History of Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk

Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk, a prominent figure in German history, was born Johann Ludwig Graf Schwerin von Krosigk on August 22, 1887, in Rathmannsdorf, near Halle, in the Province of Saxony within the German Empire. His life and political career provide a unique insight into the complexities of Germany's tumultuous history through the first half of the twentieth century, making him a subject of significant interest for historians studying this era.

Lutz von Krosigk was born into a noble family, granting him opportunities and connections that would later facilitate his political career. He pursued law and political science, studying at renowned institutions including the University of Halle and the University of Lausanne. His academic pursuits were complemented by diplomatic service training in London and Paris, which helped to shape his future in politics and finance.

Von Krosigk's entry into governmental service began in the years following World War I, a time of immense political and economic upheaval in Germany. The defeat in the war, the Treaty of Versailles, and the subsequent economic difficulties, including hyperinflation, set the stage for the eventual rise of the Nazi Party. During the Weimar Republic, von Krosigk built his reputation in civil service, and by the early 1930s, he had risen to serve in the Finance Ministry.

His big political break came in 1932, when Chancellor Franz von Papen appointed him as the Minister of Finance in an effort to stabilize the turbulent economic situation and balance the budget of the Weimar Republic. Despite the complexities of the task, von Krosigk earned recognition for his austerity measures and financial controls. However, his term in this position was a prelude to more turbulent times, as Adolf Hitler rose to power in 1933, leading to profound changes in the German government structure and policy directions.

When Hitler became Chancellor in January 1933, von Krosigk was one of the few non-National Socialist ministers to retain his position, largely owing to his expertise and previous successes in managing Germany’s finances. Not a member of the Nazi Party, his continued role illustrated the intersection of technocracy and ideological authoritarianism that sometimes characterized the Nazi regime. Despite his uneasy position, von Krosigk played a key role in the economic planning and fiscal policies of Nazi Germany. His tenure is noted for the implementation of rearmament funding strategies, which contributed to the militarization of Germany and set the stage for World War II.

As World War II reached its climax and Adolf Hitler’s intentions became impossible to ignore, von Krosigk’s role evolved alongside the collapsing Nazi regime. In Hitler’s will, drafted shortly before his suicide in April 1945, von Krosigk was appointed as Minister of Finance and Controller of the Reich. Shortly after, Joseph Goebbels, another key figure of the Nazi administration, committed suicide, and Karl Dönitz, appointed as the President of Germany, designated von Krosigk as the head of the short-lived Flensburg Government. This government, named after its location in Northern Germany, sought to negotiate peace with the Allies, fully aware of the untenable position of Germany. Von Krosigk's role during this period encapsulates his long-held reputation as a bureaucratic survivor navigating the treacherous terrains of German politics.

Following Germany's unconditional surrender in May 1945, von Krosigk was captured by Allied forces. His subsequent status shifted to that of a defendant during the Nuremberg Trials, a series of military tribunals held to bring Nazi war criminals to justice. Though not considered among the most egregious war criminals, von Krosigk faced charges and, in 1949, was convicted for war crimes and crimes against humanity, sentenced to ten years in prison by the Nuremberg tribunal. However, he was released in 1951, having served only part of his sentence, benefitting from clemency amidst the early Cold War tensions and changing geopolitical priorities.

In the aftermath of his release, von Krosigk lived a relatively quiet life, turning to writing to reflect on his experiences. He authored several books, including his memoirs, which offer a perspective into his views on the events he had witnessed and partaken in. These writings serve as evidence of his attempts to rationalize and justify his actions during one of history’s darkest periods.

Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk's life encompassed significant political shifts, severe economic challenges, and the moral complexities of serving in different German regimes. His career, casting shadows of both competent management in financial policies and complicity in a tyrannical government, presents him as a multifaceted character in history. Dying on March 4, 1977, in Essen, West Germany, von Krosigk left behind a legacy that continues to evoke debate and analysis, offering lessons on governance, morality, and the delicate balance between duty and ideology in times of profound national and global crises.