The PrussianLandrätein the Last Years of the Monarchy: A Case Study of Pomerania and the Rhineland in 1890–1918

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
In the last analysis Prussia is ruled by theLandräte.” Such was the opinion of Georg Gothein in 1910. His judgment, which was corroborated by other observers of the Prussian scene, reflects the singular influence of theLandratin the government of Prussia, an influence which derived from his being both the Prussian official who governed the rural population for the state and the head of the self-government of the ruralKreisor county. His unique dual position gave him extraordinary opportunities for influence and initiative and for the co-ordinating and reconciling of state and local interests. Although low in the hierarchy of higher administrative officials, the more than 450 Landräte, charged with the actual administration of the countryside, were key figures in that formidable Hohenzollern institution, the Prussian bureaucracy, which may be said to have governed Prussia before 1918. In the last years of the Prussian monarchy theLandratsamtwas renowned as the most powerful and the most desirable post in the Prussian administration, short of the top-ranking offices. It was the most coveted. It was also the most criticized.

This publication has 5 references indexed in Scilit: