Theobald von Bethmann Hollweg

Profession: Politician

Nationality:

Biography: Theobald von Bethmann Hollweg served as Chancellor of the German Empire from 1909 to 1917. He is best known for his role in the early years of World War I, including giving Austria-Hungary a "blank check" of support after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914.

Bethmann Hollweg came from a prominent Prussian family and studied law before entering a career in government in 1884. He rose through the ranks, serving as a provincial governor and cabinet minister before being appointed Chancellor by Emperor Wilhelm II in 1909.

As Chancellor, Bethmann Hollweg pursued moderate policies domestically, such as attempting to reform Prussia's restrictive voting system. In foreign affairs, he reluctantly supported the invasion of Belgium in 1914, viewing it as an injustice but a military necessity. Throughout the war, he initiated several unsuccessful peace proposals to the Allied powers.

Bethmann Hollweg resigned in 1917 under pressure from military leaders—such as Paul von Hindenburg and Erich Ludendorff—who favored unrestricted submarine warfare, which he had thus far resisted.

In retirement, he wrote memoirs reflecting on the war and acknowledging Germany's partial responsibility for the conflict. He argued, however, that "only all-round and common guilt could have given rise to the world catastrophe."

Birthplace: Hohenfinow, Germany

Cause of Death: Pneumonia