BROWN Otto (Braun)

Otto Braun (Braun), (1872-1955), statesman of the Weimar Republic, the leader of the Social-Democrats. Born January 28, 1872 in KцІnigsberg in the regimental family of a poor shoemaker, later became a railway employee. In his youth, Brown organized his own printing press.

Took part in activities prohibited by the Social Democratic Party in East Prussia, of which he remained until the end of life. In 1913 he became a member of the Prussian Diet.

In 1918, led by the Prussian Ministry of the Economy, and the following year became a member of the Weimar National Assembly. In 1920 Brown became the Minister-President of Prussia and remained at this post with a few interruptions until 1933. After 1925 was led by a coalition of Social Democrats, Centrists and Democrats. In July 1932 as a result of the intrigues of Franz von Papen left office. In March 1932 Brown emigrated to Switzerland, where he spent the last two decades of his life. He never made no attempt to participate in postwar reconstruction of Germany. Brown died Dec. 14, 1955 in Lugano.