Friedrich Ebert

Profession: Politician

Biography: Friedrich Ebert was the first president of Germany, serving from 1919 until his death in 1925. He was a key figure in the German Revolution of 1918-19, which led to the establishment of the Weimar Republic after the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Ebert was born in 1871 in Heidelberg and trained as a saddlemaker. He joined the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in 1889 and rose through its ranks, becoming party leader in 1913. During World War I, he supported the government's war effort, causing a split in the SPD.

As leader of the SPD, Ebert played a key role in the German Revolution. He became chancellor in November 1918 and worked to establish a new democratic republic. He controversially allied with conservative forces, however, including the military and right-wing Freikorps, to crush communist and left-wing uprisings such as the Spartacist revolt in January 1919.

In February 1919, Ebert was elected as the first president of the Weimar Republic. He served until his death, using emergency powers to deal with ongoing unrest and pursuing a "policy of balance" between different factions.

His actions during this turbulent period made him a divisive figure, seen by some as saving Germany from communism and by others as enabling the far-right. Nevertheless, the SPD-affiliated Friedrich Ebert Foundation, which promotes democracy and social justice, is named in his honor.

Born: February 4, 1871
Birthplace: Heidelberg, Germany
Star Sign: Aquarius

Died: February 28, 1925 (aged 54)
Cause of Death: Septic shock following an appendectomy