Walther Rathenau Biography

Leads the German delegation at the Cannes discussions on reparations and European economic recovery.

Addresses the Allied Supreme Council on Germany's financial position and argues that reparations must reflect German economic capacity.

Is appointed Foreign Minister in Joseph Wirth's government.

Addresses the Reichstag Main Committee, arguing that reparations remain the central problem of German foreign policy.

Addresses the Reichstag on reparations and German foreign policy shortly before the Genoa Conference.

Represents Germany at the Genoa Conference, where European economic reconstruction and relations with Soviet Russia dominate negotiations.

Signs the Treaty of Rapallo, restoring German-Soviet diplomatic relations and mutually renouncing war-related financial claims.

Serves as Foreign Minister when Germany ratifies an agreement simplifying rail traffic through the Polish Corridor.

Addresses the plenary session of the Genoa Conference on Germany's economic and international position.

Addresses representatives from several political parties on Germany's foreign policy and reparations difficulties.

Speaks before the German Society of 1914 about foreign policy, national reconstruction and Germany's international position.

Addresses the Reichstag on foreign policy three days before his assassination.

Is assassinated by members of the right-wing Organisation Consul while travelling from his Grunewald home to the Foreign Office.