YesterdayToday

In late March 1925, Germany held its first direct presidential election amid economic turmoil and political uncertainty. Citizens voted for candidates like Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg, centrists like Wilhelm Marx, and Communist Ernst Thälmann, reflecting the nation's identity crisis. Preliminary counts showed no candidate achieved the required majority, leading to a potential runoff. This election marked a significant moment in the Weimar Republic, showcasing the tension between imperial nostalgia and republican values. Today, the lessons from this period resonate with modern democracies as they navigate challenges of polarization and disinformation.