Philipp Heinrich Scheidemann was born on 26 July 1865 in Kassel, Germany, to Friedrich Scheidemann and Wilhelmine Pape. After his father's death in 1879, his family faced poverty. Scheidemann completed an apprenticeship as a typesetter and worked in the printing trade until he became involved in politics. He joined the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) in 1883 and became active in various social democratic newspapers. He was elected to the Reichstag in 1903 and served multiple terms, becoming a prominent figure in the SPD.During the German Revolution of 1918–1919, Scheidemann played a crucial role in the establishment of the Weimar Republic. On 9 November 1918, he proclaimed the German Republic from the Reichstag balcony, asserting the need for a break from the imperial system. He was elected Reich Minister President by the National Assembly in 1919 but resigned later that year due to disagreements over the Treaty of Versailles.Scheidemann continued to serve in the Reichstag until 1933 and was mayor of Kassel from 1920 to 1925. After the rise of the Nazi Party, he went into exile, labeled a 'November criminal' for his role in the republic's establishment. He lived in various countries, including Austria, Czechoslovakia, and Denmark, where he wrote extensively about German politics. He died in Copenhagen on 29 November 1939. His ashes were later transferred to Kassel, where he is honored with a grave of honor.Throughout his political career, Scheidemann was known for his pragmatic approach and rhetorical skills. He navigated the complexities of the SPD during World War I, advocating for a negotiated peace and opposing militaristic nationalism. His leadership during the early years of the Weimar Republic was marked by efforts to stabilize the government amid social unrest and economic challenges. Scheidemann's legacy is intertwined with the tumultuous history of Germany in the early 20th century, reflecting the struggles of the Social Democratic movement during a period of significant political upheaval.

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Philipp Scheidemann