History of Konstantin von Neurath

Konstantin von Neurath was a German diplomat and politician who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany from 1932 to 1938, and later as Reich Protector of Bohemia and Moravia from 1939 to 1943. His career and life reflect the complexities and tumultuous events of early-to-mid 20th-century Europe. Born on February 2, 1873, in Vaihingen an der Enz, in the Kingdom of Württemberg, Neurath was born into an aristocratic family, which provided him with significant opportunities for advancement in German society.

Von Neurath studied law at the University of Tübingen and the University of Berlin, which laid the groundwork for his diplomatic career. After joining the diplomatic service in 1901, he was posted to various German embassies, including those in London, Constantinople, and St. Petersburg. His early career was marked by a steady rise through diplomatic ranks, serving as private secretary to Chancellor Bernhard von Bülow and later as director of the chancery.

During World War I, Neurath served as a lieutenant in the Württemberg army, which provided him with firsthand military experience. However, once the war ended and the Weimar Republic was established, Neurath’s career transitioned back into diplomacy. The interwar years saw him involved in numerous high-profile appointments, including ambassadorial roles in Denmark and Italy. His diplomatic skills and aristocratic background made him an appealing choice for such positions during a period when Germany was struggling with economic difficulty and political tumult.

In 1932, amidst the chaos of the Weimar Republic’s final years, Neurath was appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Franz von Papen’s government. He managed to retain his position under Kurt von Schleicher and eventually Adolf Hitler, illustrating his political adaptability. As Foreign Minister under Hitler, Neurath played a crucial role during a transformative—and ominous—period in German history. One of the key aspects of Neurath's career at this time was his involvement in rearmament and the remilitarization of the Rhineland in 1936, which violated the Treaty of Versailles and marked a significant step in Germany's aggressive expansion policy.

Despite his contributions to the Nazi foreign policy agenda, Neurath was considered more of a conservative nationalist rather than a Nazi ideologue. This distinction is crucial in understanding his eventual fall from favor within Hitler’s regime. As Hitler’s aggressive foreign policies intensified, Neurath was seen as too moderate and not wholly aligned with the radical elements of the Nazi Party. This tension culminated in his resignation in February 1938, officially attributed to health reasons but effectively a forced retirement orchestrated by Hitler. He was replaced by the more fervently Nazi Joachim von Ribbentrop, reflecting the shift in the regime’s foreign diplomatic approach.

Following his resignation, Neurath remained useful to the Nazi regime and was appointed Reich Protector of Bohemia and Moravia in March 1939, shortly after the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia. His administration saw attempts to mollify the Czech population while advancing German interests, although his efforts were often undermined by more radical elements, such as the SS, led in part by Reinhard Heydrich. Neurath’s tenure was marked by a struggle for control with the Nazi apparatus, culminating in his effective sidelining following the appointment of Heydrich as Deputy Protector. Neurath nominally retained his title until 1943 but wielded little real power, symbolizing the internal conflicts within the Nazi hierarchy between conservative nationalists and radical Nazis.

After World War II, Konstantin von Neurath was tried at the Nuremberg Trials, where he faced charges relating to war crimes and crimes against humanity. He was found guilty on all counts and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Neurath’s defense largely hinged on his portrayal as a moderate who lacked influence over more extremist elements within the Nazi regime. Nonetheless, his involvement in significant decisions during the period meant accountability was inevitable. Due to ill health, von Neurath was released from Spandau Prison in 1954 after serving eight years of his sentence.

Konstantin von Neurath died on August 14, 1956, at the age of 83. His life can be viewed as a reflection of the paradigm shifts within Germany and Europe during the first half of the 20th century. As a figure emblematic of the traditional European aristocratic class, his career was one of continuity and change, navigating through the turbulent waters of diplomacy, war, and totalitarianism. Von Neurath’s legacy is a complex amalgam of skilled diplomacy, political caution, and the moral ambiguities faced by many in positions of power during the Nazi era. His story provides insight into the broader narratives of responsibility, complicity, and the personal and political compromises in times of national crisis.