Johannes Bell

Johannes Bell (23 September 1868 – 21 October 1949) was a German jurist and politician from the Centre Party.

From 1911/12 to 1933 (i.e. both in the Empire and in the Weimar Republic), he was a member (and 1920 to 1926 Vice-President) of the Reichstag for the Catholic German Center Party or Zentrum.

In February 1919, Bell became Reichskolonialminister (Minister of Colonial Affairs) and he held that post until the ministry was dissolved in November 1919.

Together with Hermann Müller (SPD), Bell signed the Treaty of Versailles for Germany on 28 June 1919.

In this capacity, Bell was instrumental in the creation of the Deutsche Reichsbahn, which involved the nationalization of various regional railway lines.