# Joseph Wirth

> German chancellor (1879-1956)

**Wikidata**: [Q60150](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q60150)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Wirth)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/joseph-wirth

## Summary
Joseph Wirth was a German politician who served as Chancellor of Germany during the Weimar Republic. Born in 1879 and active until his death in 1956, he was affiliated with the University of Freiburg and received the International Stalin Prize for Peace.

## Biography
- Born: September 6, 1879
- Died: January 3, 1956
- Nationality: German
- Education: University of Freiburg
- Known for: Serving as Chancellor of Germany during the Weimar Republic
- Field(s): Politics

## Contributions
Joseph Wirth's primary contribution was his service as Chancellor of Germany during the Weimar Republic period (1918/1919-1933). As a politician active during this critical period in German history, he held the highest government position in the country. His political career was marked by his leadership during the challenging interwar period in Germany.

## FAQs

**What position did Joseph Wirth hold in the German government?**
Joseph Wirth served as Chancellor of Germany during the Weimar Republic, the democratic government that ruled Germany from 1918/1919 until 1933.

**Where did Joseph Wirth receive his education?**
Joseph Wirth was educated at the University of Freiburg, a university located in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, which was founded in 1457.

**What recognition did Joseph Wirth receive later in life?**
Joseph Wirth was awarded the International Stalin Prize for Peace, an international peace prize that was established in the Soviet Union in 1949.

**What historical period was Joseph Wirth active in?**
Joseph Wirth was active during the Weimar Republic era in Germany and lived through both World Wars, from his birth in 1879 until his death in 1956.

## Why They Matter
Joseph Wirth's significance lies in his role as Chancellor during the tumultuous Weimar Republic period, a critical era in German history between the two World Wars. His leadership occurred during a time when Germany was transitioning from imperial rule to democracy, facing enormous challenges including economic instability, political extremism, and the aftermath of World War I. As one of the politicians who attempted to guide Germany through this difficult period, his tenure represents an important chapter in the development of German democracy.

## Notable For
- Served as Chancellor of Germany during the Weimar Republic
- Received the International Stalin Prize for Peace
- Educated at the historic University of Freiburg (founded 1457)
- Lived through both World Wars (1879-1956)
- Active politician during the formative years of German democracy

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Joseph Wirth was born on September 6, 1879, in what would later become the Republic of Baden, a federated republic in Germany that existed between 1918 and 1945. He pursued higher education at the University of Freiburg, one of Germany's oldest universities, established in 1457 and located in Freiburg im Breisgau.

### Political Career in the Weimar Republic
Wirth's political career reached its pinnacle when he served as Chancellor of Germany during the Weimar Republic period. The Weimar Republic, which lasted from 1918/1919 to 1933, represented Germany's first attempt at establishing a democratic government following the end of the German Empire. As a politician during this era, Wirth navigated the complex challenges of post-World War I Germany, including economic crises, political instability, and the terms of the Treaty of Versailles.

### Later Life and Recognition
After his time as Chancellor, Joseph Wirth continued to be active in political and international affairs. In 1949, he received the International Stalin Prize for Peace, an international peace prize established in the Soviet Union on December 20, 1949. This recognition came during the early Cold War period, suggesting his continued involvement in international relations and peace efforts.

### Legacy
Joseph Wirth died on January 3, 1956, having witnessed the transformation of Germany from empire to republic, through the Nazi era, and into the post-World War II division of Germany. His career as a politician during the Weimar Republic places him among the leaders who attempted to establish democratic governance in Germany during one of its most challenging historical periods.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Historical Dictionary of Switzerland
4. Mathematics Genealogy Project
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
8. SNAC
9. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
10. Croatian Encyclopedia
11. Munzinger Personen
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. [Source](http://purl.org/pressemappe20/beaconlist/pe)
14. LIBRIS. 2012