Origins & Early Life

Friedrich Ebert ([ˈfʁiːdʁɪç ˈeːbɐt] ; 4 February 1871 – 28 February 1925) was a German politician of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) who served as the first president of Germany from 1919 until his death in 1925. Ebert was elected leader of the SPD on the death in 1913 of August Bebel. In 1914, shortly after he assumed leadership, the party became deeply divided over Ebert's support of war loans to finance the German war effort in World War I. A moderate social democrat, Ebert was in favour of the Burgfrieden, a political policy that sought to suppress discord over domestic issues among political parties to concentrate all forces in society on the conclusion of the war effort.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He tried to isolate those in the party opposed to war and advocated a split. Ebert was a pivotal figure in the German revolution of 1918–1919. When Germany became a republic at the end of World War I, he became its first chancellor. His policies at that time were primarily aimed at restoring justice and order in Germany and suppressing the left. To accomplish these goals, he allied himself with conservative and nationalistic political forces, in particular the leadership of the military under General Wilhelm...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abanindranath Tagore — Contemporary (Born in 1871) (1871): Pioneering figure of the Bengal School, modernizing Indian art against Western influence.
• Cesare Mori — Contemporary (Born in 1871) (1871): The 'Iron Prefect' who fiercely campaigned against the Sicilian Mafia.
• Charles Babbage — Contemporary (Died in 1871) (1871): Pioneering polymath credited with originating the concept of the digital programmable computer.
• Albert Bandura — Contemporary (Born in 1925) (1925): Pioneering psychologist known for Social Cognitive Theory and self-efficacy.
• Alexander Shulgin — Contemporary (Born in 1925) (1925): Pioneering biochemist known for synthesizing and exploring over 200 psychoactive compounds.
• Alfred Baphethuxolo Nzo — Contemporary (Born in 1925) (1925): Prominent South African politician and long-serving ANC leader.
• Al-Dhahabi — Shared historical date (02-04 · Died) (1348): Pioneering Syrian Sunni historian, biographer, and hadith scholar.
• Alexia Putellas — Shared historical date (02-04 · Born) (1994): One of the greatest female footballers, known for her midfield prowess and success with Barcelona and Spain.
• 3rd Dalai Lama — Shared historical date (02-28 · Born) (1543): Founding figure of the Dalai Lama lineage, pivotal to Gelug school's rise in Tibet.
• Abu Abdallah al-Shi'i — Shared historical date (02-28 · Died) (911): Influential 10th-century Isma'ili missionary who aided the conquest of Ifriqiya.
• 1871 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1871
• February 4 (02-04) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 4
• 1925 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1925
• February 28 (02-28) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 28