Gustav Stresemann Quotes

A collection of quotes by Gustav Stresemann.

Gustav Stresemann (1878-1929) was a German statesman and politician who played a crucial role in the Weimar Republic, the democratic era of Germany between World War I and the rise of Adolf Hitler. Born in Berlin, Stresemann studied economics and history before entering politics. Initially a conservative, he joined the National Liberal Party and later co-founded the German People's Party.

Stresemann's political career flourished during the chaotic aftermath of World War I, when he served as Germany's foreign minister from 1923 until his death. He is best known for his diplomatic efforts, especially his involvement in negotiating the Dawes Plan and the Locarno Treaties. These agreements aimed to stabilize Germany's economy, ease reparations from World War I, and improve relations with neighboring countries.

Stresemann's policies were instrumental in ending the French occupation of the Ruhr, boosting Germany's international reputation, and promoting peaceful reconciliation. For his efforts, he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1926, making him the first German to receive the honor.

Despite his accomplishments, Stresemann faced significant opposition from both the extreme left and the extreme right in Germany. He sought to maintain a delicate balance, ensuring Germany's national interests while establishing harmony with foreign powers. However, Stresemann's untimely death in 1929 left a void in German politics and weakened the efforts to stabilize the fledgling democratic government.

The life of the individual is a continuous combat with error

The life of the individual is a continuous combat with errors and obstacles, and no victory is more satisfying than the one achieved against opposition.

Gustav Stresemann

Life Victory Opposition

The concept of active cooperation has taken the place of opp

The concept of active cooperation has taken the place of opposition to the new form of government and of dreamy resignation entranced with the beauty of times past.

Gustav Stresemann

Beauty

In every man the memory of the struggles and the heroes of t

In every man the memory of the struggles and the heroes of the past is alive. But these memories are not incompatible with the desire for peace in the future.

Gustav Stresemann

Future

For the victor peace means the preservation of the position

For the victor peace means the preservation of the position of power which he has secured. For the vanquished it means resigning himself to the position left to him.

Gustav Stresemann

Peace

If one seeks to analyze experiences and reactions to the fir

If one seeks to analyze experiences and reactions to the first postwar years, I hope one may say without being accused of bias that it is easier for the victor than for the vanquished to advocate peace.

Gustav Stresemann

Hope