Confessions of the Old Wizard: The Autobiography of Hjalmar Horace Greeley Schacht

Hjalmar Horace Greeley Schacht, Diana Pyke

• Publisher: Bonhopai Books
• Year: 2025
• Edition: 0
• eBook ISBN:
  9781779790392
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: European History
• Index: History

Confessions of the Old Wizard: The Autobiography of Hjalmar Horace Greeley Schacht offers a fascinating and candid account of one of the most enigmatic and influential figures in 20th-century European finance and politics. Known as "the Old Wizard" for his financial acumen, Schacht played a pivotal role in stabilizing the German economy during the interwar period and later became a controversial figure due to his involvement with the Nazi regime.In this compelling memoir, Schacht recounts his remarkable career, beginning with his early life and education, which shaped his economic philosophy and pragmatic approach to fiscal policy. He provides a firsthand account of his tenure as President of the Reichsbank and Minister of Economics, detailing his efforts to combat hyperinflation, revive the German economy, and negotiate reparations after World War I.Schacht also addresses his uneasy relationship with Adolf Hitler and the Nazi leadership, offering insights into his disagreements with their policies and his eventual dismissal. His reflections on the trials at Nuremberg, where he was acquitted of war crimes, provide a unique perspective on one of history's darkest periods.With a mix of self-reflection, historical commentary, and personal anecdotes, Confessions of the Old Wizard sheds light on the complexities of Schacht's life and legacy. It reveals the intricate interplay between economics, politics, and morality during times of national and global upheaval.This autobiography is an essential read for those interested in economic history, the dynamics of power, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in positions of influence. Schacht's narrative offers a rare glimpse into the life of a man who shaped—and was shaped by—the turbulent events of his time.

Table of contents

• Title page
• TABLE OF CONTENTS
• INTRODUCTION
• I — THE SCHACHT AND THE EGGERS FAMILIES
• II — THREE TOWNS BEGINNING WITH “H”
• III — THREE EMPERORS IN ONE YEAR
• IV — CHOLERA IN HAMBURG
• V — A MEETING WITH BISMARCK
• VI — AT THE UNIVERSITY
• VII — AN UNPAID ASSISTANT ON THE KLEINES JOURNAL
• VIII — PARIS AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY
• IX — DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
• X — COMMERCIAL TREATIES
• XI — I MEET SOME OF THE BIG BANKERS
• XII — THE DRESDNER BANK
• XIII — THE NEAR EAST
• XIV — MY FAMILY
• XV — GERMANY’S TURNING POINT
• XVI — THE FIRST WORLD WAR
• XVII — APPOINTMENT AS DIRECTOR OF THE BANK
• XVIII — THE FOUNDING OF A PARTY
• XIX — MEMBER OF THE WORKERS’ AND SOLDIERS’ COUNCIL
• XX — INFLATION
• XXI — WITH THE DANAT BANK
• XXII — THE SECRET OF THE STABILIZED MARK
• XXIII — PRESIDENT OF THE REICHSBANK
• XXIV — THE BANK OF ENGLAND
• XXV — THE CENTER OF SEPARATISM
• XXVI — MONSIEUR POINCARÉ
• XXVII — A PAINFUL RECOVERY
• XXVIII — THE REICHSBANK FROM THE INSIDE
• XXIX — SOME ECONOMIC AFTEREFFECTS
• XXX — CLOUDS ON THE HORIZON
• XXXI — I SIGN THE YOUNG PLAN
• XXXII — A FAR-REACHING IDEA
• XXXIII — I RESIGN FROM THE REICHSBANK
• XXXIV — ON MY OWN
• XXXV — THE END OF REPARATIONS
• XXXVI — MEETING WITH HITLER
• XXXVII — THE BANK CRISIS
• XXXVIII — THE HARZBURG FRONT
• XXXIX — PRESIDENT OF THE REICHSBANK AGAIN
• XL — A VISIT TO ROOSEVELT
• XLI — CONVERSION FUND AND “MEFO” BILLS
• XLII — A STRONGHOLD OF JUSTICE
• XLIII — THE NEW PLAN
• XLIV — MAINLY ABOUT PICTURES
• XLV — AT ODDS WITH THE PARTY
• XLVI — THE KÖNIGSBERG SPEECH
• XLVII — THE JEWISH QUESTION AND THE CHURCH QUESTION
• XLVIII — REARMAMENT
• XLIX — HERMANN GÖRING
• L — FOREIGN POLICY
• LI — I BREAK WITH HITLER
• LII — FROM AN ATTEMPTED COUP D’ÉTAT TO AN ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION
• LIII — CONCENTRATION CAMPS
• LIV — IN AMERICAN HANDS
• LV — NUREMBERG PRISON
• LVI — THE PRISONERS
• LVII — THE NUREMBERG TRIBUNAL—I
• LVIII — THE NUREMBERG TRIBUNAL—II
• LIX — THE DENAZIFICATION TRIBUNALS
• LX — FREE ONCE MORE
• LXI — OFF TO THE FAR EAST
• LXII — UNDER THE GARUDA
• LXIII — FINALE