How many political assassinations happened in the Weimar Republic between 1919 and 1923?

The Weimar Republic, which lasted from 1919 to 1933, witnessed a significant number of political assassinations, particularly between 1919 and 1923, a tumultuous period marked by political instability and violence.

1. Political Context: After World War I, Germany was in chaos with various political factions vying for power, including the Weimar government, the communists, and right-wing paramilitary groups.

2. Notable Assassinations: During this four-year period, the most well-documented political assassinations include:

   • Walther Rathenau (1922) - Foreign Minister, assassinated by right-wing extremists.
   • Matthias Erzberger (1921) - Politician and signatory of the Treaty of Versailles, murdered by nationalist assassins.
   • Various other political figures were targeted, including members of the leftist parties.

3. Estimates of Political Killings: Historians estimate that over 350 political assassinations occurred during this period, which highlights the extreme political violence and the challenges faced by the Weimar government.

In summary, between 1919 and 1923, there were over 350 political assassinations in the Weimar Republic, significantly affecting the political landscape and stability of Germany during this period.