# Herbert Backe

> German politician (1896-1947)

**Wikidata**: [Q57578](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57578)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_Backe)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/herbert-backe

## Summary
Herbert Backe was a German politician who played a significant role in the Nazi regime, primarily known for his involvement in agricultural policy and leadership within the SS. Born in 1896, he served as the Reich Minister of Food and Agriculture, contributing to the economic policies of Nazi Germany until his death in 1947.

## Biography
- **Born**: May 1, 1896
- **Nationality**: German
- **Education**: Studied at the University of Göttingen and Leibniz University Hannover
- **Known for**: Leadership in Nazi Germany's agricultural policy and SS membership
- **Employer(s)**: Nazi Party, German government
- **Field(s)**: Politics, agriculture

## Contributions
Herbert Backe was instrumental in shaping Nazi Germany's agricultural policies, particularly the "Four Year Plan" aimed at achieving autarky. He advocated for the exploitation of Eastern European territories to secure food supplies for Germany. As Reich Minister of Food and Agriculture from 1942 to 1945, he implemented policies that aligned with the regime's war efforts and racial ideology. Backe also held leadership roles in the SS, contributing to the regime's military and paramilitary structure.

## FAQs
### What were Herbert Backe's key roles in the Nazi regime?
Backe served as Reich Minister of Food and Agriculture and held leadership positions in the SS, influencing both agricultural policy and military operations.

### Where did Herbert Backe pursue his education?
He studied at the University of Göttingen and Leibniz University Hannover.

### What policies did Herbert Backe promote?
Backe advocated for agricultural autarky and the exploitation of Eastern Europe to support Germany's war efforts, as outlined in the "Four Year Plan."

### What awards did Herbert Backe receive?
He was awarded the Honour Chevron for the Old Guard, SS-Ehrenring, Golden Party Badge, and War Merit Cross.

### What was Herbert Backe's affiliation with the SS?
Backe was a member of the SS, holding key positions that integrated agricultural policy with the regime's military and racial goals.

## Why They Matter
Herbert Backe's role in shaping Nazi agricultural policies directly impacted Germany's wartime economy and the brutal exploitation of occupied territories. His policies exacerbated food shortages and supported the regime's genocidal objectives, leaving a legacy of complicity in the Holocaust and Nazi expansionism.

## Notable For
- **Leadership in Nazi Agriculture**: Reich Minister of Food and Agriculture (1942–1945)
- **SS Membership**: Held significant positions within the SS hierarchy
- **Advocate for Autarky**: Promoted policies to make Germany self-sufficient in food production
- **Recipient of Nazi Honors**: Awarded multiple badges of honor for his service to the Nazi Party

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Herbert Backe was born on May 1, 1896. He pursued higher education at the University of Göttingen and Leibniz University Hannover, laying the groundwork for his future career in politics and agriculture.

### Career in the Nazi Regime
Backe joined the Nazi Party and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a key figure in agricultural policy. His involvement with the SS further solidified his position within the regime's power structure. As Reich Minister of Food and Agriculture, he implemented policies aimed at ensuring Germany's food security, often through exploitative measures in occupied territories.

### Agricultural Policies and the Four Year Plan
Backe was a strong proponent of the "Four Year Plan," which aimed to achieve economic autarky by 1940. He focused on increasing agricultural production within Germany and exploiting resources from Eastern Europe, particularly the Soviet Union, to sustain the German war effort. These policies were closely tied to the regime's racial ideology, prioritizing German needs over the local populations.

### SS Involvement and Military Role
In addition to his political roles, Backe held leadership positions in the SS, contributing to the paramilitary organization's operations. His dual involvement in agriculture and the SS underscores the interconnectedness of Nazi economic and military strategies.

### Legacy and Death
Backe's policies had devastating consequences, contributing to food shortages and supporting the genocide of Eastern European populations. He died on April 6, 1947, while in Allied custody, awaiting trial for his wartime activities. His legacy remains tied to the atrocities of the Nazi regime, particularly in the context of agricultural exploitation and complicity in the Holocaust.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. Dienstaltersliste der Schutzstaffel der NSDAP, Stand vom 1. Dezember 1936
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. [Source](https://nrs.lib.harvard.edu/urn-3:hls.libr:26872328?n=2)
7. Munzinger Personen
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. Virtual International Authority File