reforms transformed Germany. Erzberger, with his optimism and sense of responsibility, never retreated even in the face of the most difficult tasks. In fact his greatest, and most tragic legacy, was the signature on the Armistice. Despite military pressure on him to sign as soon as possible, this was pointed out for decades afterwards as evidence for the Dolchstoßlegende (stab-in-the-back myth), which portrayed the surrender as betrayal by the civilians on the home front, especially by Socialist politicians for personal gain, undermining the German Army's will to fight. Later the stab-in-the-back legend helped propel to power Adolf Hitler, who made it an integral part of Nazi propaganda. For his role, Erzberger was branded as one of the "November Criminals". Notes References Christopher Dowe (Hrsg.), Matthias Erzberger. Ein Demokrat in Zeiten des Hasses, Stuttgart 2013. Reiner Haehling von Lanzenauer: Der Mord an Matthias Erzberger. Schriftenreihe des Rechtshistorischen Museums. Karlsruhe 2008, . Robert Leicht: Patriot in der Gefahr. In: Die Zeit, Nr. 34/2011. External links Vice-Chancellors of Germany Finance ministers of Germany Government ministers of Germany German people of World War I Members of the Reichstag of the Weimar Republic Members of the Weimar National Assembly Members of the 11th Reichstag of the German Empire Members of the 12th Reichstag of the German Empire Members of the 13th Reichstag of the German Empire Centre Party (Germany) politicians Organisation Consul victims Assassinated German politicians People murdered in Germany People from Münsingen, Germany People from the Kingdom of Württemberg German Roman Catholics 1875 births 1921 deaths 1921 murders in Germany