Albert Einstein

Part II

Note: The following is part II of our Albert Einstein snapshot biography. Click here to read part I.

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Albert Einstein, circa 1947

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving." - Albert Einstein

As Albert's life changed with his growing fame, the Germany around him also underwent a significant transformation. The aftermath of World War I left the country in dire straits, with considerable economic issues from reparations now owed and territory lost due to Germany's defeat. With less revenue, Germany took on debt and printed money to make payments, which led to hyperinflation and increased unemployment and poverty.

As a result, these years after the war were a time of great hardship for many Germans. Amid this social unrest, a new political party emerged: the Nazis. Using the nation's suffering to fuel their movement, they attracted a growing following with their ultra-nationalist and deeply anti-Semitic rhetoric. By the early 1930s, the Nazis had gained significant political power, though they had yet to secure a majority in government. Then, in 1933, Adolf Hitler, the party's leader, was appointed Chancellor of Germany. His ascension marked a dark turning point for Jews in the country as Germany began what would be many devastating years of sorrow and destruction for this community.

Albert, away on a lecture tour in Belgium at the time of Hitler's inauguration, was quick to recognize the dangers of the Nazi regime. From Belgium, he openly criticized the Nazis, denounced their policies, and promptly requested to revoke his German citizenship. For his outspoken opposition and Jewish background, the Nazis labeled Albert an enemy of the state. They publicly condemned him, burned his works, and confiscated his bank account. Then, they threatened to assassinate him, though he was abroad. The threat was quite serious as the Nazis were to known to assassinate people they deemed a threat, even outside of Germany. A colleague of Albert's had just been assassinated, and a friend had been assassinated years prior. Yet, Albert remained defiant. He responded to the threats with characteristic wit: "I really had no idea my head was worth all that." As for his worries, he said, "I have no doubt it is really true, but in any case I await the issue with serenity."