Thälmann's nationality?**
Ernst Thälmann was German.

**What organization did Ernst Thälmann lead?**
Ernst Thälmann led the Communist Party of Germany.

**What was Ernst Thälmann's birth date?**
Ernst Thälmann was born on April 16, 1886.

## Why They Matter
Ernst Thälmann's leadership of the Communist Party of Germany had significant impact on German politics during the interwar period. As the party's leader, he navigated the complex political environment of the Weimar Republic and later faced persecution under the Nazi regime. His role influenced the development of communist movements in Germany and shaped the political landscape leading up to World War II. Without his leadership, the Communist Party of Germany would have had a different trajectory, potentially altering the balance of political forces in Germany during this critical period.

## Notable For
- Leader of the Communist Party of Germany from 1925 until 1944
- Received military decorations including the Iron Cross and Hanseatic Cross
- Commemorated through various memorials and monuments
- Associated with the International Brigades through the Thälmann Battalion
- Had a youth organization named after him in East Germany

## Body
### Early Life and Political Beginnings
Ernst Thälmann was born on April 16, 1886. The source material indicates his German nationality and provides his birth date but does not specify his place of birth. He began his political career as a trade unionist before becoming involved in communist politics.

### Rise to Leadership
Thälmann's political career progressed through the ranks of the Communist Party of Germany. He became a prominent figure in the party and was elected as its leader in 1925. During his leadership, the party navigated the challenges of the Weimar Republic, including economic instability and political fragmentation.

### Leadership During Weimar Republic
As leader of the Communist Party of Germany, Thälmann focused on maintaining party unity and organizing political activities. The source material indicates his role as a key figure in the German communist movement during the 1920s and early 1930s. He was involved in various political campaigns and efforts to influence German politics.

### Persecution Under Nazi Regime
With the rise of the Nazi Party to power in 1933, Thälmann faced increasing persecution. The Nazi regime viewed communist leaders as enemies and began to suppress communist activities. Despite these challenges, Thälmann continued to lead the party from underground.

### Death and Legacy
Ernst Thälmann died on August 18, 1944. His death occurred during the Nazi era, and his legacy became complex due to the political context of his time. The source material indicates his death date and provides various memorials and commemorations.

### Commemorations and Memorials
The source material includes references to several memorials and commemorations of Ernst Thälmann. These include:
- Stolperstein memorials in Hamburg
- The Gedenkstätte Buchenwald memorial with a Thälmann-Gedenktafel
- A park named Ernst-Thälmann-Park in Berlin
- The Ernst Thälmann Pioneer Organisation in East Germany

### Military Decorations
Before his political career, Thälmann received military decorations. The source material indicates he was awarded the Iron Cross and Hanseatic Cross during his service in the German Empire and later Nazi Germany. These decorations were received during his military service before he became involved in politics.

### International Connections
Thälmann's leadership extended beyond Germany's borders. The source material mentions his association with the International Brigades through the Thälmann Battalion, indicating his involvement in international communist movements during the Spanish Civil War era.

### Legacy and Historical Context
Thälmann's legacy is complex due to the political context of his time. As a communist leader during the Nazi era, his role was both significant and controversial. The source material provides various perspectives on his life and contributions, reflecting the different interpretations of his historical role.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. BnF authorities
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. CiNii Research
8. Stolperstein dedicated to Ernst Thälmann
9. SNAC
10. Find a Grave
11. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
12. filmportal.de
13. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
14. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
15. Croatian Encyclopedia
16. Munzinger Personen
17. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
18. CONOR.SI
19. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
20. Quora
21. Enciclopedia Treccani
22. Dizionario di Storia
23. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands