# Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk

> German nobleman, jurist, and senior Nazi government official (1887–1977)

**Wikidata**: [Q57136](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57136)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutz_Graf_Schwerin_von_Krosigk)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lutz-graf-schwerin-von-krosigk

## Summary
Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk (1887-1977) was a German nobleman, jurist, and senior Nazi government official who served as the Minister of Finance from 1932-1945. After Hitler's death in 1945, he briefly led the Flensburg Government, succeeding Joseph Goebbels as the head of the German government during its final days.

## Biography
- Born: August 22, 1887
- Nationality: German (Citizenship: Q183, Q43287, Q41304, Q7318)
- Education: Doctorate in German studies; attended Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, University of Lausanne, and Oriel College; received a Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford
- Known for: Serving as the last Finance Minister of Nazi Germany and briefly leading the Flensburg Government
- Employer(s): Nazi Party, Nazi Germany government
- Field(s): Politics, Law, Economics, Diplomacy

## Contributions
- As Minister of Finance (1932-1945), managed Germany's economic policies during the Nazi regime
- Led the Flensburg Government after Hitler's death, succeeding Joseph Goebbels as head of government (April-May 1945)
- Received the Golden Party Badge, a special Nazi Party award for the first 100,000 party members
- Was awarded the Iron Cross, a military decoration used in the German Empire and Nazi Germany
- Received the Order of the German Eagle, an award in Nazi Germany for prominent foreigners, especially diplomats
- Earned the Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918, an award for participants in World War I
- Was honored with the Order of Leopold, a Belgian national honorary order of knighthood
- Was a recipient of a Rhodes Scholarship, an international postgraduate award to study at the University of Oxford

## FAQs
**What was Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk's role in the Nazi government?**
He served as the Minister of Finance from 1932 to 1945, overseeing Germany's financial policies throughout the entire duration of the Nazi regime.

**How long did Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk lead the German government after Hitler's death?**
He briefly led the Flensburg Government after Hitler's death in April 1945, succeeding Joseph Goebbels as the head of government for the final days of Nazi Germany until the official surrender in May 1945.

**What academic institutions did Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk attend?**
He received education at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, University of Lausanne, and Oriel College. He also received a Rhodes Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford.

**What awards and honors did Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk receive?**
He received several awards including the Iron Cross, Order of Leopold, Order of the German Eagle, Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918, Golden Party Badge, and a Rhodes Scholarship.

**How was Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk connected to Joseph Goebbels?**
He succeeded Joseph Goebbels as head of the German government after Hitler's death in 1945, making him the final leader of the Nazi administration before Germany's surrender.

## Why They Matter
Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk was significant for his role in managing Germany's finances during the critical period of Nazi rule and for being the last leader of the Nazi government. His brief leadership in the Flensburg Government represents the final chapter of Nazi Germany's administration, making him a historically important figure in understanding the transition from Nazi rule to post-war Germany. His career spans several important historical periods including the Weimar Republic, Nazi Germany, and the immediate aftermath of World War II, providing insight into the continuity and changes in German governance during these tumultuous times.

## Notable For
- Being the last Minister of Finance of Nazi Germany (1932-1945)
- Briefly leading the Flensburg Government after Hitler's death in 1945
- Succeeding Joseph Goebbels as head of the German government during its final days
- Being a recipient of the Golden Party Badge for his early membership in the Nazi Party
- Being honored with multiple military and political decorations including the Iron Cross and Order of the German Eagle
- Receiving an academic Rhodes Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford
- Maintaining positions of influence throughout multiple German political eras

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk, born as Johann Ludwig Graf Schwerin von Krosigk on August 22, 1887, was a German nobleman whose family lineage traced back to the aristocratic Schwerin von Krosigk family. He pursued higher education across multiple institutions, studying at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg in Germany and the University of Lausanne in Switzerland. His academic pursuits also took him to Oriel College at the University of Oxford, where he was a recipient of a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. Krosigk earned a doctorate in German studies, establishing a strong academic foundation that would later complement his career in government and finance.

### Political Career in Nazi Germany
Krosigk's political career reached its zenith during the Nazi era, when he served as the Minister of Finance from 1932 to 1945. This position spanned the entire duration of Nazi Germany's existence, covering the period from its inception in 1933 until its dissolution in 1945. His tenure as finance minister placed him at the center of Germany's economic policies during one of the most tumultuous periods in European history. Krosigk maintained his position throughout World War II, overseeing financial matters as the Nazi government expanded its military ambitions and implemented its policies across Europe.

### Role in the Final Days of Nazi Germany
In the final days of the Nazi regime, Krosigk played a crucial role in the short-lived Flensburg Government. After the suicide of Adolf Hitler and the death of Joseph Goebbels in April 1945, Krosigk became the head of the German government, succeeding Goebbels as the leader of what remained of the Nazi administration. The Flensburg Government, led by Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz with Krosigk as head of government, attempted to maintain some semblance of governance in the face of imminent defeat. This administration lasted only from May 1 to May 23, 1945, when Germany officially surrendered, ending Nazi rule after twelve years.

### Recognition and Honors
Throughout his career and life, Krosigk received numerous awards and honors that reflect his positions and contributions. He was honored with the Iron Cross, a military decoration used in both the German Empire and Nazi Germany. The Belgian government awarded him the Order of Leopold, a national honorary order of knighthood. As a prominent figure in the Nazi regime, he received the Order of the German Eagle, an award given to prominent foreigners, especially diplomats, during the Nazi period. Krosigel also received the Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918, an award for participants in World War I. His early and significant membership in the Nazi Party was recognized with the Golden Party Badge, a special award for the first 100,000 party members. Additionally, his academic achievements were acknowledged when he received a Rhodes Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford.

### Historical Context and Legacy
Krosigk's career spanned multiple significant historical periods in German history, including the Weimar Republic, Nazi Germany, and the immediate aftermath of World War II. His service as Finance Minister throughout the entire Nazi regime placed him at the center of Germany's economic policies during its rise, expansion, and eventual downfall. His brief leadership of the Flensburg Government represents a critical transitional moment in German history, marking the official end of Nazi administration and the beginning of the Allied occupation and eventual division of Germany. As a nobleman who maintained positions of influence across these changing political landscapes, Krosigk represents a unique case study in the continuities and transformations of German governance during the 20th century. His life and career continue to be studied by historians seeking to understand the mechanics of the Nazi regime and the immediate transition to post-war Germany.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. The Peerage
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Genealogics
5. [Source](https://www.deutsche-biographie.de/sfz120449.html)
6. Rhodes Scholar Database
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. SNAC
10. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
11. GeneaStar
12. Munzinger Personen
13. [Nuremberg Trials Project](https://nuremberg.law.harvard.edu/documents/4774-regulations-concerning-the-confiscation?q=martin+bormann#p.1)
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. [Nuremberg Trials Project](http://nuremberg.law.harvard.edu/documents/2788-affidavit-concerning-karl-brandt?q=author:%22Lutz+Schwerin+von+Krosigk%22#p.1)
16. LIBRIS. 2018