Heinrich Friedrich Karl Reichsfreiherr vom und zum Stein (25 October 1757 – 29 June 1831), commonly known as
Baron vom Stein, was a
Prussian statesman who introduced the
Prussian reforms that paved the way for the
unification of Germany. He promoted the abolition of
serfdom, with
indemnification to territorial lords; subjection of the nobles to manorial imposts; and the establishment of a modern municipal system.