Carl von Schubert, Auswärtiges Amt, and the Evolution of Weimar Westpolitik, 1920-1924

Table of Contents

Introduction

Historiography on Weimar Foreign Policy

Carl von Schubert and the Evolution of Weimar Westpolitik, 1920-1924

Conclusion

Research Objectives & Themes

This study investigates the role of Carl von Schubert and the Auswärtiges Amt in shaping Germany's foreign policy towards the Western powers during the turbulent years of 1920-1924, seeking to determine whether a coherent "Westpolitik" strategy existed prior to Gustav Stresemann's accession to power.

• The evolution of "republican foreign policy" and its divergence from Wilhelmine power politics.
• The institutional reorganization of the German Foreign Office and its impact on diplomacy.
• The strategic relationship between Schubert and the Western powers, particularly Great Britain.
• The influence of economic factors and international cooperation on German foreign policy-making.
• Analysis of Schubert's role as a backroom engineer of strategies that predated the Locarno-era.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

Introduction: Provides a biographical introduction to Carl von Schubert and establishes his significance as a key architect of Germany's "republican foreign policy" in the 1920s.

Historiography on Weimar Foreign Policy: Reviews existing scholarship on Weimar foreign policy, assessing the roles of key actors and the evolution of historical interpretations regarding the era.

Carl von Schubert and the Evolution of Weimar Westpolitik, 1920-1924: Examines Schubert's professional background, his early diplomatic activities, and the strategic development of his policy towards Western powers prior to 1924.

Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, highlighting the difficulty of researching backroom figures and suggesting a continuity between Schubert’s early policies and the later foreign policy of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Keywords

Carl von Schubert, Auswärtiges Amt, Weimar Republic, Westpolitik, Gustav Stresemann, foreign policy, diplomacy, reparations, Locarno, Great Britain, United States, international relations, republican foreign policy, interwar period, economic cooperation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this academic work?

This work explores the diplomatic efforts and strategic contributions of Carl von Schubert within the German Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) during the early Weimar Republic, specifically between 1920 and 1924.

What are the central themes discussed in the paper?

Central themes include the transition of German foreign policy towards multilateralism, the role of administrative reform within the Foreign Office, and the efforts to gain international trust through economic and political cooperation.

What is the core research question?

The study asks whether a coherent strategy of Westpolitik existed within the Foreign Office prior to Gustav Stresemann's leadership, and to what extent Schubert acted as the architect of these policies.

Which methodologies are employed by the author?

The author utilizes historical analysis, drawing upon diplomatic records, primary sources like the Schubert Politisches Tagebuch, and an extensive review of existing historiography to interpret the actions of key political figures.

What does the main body of the work cover?

The main body covers Schubert's career trajectory, his involvement in the reorganization of the Foreign Office, his strategic memoranda on relations with England and the United States, and the internal politics leading up to the Treaty of Rapallo and beyond.

How would you describe the key terms of this study?

The key terms revolve around the shift toward "republican foreign policy," the importance of economic stabilization, the complex relationship with the Allies, and the necessity of professionalism in diplomacy.

How does the author evaluate the "Rapallo" incident?

The author views the Treaty of Rapallo as a major disruption that severely undermined Schubert's efforts to foster closer cooperation with the Western powers and damaged Germany's reputation for reliability.

What specific legacy does the author attribute to Schubert?

The author suggests a strong continuity between the foreign policy patterns established by Schubert and Stresemann in the 1920s and the foreign policy of the post-1945 Federal Republic of Germany, particularly regarding peaceful negotiation and economic integration.