How did Gustav Stresemann’s early views during World War I differ from his later diplomacy?

Gustav Stresemann’s political trajectory shifted significantly from his role during World War I to his later career as foreign minister.

During World War I, Stresemann was a vocal proponent of pan-Germanism and an expansionist who advocated for extensive territorial claims in Europe. He worked closely with the German Army Supreme Command, serving as their parliamentary mouthpiece, and pushed for unrestricted U-boat warfare while opposing moderate political figures.1

In contrast, his later diplomacy as foreign minister of the Weimar Republic was defined by a policy of reconciliation and negotiation with the Allied powers. Rather than pursuing expansion through conflict, he sought to restore Germany’s international status and secure equal rights through diplomatic channels. His efforts led to significant achievements, including the Dawes Plan, the Pact of Locarno, and Germany’s entry into the League of Nations. While he remained committed to revising Germany’s eastern borders and regaining sovereignty, he pursued these goals through international cooperation rather than the aggressive military stance he supported during the war.234