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About Friedrich Ebert

Friedrich Ebert, ca. 1918

Friedrich Ebert, ca. 1918
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[Without democracy, no freedom [...]. To protect and to restore it wherever it is under attack is the task of those who cherish freedom.]
Friedrich Ebert

Friedrich Ebert(1871-1925) was a social democrat of humble origins, who had risen to hold the highest office in his country despite considerable opposition from his political adversaries. He assumed the burden of presidency in a country, which was crisis-ridden following its defeat in World War I.

His own personal experience led him to propose the establishment of a Foundation with a threefold aim:

  • to further a democratic, pluralistic political culture by means of political education for all classes of society;
  • to facilitate access to higher education for gifted young people by providing scholarships;
  • Contributing to international understanding and cooperation.

The Foundation, which was immediately banned by the Nazis in 1933 and not re-established until 1947 after World War II, continues today to pursue those aims and has developed extensive programs in each of those areas.