Organisation Konsul

German history

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 11, 2026

Quick Summary

Organisation Konsul was a clandestine, right-wing extremist group in Germany during the Weimar Republic era. Formed by former soldiers and nationalist sympathizers, they were involved in political assassinations, most notably the murders of Matthias Erzberger in 1921 and Walther Rathenau in 1922. These acts were part of a broader pattern of right-wing political terrorism that challenged the stability of the newly formed republic. The group drew members from paramilitary organizations like the Freikorps, which were prevalent after World War I. The courts often showed leniency towards such right-wing violence, contributing to the climate of instability.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Weimar Republic
Political disturbances at home
…recruited gangs like the notorious Organisation Konsul which assassinated, among others, Matthias Erzberger (August 26, 1921) and Walther Rathenau (June 24, 1922). One of the most disturbing features was the marked leniency shown by the courts toward political terrorism when practiced by the right.
Read More
…recruited gangs like the notorious Organisation Konsul which assassinated, among others, Matthias Erzberger (August 26, 1921) and Walther Rathenau (June 24, 1922). One of the most disturbing features was the marked leniency shown by the courts toward political terrorism when practiced by the right.
Read More