A Social Democratic politician of the Weimar Republic who served twice as chancellor.
Müller joined the Social Democratic Party in 1893 and rose to its leadership. As foreign minister from 1919 to 1920, he signed the Treaty of Versailles for Germany. His first chancellorship in 1920 combined the suppression of left-wing uprisings with reforms expanding disability employment, primary education, unemployment benefits and workers’ social protection. He returned as chancellor in 1928 to lead a grand coalition, which collapsed amid the Great Depression and disputes over financing unemployment insurance; he resigned in 1930.
Activities and affiliations
- Government and administration · Germany state institutions
Career Timeline
- 1893Joined the Social Democratic Party of Germany.
- 1916Elected to the Reichstag of the German Empire.
- 1919–1920Served as foreign minister and signed the Treaty of Versailles.
- 1920Served as chancellor.
- 1928–1930Served as chancellor of the grand coalition.