Friedrich Ebert lived and worked at the beginning of the twentieth century. His activities were connected with Germany before and after the First World War. After himself, he left a legacy in the form of a special fund. It still operates, although it suspended its work for several years during the Second World War. Who is Ebert? What is the foundation that bears his name?
The tailor's son
Ebert Friedrich's biography began in 1871 in a tailor's family. It happened in the city of Heidelberg. He was a member of the trade union movement. His political activities are associated with one organization. Which party did Friedrich Ebert represent? The politician has been a social democrat all his conscious life. He represented the SPD, or rather its right wing, which was called "revisionist".
At thirty-four, he became general secretary, and in 1913 - chairman of the party. The politician believed that the First World War was a defensive measure for his country. He knocked out additional military appropriations. Hisnot everyone accepted the position in the SPD, as a result, a split occurred in the party. By 1917, the left and center-left had left the SPD. They formed the USPD.
Follower of the Monarchy
Not only on the issue of war, Friedrich Ebert disagreed with other representatives of his party. The politician was distinguished by pro-kaiser sentiments. When he spoke with the Prince of Baden before the November Revolution, he expressed the hope that the monarchy would survive. He made a mistake.
Like many European leaders, Ebert feared the communist movement. That is why he took measures to combat the Spartacus Union, which was headed by Rosa Luxemburg with Karl Liebknecht. The politician concluded an agreement with the leadership of the army in 1918. The troops took part in skirmishes with the Spartacists and became the cause of the bloody suppression of their uprising. At the same time, he was more loyal to the leaders of the nationwide strike. His government saw them as a force capable of resisting the Red Plague.
Reich Presidency
Friedrich Ebert became Reich President in 1919. He was the first to take the post of head of state after the abolition of the imperial title due to the November Revolution and the abdication of Wilhelm II. The country was in a difficult economic situation. This was facilitated by the crisis, the loss in the war, political instability. The ruling circles tried to find a way out of the difficult situation. Often their views did not converge. In 1923, a conflict arose between Ebert and his party. As a result, the coalitionleft Gustav Stresemen.
Researchers of the political activities of the first Reichspresident give conflicting assessments. The politician himself considered himself a supporter of democracy. His opponents in the face of the Communists, as well as some of his SPD comrades-in-arms, accused Ebert of taking radical anti-worker measures. According to them, his activities indirectly supported the emergence of Nazism.
The politician died in 1925. His death was due to inflammation of the appendix.
Famous son
Friedrich Ebert had several children. But only the namesake of his father could make a successful political career. Ebert Jr. participated in the creation of the GDR and the Socialist Party, which ruled in the post-war state. Ironically, the father fought the communists, and the son received awards from the USSR.
Creation of PFE
The Friedrich Ebert Foundation was founded in the year of the death of the first Reich President. Thus, his will was fulfilled. The foundation has been in existence for over ninety years. What is this organization?
FFE activities
The organization refers to non-commercial, independent, private entities. It operates in the spirit of the values of the Social Democrats. It was to them that Ebert attributed himself. The Foundation operates worldwide. What are the goals of the FFE? Representatives of the foundation believe that democracy, together with social development, can strengthen peace and security. Social globalization and improvement of the EU system are important for them. FFE operates in one hundred and twenty countries of the world.
The association contributes to the creation and strengthening of state and public-civil structures. The central issue remains the promotion of democracy as well as social justice. The Foundation pays attention to socio-economic development, protection of human rights, gender equality, the functioning of strong and independent trade unions.
Organization activities:
- Education in the political and public direction in order to familiarize with democratic principles, the formation of correct ideas about values.
- Assistance to establish mutual understanding between different peoples and countries.
- Supporting social and political dialogue at the national and international level.
- Support students who show academic or social achievement in Germany and other countries by providing scholarships.
- Conducting research work, as well as supporting scientific institutions. Preference is given to the field of social history, labor relations, economic policy, social relations.
To implement its plans, FFE has its own organizations. The foundation also cooperates with like-minded people from trade unions, parties, cultural, economic, political, scientific circles. Its representatives organize discussions and debates on important issues and topical issues. The Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Kazakhstan operates on the same principles as in other countries. There is a representative office in the cities of Almaty and Astana. More detailed information is available on the FFE official website.
