Heinrich Friedrich Karl vom und zum Stein

Heinrich Friedrich Karl Reichsfreiherr vom und zum Stein (25 October 1757 – 29 June 1831), commonly known as Baron vom Stein, is a Prussian diplomat who introduces the Prussian reforms that pave the way for the unification of Germany.

He promotes the abolition of serfdom, with indemnification to territorial lords; subjection of the nobles to manorial imposts; and the establishment of a modern municipal system.

Stein is from an old Franconian family.

He was born on the family estate near Nassau, studies at Göttingen, and enters the civil service.

Prussian conservatism hampers him in his efforts to bring about changes.

In 1807, he is removed from office by the King for refusing to accept the post of Minister of Foreign Affairs, but is recalled after the Peace of Tilsit.

After it becomes known that he had written a letter in which he criticized Napoleon, Stein is obliged to resign, which he does on 24 November 1808, and retires to the Austrian Empire, from which he is summoned to the Russian Empire by Tsar Alexander I in 1812.

After the Battle of Leipzig in 1813, Stein becomes head of the council for the administration of the re-conquered German countries.

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