(1856–1921), German political figure. As German chancellor from July 1909 until July 1917, Bethmann proved unable to stem the tide of German militarism (see World War I). During the war he sought American mediation, realizing that a declaration of war by the United States would tip the balance of power against Germany. He also angered the militarists by his opposition to unrestricted submarine warfare. Before entering government service Bethmann studied law. He was appointed Prussian minister of the interior in 1905 and state secretary of the Imperial Office of the Interior in 1907. In retirement after the war he wrote ‘Reflections on the World War'. He died in Hohenfinow on Jan. 1, 1921.