The War Raw Materials Department, established in August 1914, relied on the organizational restructuring expertise of Walther Rathenau to manage the German war economy. A prominent industrialist, engineer, and philosopher, Rathenau navigated the volatile landscape of the German Empire and the Weimar Republic until his assassination in Berlin at the age of 55.
Industrial Expansion
Born in Berlin in 1867 to Emil Rathenau, founder of the Allgemeine Elektrizitäts-Gesellschaft, Walther Rathenau earned a doctorate in physics in 1889. Following roles at a Swiss aluminium factory and a chemical firm in Bitterfeld, he joined the AEG board in 1899. His corporate strategy emphasized vertical integration and robust supply chain management, facilitating the construction of power stations in Manchester, Buenos Aires, and Baku. By the early 20th century, he maintained interests in 84 global companies.
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Rathenau accompanied colonial secretary Bernhard Dernburg on official visits to German East Africa in 1907 and German Southwest Africa in 1908. He authored reports advocating for the fair treatment of African labor, which he identified as a critical resource. In his assessment of the Herero and Namaqua genocide, he condemned the use of concentration camps and forced labor, labelling the military policy as a significant atrocity.
Political Career and Diplomacy
In 1921, Rathenau was appointed minister of reconstruction and ascended to the role of German foreign minister in 1922. He successfully negotiated the Treaty of Rapallo to restore diplomatic and economic channels with Soviet Russia. Despite his insistence that Germany adhere to the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, he became a target for right-wing nationalists who promoted antisemitic conspiracy theories, ultimately leading to his murder by the Organisation Consul in June 1922.
Views on Assimilation
As a German of Jewish origin, Rathenau navigated a society marked by deep-seated antisemitism. In his 1897 article Höre, Israel!, he argued for the radical assimilation of Jews into the German population, suggesting that tribal qualities should be discarded in favor of a naturalized German identity. He remained a divisive figure, facing prejudice from the Prussian Army officer corps, even while asserting his absolute patriotism to the German state.
Fast facts
- Born: 1867, Berlin
- Died: 1922, Berlin
- Education: Technical University of Munich, University of Strasbourg, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
- Career: Engineer, entrepreneur, politician, writer
- Key Department: War Raw Materials Department
- Ministerial roles: Minister of reconstruction, foreign minister
- Buried: Waldfriedhof Oberschöneweide
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the 1922 Treaty of Rapallo?
It normalized diplomatic relations and strengthened economic ties between Germany and Soviet Russia.
Why was Rathenau targeted for assassination?
Ultra-nationalist groups falsely believed he was part of a Jewish-communist conspiracy and an Elder of Zion.
Achievements
- Educated at University of Strasbourg, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Technical University of Munich
- Worked as politician, engineer and writer
