Franz von Papen

Profession: Diplomat and Chancellor

Nationality:

Biography: Franz von Papen served as Chancellor of Germany in 1932 and later as Vice-Chancellor under Hitler from 1933 to 1934. He played a significant role in the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party.

Born into an aristocratic Catholic family in 1879, Papen pursued a military career in the Prussian Army. He served as a military attaché in Mexico and the United States during World War I, engaging in covert operations. After the war, Papen entered politics and became a member of the Centre Party.

In 1932, President Paul von Hindenburg appointed Papen as Chancellor. Papen launched the Preußenschlag coup against the Social Democratic Party-led government in Prussia. He later pressured Hindenburg to appoint Hitler as Chancellor in 1933, believing that Hitler could be controlled. Papen and his allies, however, were quickly marginalized by the Nazis.

During the Nazi regime, Papen served as the German ambassador to Austria and Turkey. He played a role in the Anschluss, the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938. After World War II, Papen was acquitted at the Nuremberg Trials but later sentenced by a West German denazification court.

In his later years, Papen published memoirs and remained active in public discourse until his death in 1969. His legacy remains controversial due to his role in facilitating Hitler's rise to power.

Born: October 29, 1879
Birthplace: Werl, Province of Westphalia, German Empire
Star Sign: Scorpio

Died: May 2, 1969 (aged 89)