Stresemann, German, was born into a culture
Convinced it was clearly superior to all others.
His areas were economics, business and politics.
He supported a pre-war build-up of the German war fleet,
And that Germany should wage unrelenting war on its enemies,
Then found himself in 1919 having to admit
That a negotiated peace might be necessary.
Yet, Germany, shocked, sought to dodge and tarry.
He stressed cooperation with the Allies was due,
Was elected Chancellor, worked to reduce inflation,
Helped settle border disputes – and German expectations,
And routed Hitler’s 1923 ‘Beer Hall’ coup.
June Edvenson 