Klaus Epstein (1927–1967)

5282. Matthias Erzberger and the Dilemma of German Democracy, By Klaus Epstein (read 7 June 2015) I saw this book at the U. of Nevada library in Reno in 1984 and wanted to read it. I was reminded of it when I read The Deluge on 12 May 2015, which told of the work of Erzberger in the ending of World War One. The book is very good in telling of Erzberger's work as a leader of the Center Parry in Germany in the Reichstag from the time he entered there till after the War. Erzberger was elected from Wurttemberg to the Reichstag in 1903 and stayed there till after the war. His most significant role was to get the Peace Resolution adopted by the Reichstag in July 1917, but since Germany was not a parliamentary government at the time the Kaiser did not have to name a prime minister approved by the Reichstag. Erzberger was chosen as a person to seek an armistice in 1918 and to sign the Versailles treaty in 1919--which effectually ended any chance for him to be acceptable to the Right and in fact led to his assassination in 1921--to the applause of the Right! I found the book very well done, well-footnoted and with an extensive bibliography. Erzberger on the whole was an appealing figure: staunchly Catholic, favoring democracy , and realistic as to what Germany should do in regard to its problems.… (plus d'informations)