Stein

Stein, HEINRICH FRIEDRICH KARL, BARON VON (1757-1831). Prussian statesman, was born in Nassau and studied in Gottingen, after which he entered the civil service and rapidly rose to a high position. In 1797 he was made president of the Westphalian Chambers, and in 1804 entered the Ministry. He resigned in 1806, owing to a slight misunderstanding, but was shortly after called upon to accept the office of Prime Minister. His success in that capacity and his zeal for reform did not please Napoleon, who procured his retirement for a short period. He advocated compulsory conscription and the abolition of serfdom, and did much to promote equality among the people. In 1812 he was of great assistance to the Emperor Alexander at St. Petersburg, his firmness and discretion being strongly marked. He did not approve of the Peace of Paris, and went into private life. His Correspondence is a most important work.