Reichspostministerium

The Reichspostministerium, or Reich Ministry of Posts, was a government ministry of Germany that existed in various forms throughout its history. Its primary responsibility was the oversight and administration of the German postal, telegraph, and telephone services. The ministry's origins can be traced back to the establishment of the German Reich Post in the late 19th century.

During the Weimar Republic, the Reichspostministerium continued its role as the central authority for telecommunications and postal services. It played a crucial part in the development and expansion of the nation's communication infrastructure. Following the Nazi seizure of power in 1933, the ministry was integrated into the broader structure of the Third Reich. Its functions remained largely the same, but its operations were subject to the ideological direction of the Nazi regime.

After World War II, with the division of Germany, the functions of the Reichspostministerium were effectively dissolved and transferred to the postal authorities of the respective successor states. In West Germany, the Deutsche Bundespost (German Federal Post) took over these responsibilities, while in East Germany, the Deutsche Post assumed control. The concept of a unified Reich Ministry of Posts ceased to exist with the end of the German Reich.