He studied at Friedrich Wilhelm University in Berlin where he was a theater critic and edited several socialist newspapers. He joined the Independent Social Democratic party in 1917, and was convicdted of treason in 1918 for his role in inciting a strike of munitions workers.
After his release from prison, he organized the revolution that overthrew the monarchy in Bavaria, and became the first republican premier of Bavaria.
He was defeated in the February 1919 election, and was assassinated by Anton, Count Arco-Valley, on his way to present his resignation to the Bavarian parliament.