Hjalmar Schacht was a prominent German economist and banker best known for his role as the President of the Reichsbank and as the Minister of Economics during Nazi Germany. His economic policies in the early 1930s helped stabilize the German economy after the Great Depression, fostering a period of growth and reduced unemployment. Though initially supportive of the Nazi regime's economic plans, Schacht's relationship with Hitler became strained over time, especially as he opposed some of the regime's more aggressive policies. Schacht was also involved in the development of the Four Year Plan aimed at making Germany self-sufficient and preparing for war. Despite his early influence, he fell out of favor with Hitler by 1939, due to disagreements over economic policies and strategies. After the outbreak of World War II, Schacht was dismissed from his positions and later faced arrest and trial at Nuremberg, primarily for his connections to Nazi officials and financial dealings. Despite his association with the Nazi government, Schacht was not a dedicated Nazi ideologue. After the war, he was tried at Nuremberg but acquitted of major war crimes, though he was convicted on lesser charges and sentenced to imprisonment. Post-war, he continued to work in economics and banking, contributing to economic discussions and rebuilding efforts in Germany. His complex legacy reflects his role as both an influential economic figure and a participant in Germany's wartime government. Hjalmar Schacht was born in 1877 in Tingleff, Denmark, and became a key figure in German financial policy. He studied economics and quickly rose through banking circles, eventually serving as a director of the Bank of Germany. His expertise and reputation garnered him the top position at the Reichsbank, where he implemented policies that helped recover Germany’s economy from the depression. Throughout his career, Schacht was known for his pragmatic approach to economics and his ability to work within the political landscape of Germany. His involvement with Nazi economic policy was strategic, but he often found himself at odds with other Nazi leaders over economic and political issues. After his fall from favor, he attempted to navigate a complex and often dangerous political environment, ultimately surviving the war and its aftermath.