President of the German Democratic Republic. He joined the Social Democratic Party of Germany in 1895. His open opposition to German involvement in World War I led to his arrest and placement in a military prison. After his release, he joined the newly formed Communist Party of Germany. After the Nazi Party came to power in Germany in 1933, he left first for France and then to Moscow, the capital of the Soviet Union. During his stay in Moscow, he served the Communist Party in a variety of positions. In 1943 he founded the group National Committee for a Free Germany. In 1945 he returned to Germany with the advancing Soviet Army. In 1949 he was elected the first President of the German Democratic Republic. He would serve as the only President of East Germany until his death in 1960. His rule reflected the closeness and trust he had with the government of the Soviet Union. After his death the office of President was abolished and his successor Walter Ulbricht became the Chairman of the Council of State.
President of the German Democratic Republic. He joined the Social Democratic Party of Germany in 1895. His open opposition to German involvement in World War I led to his arrest and placement in a military prison. After his release, he joined the newly formed Communist Party of Germany. After the Nazi Party came to power in Germany in 1933, he left first for France and then to Moscow, the capital of the Soviet Union. During his stay in Moscow, he served the Communist Party in a variety of positions. In 1943 he founded the group National Committee for a Free Germany. In 1945 he returned to Germany with the advancing Soviet Army. In 1949 he was elected the first President of the German Democratic Republic. He would serve as the only President of East Germany until his death in 1960. His rule reflected the closeness and trust he had with the government of the Soviet Union. After his death the office of President was abolished and his successor Walter Ulbricht became the Chairman of the Council of State.
Bio by: Mr. Badger Hawkeye
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