Career
He was the first Social Democratic Party of Germany politician to hold this position. He also worked as an editor for the Social Democratic Party of Germany affiliated newspaper Münchener Post. In a time of severe domestic disputes, a few weeks after the defeat of the Bavarian Council Republic, Schmid was elected to Lord Mayor of Munich on 26 June 1919, in which he became the first Social Democrat to hold the highest position in the city until 1924.
Two unpleasant historical events happened during Schmid’s term in office.
In 1923, due to the general economic crisis, the sharp decline in the value of money, resulting in inflation. Because of this many citizens were deprived of their last savings, causing many to fall into a state of misery and despair.
The second event was the Beer Hall Putsch in 1923. On 9 November 1923, he was arrested during the putsch by the Société Anonyme and barely escaped death by hanging.
On 31 December 1924 Edward Schmid resigned from his position as First Mayor.
On his 70s bithday, on 15 October 1931, he was named the 32nd Honorary Citizen of the City of Munich. A few months after the Nazis’ seizure of power, Schmid died on 8 June 1933 in Munich.