Kurt Von Schleicher

Schleicher, Kurt Von 

Born Apr. 7, 1882, in Brandenburg; died June 30, 1934, in Neubabelsberg. German military and political figure; general.

Schleicher became an officer of the General Staff in 1913. After Germany’s defeat in World War I he became a close associate of the commander of the Reichswehr, General H. von Seeckt, and took part in planning the restoration of the country’s military potential. Schleicher headed an office in the Reichswehr Ministry in 1929 and served as minister for the Reichswehr in the government of F. von Papen from June to December 1932. He played an important role in relations between the leaders of the Nazi Party, on the one hand, and political authorities, the military, and representatives of monopolies, on the other.

Schleicher assumed the post of chancellor in December 1932. He sought to implement a dictatorial regime that would bring the fascists into the government on terms acceptable to various groups of monopolistic capital. His efforts, however, failed. He was forced to resign on Jan. 28,1933, and was succeeded by Hitler on Jan. 30, 1933. Schleicher was murdered by the Gestapo during the purge known as the night of the long knives.